I have lived in the Teignbridge area for over 35 years, and have had 2 children pass through the school, and I now have grandchildren following through. I’ve been on the board since Knowles Hill School days and seen many changes. I’m currently the link Governor for Careers and the Arts.
I’m Linda and I have been a Governor responsible for 'School Performance' at NAC for six years. Prior to my retirement, I taught KS3 science, GCSE and 'A' level chemistry. During my teaching career I successfully held the position of Head of Science and Assistant Principal (Director of School Performance).
An experienced HR professional with a robust background in the retail sector, accumulating over 15 years of expertise. In the last two years, I have demonstrated a keen focus on HR Change, showcasing a commitment to innovation and adaptability.
I took on the role of school governor in May 2023, contributing strategic insights to foster a positive educational environment. Beyond the professional sphere, I find joy in exploring new destinations with my husband, relishing walks with our dog in the countryside, and pottering in the garden.
Hannah has 30 years’ experience working across a number of different Industry sectors in senior roles. She has always aimed to channel her talents into directions that create social change for good. In her role as Head of Social Responsibility at British Gas, Hannah worked collaboratively with a number of UK Charities to help tackle fuel poverty in the UK, specifically working with Save the Children. After living and working in London for 18 years, Hannah moved back to Devon to raise her children and be closer to her wider family, her son is still at Newton Abbot College.
In 2015 Hannah took over as Director of Social and Commercial Enterprise for the Dame Hannah Rogers Trust, a local Devon Charity, which supported children and young adults with Special educational needs and disabilities succeed. Now as Chief Executive Officer, Hannah leads the Life Chance Group, and School for Inspiring Talents; an award-winning independent therapeutic education provider that specialises in supporting young people and families who have experienced trauma. Hannah is also a Trustee for the Life Chance Trust which supports 16-25 year olds in our local community who have had complex life histories.
Cathy Hooper is a Registered General Nurse with a background in Trauma & Orthopaedics and Children's Nursing. She is also a Specialist Community Public Health Practitioner in Health Visiting and has worked in safeguarding for the past 17 years.
Cathy loves taking advantage of Dartmoor walking opportunities whenever she can and is mum to a rugby/horse loving daughter who attends NAC.
As a parent governor, Cathy is the safeguarding governor and supports the young carers agenda, alongside being the link governor for Humanities.
I am Becca Ward, I am currently the Autism lead at Newton Abbot College, this is my second year working at NAC. I enjoy working with students and running the sensory space at school. Prior to this job I was a Primary School teacher in Cornwall for 8 years. I have always been passionate about working with young people and supporting them to achieve their very best. After the birth of my son just over two and a half years ago I moved up here to Devon where a change of job was welcomed. I am currently undergoing a university course which will allow me to become a SENCO.
I am Charlotte Tonge and I have been a Teacher at Newton Abbot College for 6 years now. I started as an NQT and I am currently lucky enough to be Head of PE and Deputy Head of Sixth Form. I feel incredibly passionate about the education and opportunities our students get at Newton Abbot College. I believe we have the power to open doors to allow our students to challenge themselves and succeed where they never thought possible. As a Governor I am able to take my knowledge of the day-to-day workings of the college and passion for our students to ensure any decisions made are moving NAC in an ambitious and student-centred direction.
Christine is the CEO of a Devon-based Housing Association. She has extensive leadership and management skills and considerable financial acumen. Christine also has over 20 years’ experience of school governance in both primary and secondary schools.
Christine was appointed to the Governing Body in January 2021 and was appointed as Chair of Governors in September 2022. She is also the Chair of Governors at Highweek Primary School.
In her spare time, Christine is a keen gardener, photographer and traveller.
Amy has been Headteacher of Newton Abbot College since September 2021, having previously been Headteacher of St James School in Exeter and Director of Education for the Ted Wragg Trust.
“Having spent the best part of twenty years working in schools in Devon, I am as passionate today about the importance of a good quality education and the need to develop a love of learning in our classrooms, as I was the day I started. It is this passion that remains my motivation: to ensure that every day, in every classroom, we are providing our students with the best possible educational experience that helps them grow into responsible and kind young people; that challenges and supports them to achieve their best; and offers them a wealth of opportunities so that they can discover their talents and develop a curiosity about the world in which they live, so that when they leave us they are inspired and empowered to take their next steps and to start carving out their own path in life.”
