Leadership Team

Sylvan originally studied law and worked in welfare rights and student support before training as a teacher. With over 20 years’ experience of working in the education he joined the academy in 2017 having previously worked in the London Boroughs of Haringey and Hackney.  As a dyslexic person who struggled at school Sylvan is passionate about inclusive education and ensuring that every young person is given the support they need to achieve their potential.  “Our aim is to know and grow every learner, to empower them to achieve their full potential!”

Sylvan has successfully led and developed services that have won national awards including, whilst at Hackney Community College the Queens Anniversary Prize in 2011, Education and Training Category, for enabling people with mental health needs to gain education and employment skills, TES award 2016, contribution to the local community, highly commended.  In addition, he has been involved in European Social Funded projects on reducing Youth violence and national working groups on Reducing NEETs and improving Healthy eating in the sector.

Sylvan has BSL level 2 and teaches as part of the college provision at the Academy.

Claire is a qualified Chartered Accountant with over 20 years post qualified experience focused in education and charity sector. She joined the Academy in 2011 as the Finance Manager and was appointed Director of Finance & Resources in 2020. Claire was part of the Academy Project Team that delivered the new Campus in Exmouth.

Claire is responsible for Finance, Human Resources, Estates & Facilities, and IT.

Mark is a profoundly Deaf Cochlear Implant user. He was a residential student at Mary Hare Grammar school for the Deaf where he undertook his secondary education. Mark completed his Degree at Bath University in Physics and Physical Electronics.  Mark started working at the Academy in the 1990’s as a Teaching Assistant before leaving to complete his PGCE at St Lukes in Exeter. Before returning to the Academy as a teacher, Mark worked in mainstream, teaching science for 6 years.  He has been working at the Academy for 14 years now and has a BSL Level 3. Mark is married with two boys, and enjoys building Lego with them as well as participating in their wonderfully imaginative games!

Mark is responsible for Student recruitment within the Academy and liaising with external professionals and Local educational authorities.

James is the Assistant Principal for Care and Responsible Individual for our Children’s Care Home. With over 10 years’ experience of working with children and adults in the Health and Social Care Sector, James is committed to ensuring that residential care provides the very best service possible.  

He joined the Academy in 2009 and has managed both Children’s Home and Residential Care services. James is passionate about providing high quality care for our children and young people and has experience of and success in both rapid improvement and development planning. James lives in Exeter and is married with two children.

James is responsible for the large team of staff and managers who support our children and young people in both our residential accommodation and children’s home. He is also responsible for our safeguarding team where he is Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Rachel studied as a General Primary School Teacher at Marjons University and has since worked in various schools in the South West. 

After finding a love for supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and their parents, she became a SEND Coordinator (SENDCo) and worked in this role for 11 years. Rachel has a passion for supporting the child as whole, not only their education but also their social, emotional and mental health (SEMH). Rachel understands the importance of relationships and works hard to build effective relationships, not only with  staff and children, but also with parents and families. 

Rachel is responsible for the quality of teaching and learning, staffing and provision for the school children across the five school classes. Due to Rachel’s experience working with SEND children she will support the SEND provision across the Academy.