Who's Who
Our Leadership Team
Miss Naomi Tottle
Headteacher |
I became Headteacher in September 2020. After finishing my teaching degree in Bath in 2000, I started my career working in Portsmouth Schools and the Hampshire Outdoor Education Service, before moving back to Devon in 2010 to take up a school leadership role. I hold a Masters’ degree in Education from the University of Chichester. I thrive on supporting other teachers to grow and develop to provide the best for our pupils Outside of school I enjoy walking my two dogs, eating out and spending time with friends and family. |
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Mrs Rachael O'Dell
Assistant Head Teacher SENDCo Senior Designated Safeguarding Officer |
I gained my Music Degree and PGCE in Essex, then having taught in Somerset for 3 years I moved to St. Mary’s in 2003. Music is a great passion of mine, I love singing, playing the piano, clarinet and bassoon (not all at the same time). I also love walking with my family and my two dogs. Children and some staff will say that I can often be found in my office talking to myself! |
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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. |
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Miss Catherine Whitehouse
Team Leader for Phase 3 (Years 4,5 and 6) |
I studied Psychology (BSC Hons) at Aston University in Birmingham, graduating in 1995. I then completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at Swansea in 1998, and I have been teaching ever since - apart from taking a year out to travel the world. I love exploring different countries, discovering many wonders, including historical and natural wonders and experiencing different cultures and ways of life. I have taught in London, Reading and Bangkok, and I am now currently teaching in Bideford! I love the outdoors, enjoying walking, camping and just being outdoors. I am a qualified scuba diver, trying to dive whenever I have the opportunity, though only in warm waters! Being passionate about English, I also love reading and writing. |
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Miss Michelle Jackson
Team Leader for Phase 2 (Years 2 and 3) 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 Suzie Strutt
Team Leader for Phase 1 (Foundation Stage and Year 1) |
I joined St Mary’s in January 2019 after moving to Devon with my family. Prior to St Mary’s, I have taught in Brighton and Hertfordshire and lived and taught in Portugal for six years. I love spending time with family and friends camping and can often be found at the beach, especially when the sun is shining! I am passionate about children enjoying school and embracing their own uniqueness. |
Our Classes, their Teachers and Teaching Assistants
Foundation Stage
Starlings |
Mrs Suzie Strutt Class Teacher |
I joined St Mary’s in January 2019 after moving to Devon with my family. Prior to St Mary’s, I have taught in Brighton and Hertfordshire and lived and taught in Portugal for six years. I love spending time with family and friends camping and can often be found at the beach, especially when the sun is shining! I am passionate about children enjoying school and embracing their own uniqueness. | |
Puffins |
Miss Vicki Phillips Class Teacher |
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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 Claire Doodson - Foundation Stage Practitioner Miss Adele Collins - Teaching Assistant Mrs Cath Douse - Teaching Assistant Mrs Karen Potter - Teaching Assistant / Forest Schools Lead Mrs Roz Sweeney - Teaching Assistant |
Year 1
Dunlins |
Miss Leaha Davey Class Teacher |
I joined St. Mary’s in 2016, prior to this I completed a degree in Education Studies in 2012, and later gained a PGCE in 2016. I have a passion for supporting children’s social and emotional needs, and I’m part of the school pastoral team. I ‘run’ the school’s cross country running club, and we represent the school in the Gliddon and Squire league. I enjoy swimming, cycling, running, reading and a good box set. | |
Kingfishers |
Mrs Karen Thurlow Class Teacher |
During my career I worked in several local schools as a Nursery Nurse and Teaching Assistant before qualifying as a teacher in 2017. I have worked at St Mary’s since September 2018. I am passionate about learning and development in the early years and hold a BA (hons) Early Years. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, listening to music and spending time with my grandchildren. You may even see me out running sometimes! | |
Working across Year 1 are: Mrs Tracy Dwight - Teaching Assistant Mrs Victoria Watson - Teaching Assistant Miss Zoe Mills - Teaching Assistant |
Year 2
Goldcrests
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Mrs Julia Cloke Class Teacher |
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Miss Steph Golson Class Teacher |
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Bullfinches |
Miss Abbie Brailey Class Teacher |
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Working across Year 2 are: Mrs Shirley Oke - Higher Level Teaching Assistant Mrs Marguerite Johnson - Teaching Assistant Mr Jon Wines - Teaching Assistant |
Year 3
Jays |
Miss Michelle Jackson Class Teacher |
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. | ||
Razorbills
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Mr Mike Robinson Class Teacher |
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Working across Year 3 are: Mrs Sarah Adnett - Teaching Assistant Mrs Claire Nast - Higher Level Teaching Assistant Mrs Bev Trapnell - Higher Level Teaching Assistant |
Year 4
Wrens
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Miss Cath Whitehouse Class Teacher |
I studied Psychology (BSC Hons) at Aston University in Birmingham, graduating in 1995. I then completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at Swansea in 1998, and I have been teaching ever since - apart from taking a year out to travel the world. I love exploring different countries, discovering many wonders, including historical and natural wonders and experiencing different cultures and ways of life. I have taught in London, Reading and Bangkok, and I am now currently teaching in Bideford! I love the outdoors, enjoying walking, camping and just being outdoors. I am a qualified scuba diver, trying to dive whenever I have the opportunity, though only in warm waters! Being passionate about English, I also love reading and writing. | |
Skylarks
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Mr Sam Shuttleworth Class Teacher |
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Working across Year 4 are: Mrs Deb Barrett - Teaching Assistant Mrs Wendy Maynard - Teaching Assistant |
Year 5
Blackbirds
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Miss Emily Brend Class Teacher |
Miss Brend joined St Mary’s in 2017 straight from Plymouth University where she studied a Bachelor in Education (BEd Hons) specialising in Humanities. Miss Brend has been running the schools Eco club as she has a passion for farming and the countryside being a former Young Farmers member. Miss Brend also enjoy gymnastics, dancing and walks on the beach. | |
Nightingales
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Miss Emily Naylor Class Teacher |
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Working across Year 5 are: Mrs Claire Runeckles - Teaching Assistant Mrs Linda Stoneman - Teaching Assistant Mrs Sue Rowe - Higher Level Teaching Assistant |
Year 6
Doves |
Miss Lauren Davis Class Teacher |
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Mallards |
Mrs Michelle Mead Class Teacher |
Mrs Mead studied in Reading, achieving a BA Hons degree in Children Development & Learning and then achieved a PGCE teaching qualification through the School Direct Programme. Mrs Mead is a qualified yoga teacher and enjoys jogging with Just Jog running club in Bideford. Mrs Mead also has a passion for animals and has three Cocker Spaniels which she loves to walk on the local beaches. |
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Working across Year 6 are: Mrs Amanda May - Teaching Assistant Mrs Michelle Burrows-Bryan - Teaching Assistant Mrs Sue Rowe - Higher Level Teaching Assistant Mrs Vicky Gibbons - Teaching Assistant Mrs Wendy Maynard - Teaching Assistant |
Our Learning Mentor
Miss Claire Stacey Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer |
Our Administrative and Site Team
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Mrs Sally Westlake School Business Manager Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer |
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Mrs Sarah Clark Administrative Assistant |
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Mr Timothy Miles IT Technician |
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Mr Darren Cairns Caretaker |
Our Catering Team and Mealtime Assistants
Miss Lisa Chrisopher - Catering Manager |
Mrs Sarah Kelly - Catering Assistant |
Mrs Vanessa Morne - Catering Assistant |
Miss Susan Jenkins - Catering Assistant |
Mrs Linda Stoneman - Lead Mealtime Assistant |
Mrs Sarah Adnett - Mealtime Assistant |
Mrs Debbie Barrett - Mealtime Assistant |
Mrs Julianna Cairns - Mealtime Assistant |
Mrs Ros Doble - Mealtime Assistant |
Mrs Michelle Dymond - Mealtime Assistant |
Mrs Marguerite Johnson - Mealtime Assistant |
Mrs Amanda May - Mealtime Assistant |
Mrs Wendy Maynard - Mealtime Assistant |
Miss Zoe Mills - Mealtime Assistant |
Mrs Claire Runeckles - Mealtime Assistant |
Mrs Sarah Morris - Mealtime Assistant |
Miss Natalie Butler - Mealtime Assistant |
Miss Melanie John - Mealtime Assistant |
Mr Paul Tanton - Mealtime Assistant |
Mrs Victoria Watson - Mealtime Assistant |
Mr Jon Wines - Mealtime Assistant |
Mrs Cath Douse - Mealtime Assistant |
Mrs Michelle Burrows-Bryan - Mealtime Assistant |
Mrs Tracy Dwight - Mealtime Assistant |
Our Cleaning Team
Mrs Jo-Anne Wright - Cleaner Supervisor |
Mrs Julianna Cairns - Cleaner |
Mrs Christine Jackson - Cleaner |
Mrs Linda Sargent - Cleaner |
Mr Paul Tanton - Cleaner |