Withycombe Raleigh
C of E Primary School
Headteacher Mrs E Jones
Chair of Governors:
Alison Longhorn
I am a co-opted Governor and have a daughter in Year 3 and a 2 year old son who I hope will also be able to attend Withycombe Raleigh when he starts school. I am the Area Coroner for Exeter and East Devon and was previously a Criminal Barrister for 14 years, a career which I hope has developed some useful skills to enable me to be a productive member of the Board.
I consider a child's school experience as one of the most important aspects of their childhood, and have joined the Board of Governors as it presents an invaluable opportunity to be involved in the decisions which will help shape the school's vision and the experience of each child. As a parent of a pupil of the school I am passionate about ensuring Withycombe provides the best education in an enjoyable and inclusive way and that each pupil has fond memories of their time in the school in years to come.
Clerk to the Governors
Janine Meecham
Contact: clerk@wrpschool.org
Board of Governors
James Dryden
My family moved to Exmouth in 2022 and were fortunate to join the Withycombe Primary family! I have two daughters currently in years four and two, they both love learning and I’m really pleased to support the school by being a governor.
At work I’m the Head of Information at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust, leading a team of 20 people who are responsible for using data and analytics to understand and improve performance. I’m familiar with building and coaching teams, developing strategies, project delivery, performance management, building partnerships and managing budgets in public service and regulated organisations.
I love running and have done the London Marathon twice, I’m also a member of the Tri Hards Community Fitness Project. My wife (Sarah) and I have a Labrador (Alfie) and we all love any excuse to be on the beach!
Annmaree Kain
I have been a teacher for the whole of my working life, most recently and for many years at our local, very large comprehensive. Following my Geography degree I began my career at a South London comprehensive before moving to Devon and taking up a post as lecturer at Rolle College teaching on the B.Ed course. An important part of my role there was to visit and mentor our students when out on Teaching Practice. As most of them were specialising in early years teaching and learning, so began my experience of the Primary Sector. Since then I have continued this mentoring role with both Exeter and Plymouth University students when on their school placements. At the Community College, as the Subject Mentor, I cared for the Geography students placed to train with us and was also involved in helping with the Year 6 to 7 transition. I taught Year 6 classes from our feeder schools on their home ground and also took them out to the seafront for fieldwork – all aiming to introduce Geography as a stand-alone subject in the secondary curriculum.
It was in this role that I had my first experience of Withycombe Primary School. I was impressed, as I am now, with the ethos, atmosphere and staff commitment and I am very pleased and fortunate to have the opportunity to resume my contact - this time based on my long time involvement with this parish as a Foundation Governor.
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Jenny Meredith
Before my teaching career, I spent over 15 years in the Civil Service working closely with Ministers and leading multidisciplinary teams. As a senior leader, I was involved in many aspects of governance. During this period, I also served a full term as a School Governor where I became Safeguarding Governor and Vice-Chair.
Since embarking on my teaching career, I have had the privilege of teaching across all primary key stages. I joined the Withycombe team several years ago and currently teach our Reception children; I also teach at the University of Exeter on the PGCE (teacher training) course. I care deeply about our school and providing high quality education that enables children to achieve their full potential. I am delighted to be Staff Governor and hope that my skill set will be of benefit to the Board.
Anna Slade
I am a co-opted Governor and I have a daughter who attends the school. This is my first time being a governor and I am really excited to be part of the team. I attended Withycombe School along with my three brothers and have always felt connected to the school. I am really passionate about supporting families with a particular interest in how Trauma impacts family life. I am the Project Coordinator and Designated Safeguarding Lead for a family support project called Devon Family Resource at the Exeter Community Initiatives Charity. The project offers family support and therapeutic support to families across the whole of Devon who are held under Early Help or who have been a victim of crime. I have a degree in Childhood and Youth Studies and have always worked in this line of work.
In my spare time I love to spend time with my family, go on walks, go to festivals, go camping and play computer games.
Philip Wilson
I’m a parent governor; my daughter is in Year 2 and really enjoying being part of the school and taking part in lots of the brilliant clubs and activities.
I’m also a secondary deputy headteacher, so obviously my interest in and passion for education runs deep.
I oversee the curriculum in my secondary school, which I hope makes me a useful member of the teaching and learning committee and the governing body more broadly.