My name is Marie Batten, and I am delighted to be given the opportunity to become a parent trustee for the King’s School. Along with my fellow trustees, I am committed to supporting the school and ensuring that we create an environment where our young people can achieve their full potential.

I am a very sympathetic person with a servant’s heart, and I am passionate about improving the life chances of young people, as having been from a disadvantaged background myself, I understand how education can transform lives. I am from a very small place called Reunion Island and moved to England in 2000. 

I am a devoted Christian, and I am married to a Devonian. I am a proud mother of a daughter and two stepsons. 

I currently work in Public Health and before that I was a district nurse.    I live locally and look forward to joining colleagues in making a valuable contribution to the board of trustees.

Register of Interests: None

I grew up locally in Beer and studied Natural Sciences at University, specialising in geology, before joining the Met Office as a trainee weather forecaster in 2002. My career as an Operational Meteorologist has taken me all over the UK, to the Falkland Islands and Cyprus (before returning to Devon), and has included roles in training and development, service management and project delivery in a range of industry areas – from civil and military aviation to media. As a qualified workplace assessor, I need a keen eye for detail when assessing aviation meteorologists against stringent industry standards. I have also volunteered as a Met Office STEM ambassador since 2010, taking part in school visits, demonstrations, interviews and careers events, encouraging young people to get involved in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

As a Parent Trustee, I am looking forward to learning more, (occasionally) asking difficult questions and challenging the school to meet its goals, both now and in the future.

Register of Interests: None

I was appointed a Trustee in 2014 when two of my children were students at The Kings School. They have long since left, but I stayed on, keen to continue supporting the school. I am thoroughly behind the overarching commitment of achievement for all. I believe every student should have the opportunity to excel whether this is in academic or extracurricular activities, and The King’s School provides the framework for them to succeed.

I have a degree in Television and Theatre Studies, and have always worked in the communications sector. As a Public Relations Consultant I work with clients in the South West and London, helping their businesses to grow successfully. I have a particular interest in English as a subject and am privileged to be the link Trustee for this hard working, high attaining department.

Register of Interests: In the Right Order

I grew up in Worcestershire and moved to Ottery in early 2023 with my husband and four children, three of whom attend King's and one attends Ottery Primary. 

My early career was in sports development and leisure management before teaching various sports courses at Further Education colleges in The Midlands. I later qualified as a solicitor but now work as a Senior Lecturer/Programme and Student Lead for Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeships and Paralegal Apprenticeships at The University of Law. I remain a solicitor on the Roll (Non Practising). Before moving to Devon, I taught at our Birmingham campus but now manage the academic delivery of two apprenticeship programmes for The University's Online Campus, coaching and mentoring apprentices through today's challenging balance of work and study. 

I am an avid runner and member of Sidmouth Running Club - I can often be found exploring the Devon countryside on long and muddy runs. I love sport and fitness and had a part time personal training and fitness business before moving to Devon. I became a Parent Trustee to understand and support my children's school, in my local community. I am the Post 16 Link Trustee at King's and am passionate about supporting young people to pursue and achieve their ambitions.

Register of Interests: None

I am a proud parent trustee at The King's School, where I bring my experience as a primary headteacher with a specialism in Sciences and Special Educational Needs (SEN). My career has been dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive environments where all children can thrive, particularly those with additional needs. I am passionate about ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential, and I carry this focus into my work as a trustee.

In my role as a headteacher, I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges schools face, especially when it comes to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of both students and staff. I believe strongly in prioritising mental health and work to ensure that the school community has access to the resources and support they need to flourish, both academically and personally.

Outside of work, I love spending time in the outdoors. Whether it’s dog walks in the countryside, exploring nature trails, or simply enjoying a sunny day with my family, I find that time spent outside is vital for my own mental and physical wellbeing. It’s a time for me to recharge and reflect, which helps me stay balanced and connected to what matters most.

As a trustee, I aim to bring a compassionate, student-centred approach to all decisions, always keeping the best interests of the school community in mind. My focus on education, inclusivity, and wellbeing drives my commitment to making a positive impact on the school and the lives of those it serves.

Register of Interests: Headteacher of Rockbeare Primary & Pre School

My son Jonathan started in Year 7 at Kings in September. My family returned to the south-west in 2018 after 15 years in London - my wife is from Woodbury and I graduated from Exeter University before working locally for a decade. I began my career at global information and news company Reuters, where I spent 16 years managing international data and technology projects. Subsequently, I worked as a consultant specialising in business change and improvement, then most recently as Strategy Manager for a financial planning firm in Exeter. Previous voluntary positions held include Vice-Chairman of the Patient Participation Group at my local surgery and building a change management special interest group for the Project Management Association.

I’m excited about the prospect of applying my experience to help Kings improve on its already high standards. Academically, my main interests lie in Maths, Sciences, IT and History and as a Trustee I will focus on ensuring outstanding teaching and facilities continue to be provided for these subjects. My true passion, however, is in preparing students for the workplace. I hope to apply my extensive experience of recruitment to enhance the school’s ability to help students make informed tertiary education and career choices through a network of coaching and support, including building key skills such as presenting and interview technique. As a Trustee, I will provide a link between the school and parents to enable Kings’ students to make the best of their talents not just academically, but far beyond.

I have been a parent governor at The King’s School since 2004 and chair of the Governing Board since Oct 2018. My three boys attended the school through to sixth form. They benefited in their own way from what King’s has to offer - academically, in sport and in their personal development. I have a passion for comprehensive education and believe that trustees hold a key role to support and challenge the school to be as good as it possibly can be for all the secondary aged people in our community.

I have been a geologist, secondary school teacher, Army officer specialising in education and training and a company director. I now run a family management consultancy partnership - working with clients across the UK and in the Middle East.

In my spare time, I like to play, coach and umpire hockey and am currently the Chair of Sidmouth & Ottery Hockey Club. I am a trustee of a charity providing education and training for soldiers in the Royal Regiment of Artillery and the wider Defence community.

Register of Interests: a partner in the family’s consultancy business – Ellison Consulting, a Trustee at the Royal Artillery Centre for Personal Development and Exercise to Music and Pilates instructor (family member), Director of Sheldrake Training Limited, Sidmouth & Ottery Hockey Club (Chair), The Foundation and Jubilee Trust of the King's School, Ottery St Mary.

I have taught English at The King's School since 2020. Since completing my English Literature & Philosophy degree at the University of Exeter, I completed my PGCE and studied Creative Writing at Oxford University. I am also the co-leader of the Pride@King's, Diversity@King's and Arvon and beyond Creative Writing clubs. I work as the school's union representative and am passionate about promoting inclusivity, diversity and wellbeing within our community. 

It was an honour to be elected as a staff trustee for The King's School and to join a board of experienced and passionate people who strive for excellence.

Register of Interests: Exeter Pride, National Education Union representative

I have three children at The Kings School. One in year 10 and twins in year 8. They are now the 5th generation of our family to attend the school, so I was delighted to be elected to serve as a parent trustee. I’m a link trustee for the Expressive Arts and School Parliament.  

After college I was appointed Youth Outreach Worker for Ottery. I moved to London and studied for a media foundation at The London College of Printing and a degree in Television Broadcast at The University of Westminster. I’ve had a career in television, photography and the creative arts. Since moving back to East Devon, I now work in multi-media production, brand development and am part of the team for The Sidmouth School of Art and Coastal Community Hub. Part of what we do is facilitate opportunities for young people in art & music via community art projects and on stage at The Sidmouth Sea Fest. 

As a parent trustee I'm excited to be able to offer my perspective and experience to the role.

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I started my career in Feltham, Hounslow.  It was a challenging environment to begin my profession, but I still think back with fond memories of working in such a vibrant, dynamic part of west London. After 6 years I relocated to Devon and took up my next post at St Sidwell's Primary School in Exeter. I was appointed as Deputy Headteacher.  Fortunately, I was offered many opportunities to further develop my leadership skills and I was seconded to Payhembury Primary School in 2007 as Acting Headteacher for 3 months, however I am still here!  

In 2015 we federated with Awliscombe Primary School where I moved into my current role as Executive Headteacher.  An additional part of my leadership role and supported by my governing body is my position on the Devon School Leadership Executive committee. This leads me to work on several other committees; Schools Finance group, High Needs Funding group, Schools Organisation, Capital and Admissions group and Standing Advisory Committee for Religious Education for Devon.  I am also a trained Headteacher that sits on Independent Review Panels for permanent exclusions.

I currently have a son at The Kings School.  Moving from a small primary school into a much larger secondary school initially made me feel very nervous.  However, he has absolutely flourished, and I have also watched my ‘other children’, those that have left Payhembury in year 6 transition, learn and thrive and leave The Kings with so many incredible achievements.  I am delighted and reassured to observe their journeys through school.

I am interested in how the Kings manage the significant challenges facing schools today, I am keen to learn more about academy autonomy and I would like to offer my skills, knowledge and understanding in any way that can support the school moving forward. 

During my time off you can usually find me standing on the side of a sports pitch watching my son, rain or shine and as a family we love everything about Devon, so we enjoy all that it offers.

Register of Interests: Executive Head Teacher of Fort Federation

I have two children at The King’s School; a son in Year 10 and a daughter in Year 8.  I joined the school as a Parent Trustee in October 2015.  Previously, I was a Foundation Governor at Sidmouth Primary for six years.  Outside of school, my business is involved in magazine publishing where I specialise in print and online advertising sales for national organisations.  Always on the lookout for good local sales people, in 2013, I launched a local jobs website to help the young people of East Devon find their first part time jobs and since then we’ve grown to be able to help other local organisations, including The King’s School, find staff.

Register of Interests: Publishing Matters, Hours4Work, C&C Properties (SW) Ltd, 23 Victoria Park Management Company, Western Court (Sidmout) residents Association, QES Electrical Services

A long time ago I was a pupil at the school and more recently my 2 daughters also had a very positive and happy education at The King’s School.  I run the business side of Escot Estate along with my husband; this is a multi-facetted rural business which includes a wedding, conference, events and activities venue, and forest schools and outdoor education facilities.

I serve on the resources committee and am the link governor for Geography.
I believe the best type of education is a broad, inclusive and exciting one which helps students to become happy confident and successful adults in whatever they choose to do.

Register of Interests: Escot Estate, MC2, SmartKlub Ltd, UX2

My association with the school dates back to 1976 when I joined the teaching staff. In a thirty one year career within the school, until my retirement in 2007, I held a number of posts including Head of Mathematics, Senior Teacher and Assistant Headteacher.

Experience of school governance was gained by spending eight years on the governing body at Ottery Primary school. I joined The King’s School governing body in 2009 and currently a member of the resources committee as well as being the link trustee for Design and Technology. I am also treasurer of the Foundation and Jubilee Trust.

Register of Interests: Kilmington Playing Fields Committee (Trustee) 

I've been the Head Science Technician at the King's School since 2012. Since completing my Environmental Protection degree at Bournemouth University I started to work for the Environment Agency. From here I moved to working at the King's School as I felt passionate about sharing my enthusiasm for science with students.  I took a sabbatical from my work for a year when I travelled around the world with my now wife and spent time in India, South East Asia, New Zealand, and Mexico. 

I feel very lucky to have been able to continue to work at such a great school and feel very proud to be the Head Science Technician in such a good school.  The Science team continuously works hard to inspire students to achieve their best in science, following the School's motto “Achievement for All”.

It was a privilege to be elected as a staff trustee and to join such an experienced, dynamic and enthusiastic Board of Trustees who all want the best for The King's.  

Register of Interests: None

I currently have two children at The King’s School, one each in Y10 and Y11. I also have another child in Y5 at Ottery Primary. I work for EDF Energy running a team who provide business analysis for the IT systems & processes required on the new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in Somerset. I also have a strong finance background having worked for Lloyds Banking Group for 16 years before my current role. I believe that trustees hold a key role in supporting and challenging the school to be as good as it possibly can be for the all young people in our community.

I also volunteer as a Cub Scout leader here in Ottery and as a youth rugby coach at Sidmouth RFC. 

Register of Interests: None

My connection to The King’s School began in 2009 when I started as a student. I went on to study a Mechanical Engineering degree with a view to work in motorsport, but I quickly realised I wanted to share my passion for science with young people. I completed my PGCE at Exeter University before I returned to The King’s School in 2020.

I am fortunate to work alongside a Science team comprised of dedicated and talented teachers and technicians who have a shared objective of providing our students with a rich learning experience. In my role as Second in Science, I lead on ensuring our Key Stage 3 students develop the required knowledge and skills to enable them to become critical thinkers and prepare them for future studies. I enjoy supporting our students beyond the curriculum and am actively involved with Ten Tors training, Science Club and our F1 in Schools teams.

It is a privilege to join the Board of Trustees and I look forward to supporting King’s continue to be an outstanding school to both study and work at.

My son started at Kings in 2021 and thoroughly enjoys his time at school.  I have been impressed with how nurturing Kings has been and am very happy to have this opportunity to offer my support to the school as a Trustee.

I have worked in the education field for the past 30 years, within the public, private and voluntary sectors. Currently I am Education Outreach Partner for the Met Office, directly prior to which I worked as Operational Hub Lead for the Heart of the Southwest Careers Hub.  For the last few years my work has focused largely on evidence-based impact in education. As part of this, I work closely with school teachers, careers leaders, students and senior leadership to determine the support they require and help develop provision to meet this need.  To this end, in 2022, I took on the voluntary role of Enterprise Adviser for The King’s School, supporting Fiona Hogan in her work as Careers Coordinator to best prepare all students for their career pathways. From 2011-2016 I was first governor and then elected Chair of governors at South Devon College, and more recently I held the position of parent governor at Ottery St Mary Primary School, from 2019-2021.

As a Parent Trustee at Kings, I am particularly keen to help provide fair access to opportunities for all young people, raising aspirations and improving life chances, while ensuring necessary support is provided for those young people experiencing additional challenges.

Register of Interests: None

The King’s School has a visibly positive ethos, warm relations between staff and students and a breadth of opportunities that gives students freedom to thrive; I am seeing this through my three daughters fortunate enough to be here. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to support the school in nurturing happy and successful young people. My background -working in the NHS for 25 years- has equipped me with experience and skills that I hope I can put to good use in my role as a Parent Trustee.

I have been an ENT/Thyroid Consultant Surgeon since 2011. For several years I was Departmental Lead, a managerial role in my Trust, alongside clinical duties. I teach undergraduates and have been an examiner and interviewer for Exeter Medical School. In addition, I train postgraduates and have held the post of Chair of the South West Higher Surgical Training Committee for my specialty. During my career I also undertook a higher degree through a period of original research, as a Wellcome Fellow, at the University of Oxford.

Register of Interests: Director of Exeter Plastic Surgery Ltd and Trustee of the South West Laryngological Association

After growing up in London, I studied Physical Education, Sports Science and Physics at Loughborough University.  I had the privilege of undertaking my teacher training at Loughborough before  starting my teaching career in Louth, Lincolnshire.  In 2006 I moved to The King’s School as Deputy Headteacher responsible for the specialist sports college status.  After 7 years at King’s I was appointed as Headteacher at Robert Blake Science College, Bridgwater.  During my time as Headteacher the school saw significant improvement and was successful in securing a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted in 2015.  I am now delighted to be the Headteacher of The King's School having been appointed to the post in September 2016.

It is a privilege to lead one of the most successful schools in the South West.  The King's School’s ‘achievement for all’ ethos captures my own personal commitment to comprehensive education.  I have a deep desire to see students achieve academically and personally and much of what we offer at the school is focused on supporting young people to become thoughtful, compassionate and resilient members of the community with the skills necessary to make a difference.  I live in the school’s catchment area and my 3 children have all benefitted from the high quality education that this learning community of primary and secondary schools provides.  I am a keen sports person and enjoy the challenge of running, swimming and cycling, occasionally putting all 3 together and competing in triathlons!  I also love the outdoors and enjoy surfing and walking with my family and friends.

Register of Interests: Headteacher of The King's School.

I joined The King’s School in 2023 having previously worked in several large organisations, including Exeter University, Debenhams, and South West Water.

After studying Accounting & Finance at University I was desperate to see the world so I travelled and worked for a couple of years living in Italy, Australia and New Zealand. To make ends meet I taught English as Foreign Language. I enjoyed this role and experience so much that I decided to set up an English Language School which I ran for 6 years with my wife before reverting back to my accounting education and becoming a fully qualified Chartered Certified Accountant.

The education sector, in one form or another, has often been present in my career as I have always been passionate about learning and sharing knowledge wherever I have worked.

I feel privileged to be working at one of the best schools in the South West and my ambition and challenge within this role is to positively influence the outcomes of the pupils whilst working in a ‘back-office’ function. However, I am positive, with the fantastic team around me, that this is absolutely possible!

I am married and have 3 children, each with their own unique personality and abilities, keeping me busy outside of work.  

Register of Interests: Director of Finance and Operations at The King's School