Academy Council

Former Torquay Boys Gammar School pupil Jim has been a journalist for almost 50 years, starting as a trainee with the old Torquay Times and then Torbay News before joining the Herald Express where he worked for 40 years, the last six as Editor. He went on to edit weekly newspapers across Devon before launching his current paper, the Torbay Weekly, three years ago.

A keen sportsman - Jim in his 55th year at Barton Cricket Club and is a qualified coach - Jim is a huge believer in the community and being at the heart of that community.

He sits on and chairs various bodies, including the Torbay Place Leadership Board, the English Riviera BID Tourism Company, Torbay Business Forum Executive, Torbay Community Development Trust, Sport Torbay and the Devon Cricket Board. 

A honorary fellow of South Devon College, Jim was a Barton Primary School boy more than 60 years ago so is 'coming home' to put back something into a school that gave him so much.

I have been the Principal of Barton Hill Academy since April 2022.  I have been in the Education profession for 25 years, and I have experience both in the UK and internationally.  

My first experience of working in primary education was as a consultant for an NGO in Calcutta, India.  From this point, I made a decision to develop my knowledge, skills and understanding of education so that I would be able to effectively support the provision of high-quality education for all.  

As Head Teacher of an inner London primary school for the past 10 years, my clear vision for ensuring the best possible education for every child, along with strong leadership and management skills, has delivered improved outcomes for all children regardless of their starting points.  I am looking forward to helping lead the school forward towards becoming the very best school it can be. 

Born and bred in Torquay, Becki  attended Barton Hill Academy and never moved far from the area. Her two children now attend Barton Hill so she has come full circle! 

Becki works for the local government, is married and is a keen Skittles player! (If you don’t know, get to know!) 

Torquay Born and Bred Parent with a 5 year old! I've dedicated my career to working for Charities and not for profit organisations both locally and nationally. Experience in Adult Health and Social Care and currently Children and Young People. In my professional role my areas of work are around Working with Looked after children, Trauma Informed Practice, Safeguarding and Excellence in Practice. I appreciate the juggle of working full time and being a parent, in my limited spare time I'm an outdoor person enjoying long walks, nature and a keen baker! 

I have worked at Barton Hill Academy since 2007 starting as a teaching assistant in the early years.  In 2011 my role changed to family support.  I love my job and am passionate about supporting children and families to have their best outcomes.  I have 3 adult children who attended Barton Hill Academy and all have successful careers.  I am proud to live within and be a part of the Hele/Barton community.

I have taught at Barton Hill Academy since September 2000... 24 years! I am Assistant Headteacher and EYFS Lead and for the past 12 years I have  taught in Reception and Nursery.   I am passionate about excellent early years education and children getting the best possible start in life. I thoroughly enjoy getting to know all the families as their children start their school journey with us.  It is a privilege to support these youngest members of our school.  My passions also run to support the Barton Hill Academy Community, this includes running the Friends of Barton group which holds community and school events as fundraisers for the school. 

I have 2 children of my own , my son is 16 and is currently taking his GCSEs and my daughter is 13 and 2 step children who are both at university.  Outside of school I enjoy spending time away in my campervan, paddle boarding and you will find me taking walks on the beach looking at the sea in any weather.

Neil has worked in education for over 20 years, which includes 15 years as a senior leader and headteacher and more recently as a school improvement lead in a large multi-academy trust. He is currently Director of Education for Speech and Language UK, a charity working to support children with speech and language challenges. His experience spans both the primary and secondary phases and he has supported schools with a range of Ofsted judgements. In addition, he has facilitated on a range of National Professional Qualifications, such as the NPQML, NPQSL and NPQLT. 

Elliot is currently employed in the central team at Academies Enterprise Trust (AET), which supports Barton Hill Academy. He works in a network improvement and engagement role to support the progress of the trust's 57 schools.

Before joining AET, Elliot worked at the New Schools Network (NSN) on the organisation's free schools and governance programmes. He championed education reform through campaigns, reports, and policy engagement in this role.

 I have been in the education profession in the Torbay area for 27 years.  During this time I have had varied roles including headship (NPQH) and deputy headship.  I have spent the last 16 years at Barton Hill Academy.  My last role was as year 6 leader.  Having retired 2 years ago, I have been able to return to education at Barton as a school-based tutoring role, planning and teaching year 2 children in reading strategies.  I have enjoyed this role and the immense satisfaction it gives me at ensuring children are given every chance to succeed.  This has been my ultimate ideology in teaching. I enjoy watching football and playing golf.  I now have more time with family and thoroughly enjoy it!