Who's Who

Dr Stuart Boon

Acting Headteacher

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer

It is a privilege to step up to this acting position having been deputy headteacher since September 2022 and having worked at the school between 2014 and 2017 as a class teacher and team leader. I have always loved the school and what it offers the children and local community. We have a very committed staff team who strive to be the best they can and children who love to learn. I am determined to ensure that everyone in our school continues to succeed in a supportive and nurturing environment underpinned by our core Christian values of friendship, compassion and perseverance. 

I completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship in December 2023 and hold a Doctorate in Education from Leicester University. Outside of school, I enjoy music, running, walking my dog, spending time with family and friends and learning new things. 

Mrs Rachael O'Dell

Assistant Head Teacher

SENDCo

Senior Designated Safeguarding Officer

Mrs Zoe Stevens

Assistant Head Teacher for Teaching and Learning

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer

I’m originally from Plymouth and wanted to be a teacher from when I was very young. I studied to become a teacher at the University of Winchester and then worked in Salisbury in various leadership roles. I moved to North Devon in July 2019 and love being by the sea! I enjoy spending time with family and friends, walking (particularly along the coastal paths), eating out and watching box sets on Netflix.

Miss Michelle Jackson

Phase Leader

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer

I joined the school in 2016, prior to that I was Primary lead within Holsworthy Federation. I have a music degree and studied at Cardiff University. I play clarinet, piano and saxophone. I enjoy listening to music, reading, going for walks and running.

Mrs Candy Daffern

Acting Assistant Head Teacher

Phase Leader

Before coming to St Mary’s in May 2022, I lived and worked in the US. There I specialised in Early Childhood Education as the Director of Head Start Programs in Charlottesville, VA and worked as a teacher of an inclusive PreK teacher serving vulnerable children and families.  It was here that I gained my Masters in Early Childhood Special Education at James Maddison University.  Prior to this I began my career teaching on the borders of Hampshire and West Sussex.  Starting in 1991 I taught in Key Stage 1 and 2 before finding my “home” in the Foundation Stage.  In 2003 I joined the West Sussex advisory service as an Early Years Specialist.  Then, missing relationships with children and families, I was appointed as Head Teacher and Head of Centre to Chichester Nursery School, Children and Family Centre.  As leader of a strong and dedicated team, the school and centre received four Outstanding Ofsted inspections.

Ducklings

Mrs Candy Daffern

Class Teacher

Before coming to St Mary’s in May 2022, I lived and worked in the US. There I specialised in Early Childhood Education as the Director of Head Start Programs in Charlottesville, VA and worked as a teacher of an inclusive PreK teacher serving vulnerable children and families.  It was here that I gained my Masters in Early Childhood Special Education at James Maddison University.  Prior to this I began my career teaching on the borders of Hampshire and West Sussex.  Starting in 1991 I taught in Key Stage 1 and 2 before finding my “home” in the Foundation Stage.  In 2003 I joined the West Sussex advisory service as an Early Years Specialist.  Then, missing relationships with children and families, I was appointed as Head Teacher and Head of Centre to Chichester Nursery School, Children and Family Centre.  As leader of a strong and dedicated team, the school and centre received four Outstanding Ofsted inspections.

Tandi Sothcott

Class Teacher

Woodpeckers

Mrs Leaha Wilson

Class Teacher

Mrs Kate Taylor-Short

Class Teacher

I did a degree in Ancient History and Civilisation at Swansea University followed by a PGCE. I then taught at a Primary School in Thailand before moving to North Devon.

Working across Foundation Stage are:

Mrs Karen Potter - Teaching Assistant / Forest Schools Lead

Miss Jade Bayliss - Teaching Assistant

Miss Natalie Butler - Speech and Language Assistant

Pipits

Miss Lydia Price

Class Teacher

Golden Eagles

Mr Michael Gardner

Class Teacher

I gained my PGCE in Derby, before teaching in a variety of schools in the surrounding areas. I moved to North Devon at the end of 2020 and joined St Mary’s in September 2021.

I love spending time with my daughter and making her laugh and giggle as much as I can!

Since arriving to the area, I have enjoyed exploring different places and will often be found devouring a Hocking’s ice cream!

I enjoy playing football for a local team and keeping fit and active by following different HIIT workouts when I can.

Working across Year 1 are:

Miss Melanie John - Teaching Assistant

Miss Jess Brown - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Rebbeca Weaver - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Tracy Fulford - Teaching Assistant

Goldcrests

Mrs Julia Cloke

Class Teacher

I completed my BEd degree at Marjons in Plymouth. I began teaching at St Mary's before moving to Hartland for two years as part of a secondment. I then returned to St Mary's in 2018.

Mrs Zoe Stevens

Class Teacher

I’m originally from Plymouth and wanted to be a teacher from when I was very young. I studied to become a teacher at the University of Winchester and then worked in Salisbury in various leadership roles. I moved to North Devon in July 2019 and love being by the sea! I enjoy spending time with family and friends, walking (particularly along the coastal paths), eating out and watching box sets on Netflix.

Plovers

Miss Annabel Poole

Class Teacher

I gained my Childhood studies degree in 2017 and then went on to work as a teaching assistant in a secondary school in Taunton. I completed my PGCE in 2019 and have been teaching in Devon for past 2 years before moving to St. Mary’s in 2022.
I love to travel and explore different cultures and have been fortunate enough to visit some fantastic countries! In my spare time I enjoy paddleboarding along the river and swimming in the sea. During those colder months I will be by the fire with a hot chocolate and a book. 

Working across Year 2 are:

Mrs Rebbeca Eversley - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Victoria Watson - Teaching Assistant

Nightingales

Miss Emily Naylor

Class Teacher

Doves

Miss Lauren Davis

Class Teacher

Working across Year 3 are:

Mrs Marguerite Johnson - Teaching Assistant

Mr Jon Wines - Teaching Assistant

Miss Corinna Trodd - Teaching Assistant

Skylarks

Mr Sam Shuttleworth

Class Teacher

Swans

Mrs Emily James

Class Teacher

I gained my teaching degree in 2017 at the University of Plymouth. I studied a Bachelor of Education with a specialism of humanities. 
I started teaching at St Mary’s in September 2017. I am the school geography subject leader. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and dog exploring the countryside and beaches. 

Mrs Melissa Scott

Class Teacher

Working across Year 4 are:

Mrs Shirley Oke - Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Mrs Wendy Maynard - Teaching Assistant

Miss Marnie Garrett - Teaching Assistant

Jays

Miss Michelle Jackson

Class Teacher

Swifts

Miss Coral Southam

Class Teacher

Working across Year 5 are:

Mrs Claire Nast - Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Mrs Deb Barrett - Teaching Assistant

Bullfinches

Miss Abbie Brailey

Class Teacher

I studied at Bath Spa University where I achieved a BEd and completed my PGCE before beginning my teaching career at St Mary’s. I am very passionate about dance and have trained in a variety of styles. I have performed in many shows and have been involved in dance filming projects around North Devon. I also love athletics, especially sprinting, and have previously been a member of North Devon Athletics Club. I enjoy living near the coast and spend a lot of my time at the beach.

Mallards

Mrs Michelle Mead

Class Teacher

I studied in Reading, achieving a BA Hons degree in Child Development & Learning and then achieved a PGCE teaching qualification through the School Direct Programme.  

I am a qualified yoga teacher and enjoy jogging with Just Jog running club in Bideford.  I also have a passion for animals and have three Cocker Spaniels which I love to walk on the local beaches. 

Working across Year 6 are:

Mrs Sue Rowe - Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Mrs Gaby McHenry - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Michelle Dymond - Teaching Assistant

Miss Claire Stacey
Pastoral Support Mentor

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer

Mrs Sarah Clark

Administrative Assistant

Mr Timothy Miles

IT Technician

Mr Darren Cairns

Caretaker