Meet the Governors

Our Trust of Schools

Jason Hill

Chair of Governors

I’m Jason Hill and I was very happy to be appointed as a Community Governor in September 2021.  In this role, I am linked to the ICT and Technology departments and also chair the HR committee.

I originally come from the West Midlands, having gone to school in Worcester and then to Demontfort University in Leicester.  I’ve worked in the Information Technology domain for the last 30 years in various roles from technical to leadership and have spent some of my time living and working in Australia.

I currently work for SUSE Software as Director of Program Delivery.  During my career, I’ve worked in most areas of IT across a range of companies.  Prior to my current role, I have run several large Professional Services teams for two very large software companies, providing support, training and consultancy services to customers across Europe, Middle East and Africa on a commercial basis.  Beyond just technology, this has exposed me to a lot of different competencies such as managing and developing people, legal, financial management, customer relations, communications along with working with different cultures.

From a personal point of view, I moved to Exmouth in 2019, with my wife, three children and two dogs.  In my spare time, I enjoy running, cycling and being out on the water on my paddleboard.

Tom Inman

Headteacher

Tom has been Headteacher at ECC since September 2023. Prior to that he was Headteacher at Gordano School in Portishead, near Bristol, for five years. Tom also spent a year as Strategic Lead for Secondary Schools for the Lighthouse Schools Partnership Trust and has acted as School Improvement Partner for a number of schools in Somerset.

Liz Lee

Community Governor

I am Elizabeth Lee and I am privileged to be a Community Governor at ECC.

For over 25 years I have served in this role, with 17 of those being as Chair of the Governing Board, which has meant that I have worked with alongside 4 different headteachers. So, hopefully among other attributes, which I think I bring to the Board, is a great deal of experience of our College.

I feel passionate about comprehensive education. I take advantage of every opportunity to update my skills and keep abreast of new initiatives, both local and national.

My background is local business which I retired from a few years ago. I try to keep fit, I have run marathons and half marathons raising money for both local and national charities. Lately, I tend to visit the gym more and am currently wrestling with the sport of golf.

Leigh Withers

Trust Link Governor

Leigh is currently Director of School Improvement for the Ted Wragg Trust having previously been a successful Headteacher at a secondary school in Plymouth. Having also worked as a senior leader across schools in Exeter and Torbay, Leigh is passionate about improving the life chances of all children across Devon.

Darren Evans

Community Governor

I am really pleased to be appointed as a Governor at Exmouth Community College. I have worked within Education for over 25 years and my passion for ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to achieve is my main focus.

I started my teaching career as a Physical Education Teacher in West Sussex and swiftly moved to Head of PE along with a pastoral leadership role. Moving back to Devon 20 years ago I have worked in a number of Colleges in a variety of Teaching and Leadership roles.

My current role is the Head of Bicton College where I lead the curriculum teams and the day to day operations of a large Further Education College.

In my spare time I like to keep active with my family and am a keen runner, completing many half marathons and also the London Marathon.

Nigel Fletcher

Community Governor

I am very pleased to have been appointed to the Governing Board as a Community Governor in December 2023.

I attended Exmouth Community College in the 1980s completing my A Levels in 1990, followed by a degree at the University of Leeds. My career has been in the retail sector for over 30 years, and I currently own and operate a fuels retail business across the south-west.

I am committed to positively contributing to the College, where my two daughters are current students.

Amber White

Staff Governor

I was delighted to be appointed to the Board of Governors at Exmouth Community College as a Staff Governor in October, 2023.

I was previously a student at the College and will eventually be a parent of a year seven student in the September of 2027. I have worked at the College for nearly 7 years and work in the Pastoral and Inclusion team, with responsibilities in many areas, for example: Alternative Provision, Whole School Behaviour admin, Attendance, Rewards evenings and Year 11 Prom.

I feel I have insight from multiple points of view on a variety of topics and am keen to lend a hand in any way that will collectively, with the other governors, improve the education and wellbeing for the young people of our community. Exmouth is a special place to me, and I wish to help make it a special place for the next generation.

Claire Fegan

Parent Governor

I am a Parent Governor at Exmouth Community College, having been elected in October 2022. My eldest son is in Year 7 and my youngest will follow in a few years time. I have been really impressed with my interactions with the college so far and look forward to being part of its future moving forward. I am the Link Governor for Happy Days Nursery and the REACH centre.

I gained a BSc in Psychology from the University of Cardiff and then completed a PGCE in primary teaching at Bath Spa. I was a primary teacher then deputy head in Bath, and became a designated Specialist Leader of Education, supporting other local schools with English, maths and curriculum work. During this time, I was a staff governor for my school.

In September 2016, I became Head of School at Sidmouth Primary and relocated with my family to Devon. Since September 2022, I have been a School Improvement Officer for First Federation Trust, working across a family of 20 schools in Devon and Dorset to offer challenge and support to ensure children get the very best education. It is this experience I hope to bring to the role of governor. I am currently completing a Masters in Education Leadership and Management.