Mr R Gammon
Headteacher

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.

Mr C Harris
Deputy Headteacher
Teaching and Learning

After growing up in Cornwall I went on to study Modern History at Oxford University before completing my PGCE at Exeter University in 2008. Since this time, I have remained first and foremost a passionate teacher of History and Politics, determined to continually improve my practice through learning from others. In addition, I have previously been a Teaching Assistant, a Head of Department, an Assistant Headteacher and Director of Teaching School Hub Programmes for the South West Institute for Teaching. I am extremely proud to be part of this brilliant school and serve as Deputy Headteacher with responsibility for teaching and learning. In this role, I firmly believe in the power of professional collaboration so that we can all keep getting better together for the benefit of all our students and the wider school community. Away from school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, a variety of sports, walking the family dog and exploring this beautiful part of the country that we live in.

Mr G Penman
Deputy Headteacher
Student Support

I grew up in West Dorset and, following a brief spell living on the Isles of Scilly, went to Aberystwyth University, gaining a BA (Hons) degree in History. Following this, and knowing that I had always wanted to teach, I trained at the University of Exeter, St. Luke’s. I was appointed as a History teacher in 2015 in a highly deprived area of West Somerset, and spent nearly 10 years there in a variety of roles. Initially, I became Second in Department, which further developed my understanding of the pedagogy surrounding teaching History. I then became Head of Year before being appointed Assistant Headteacher in 2019. During my time on the Leadership Team, I held a range of responsibilities, including Teaching and Learning across the school, and later student behaviour, personal development and welfare. During this time, we were able to move the school forward, and it was recognised as ‘Good’ by Ofsted in 2022, following a period in Special Measures.

My greatest passion in education is improving the life chances and outcomes of all students, and particularly of those who are most vulnerable. Becoming Deputy Headteacher at King’s was a natural next step for me as the ethos and values of the school align so exactly with my own, and its inclusive heart is a big part of what makes it so successful.

Outside of school, I am a keen guitar player, though my busking days are behind me! I also enjoy walking with my family and our Labrador, and camping in the French Alps.

Mrs P Farrand
Deputy Headteacher
Inclusion

I grew up in Devon, before attending University in Wolverhampton where I studied biological sciences, and then Lancaster where I completed my PCGE. I began my teaching career as a science teacher in a school near Cardiff, and it was here I developed my passion for working within the field of special needs education, so my next position was as a special needs teacher in Reading.

Nine years into my teaching career I returned to Devon and became the SENCo at The King’s School, later becoming a deputy headteacher with responsibility for inclusion and personalisation.

I am passionate about inclusion and feel privileged to work in a school that has achievement for all and inclusion at the heart of its ethos. The Skills for Learning department has been recognised at a national level on two occasions, myself being awarded a Teaching award for the best special needs teacher in 2005 and the whole team receiving a further Teaching Award for the best school team in 2014.

Out of school I enjoy spending time with my 3 children (all of whom have been fortunate enough to attend The King’s School), running and walking my dogs.

Mr R Tait
Director of Finance & Operations / Company Secretary

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.  

Mr N Twelves
Deputy Headteacher
Curriculum

I grew up in Shropshire, coming to Devon to study Modern Foreign Languages at Exeter University in 1998. I fell in love with the region and my degree cemented my love of languages and my desire to teach them, so I enrolled at Exeter St. Luke's to complete my PGCE. Since qualifying, I have remained in Devon, most recently as an Assistant Head in charge of the curriculum and school systems.

Languages aside, I am passionate about supporting all young people to succeed, and I feel privileged to be working in a school that truly believes in achievement for all. A successful school is one that strives to equip all its students with the necessary skills to become successful, active and happy citizens, and I am excited to ensure that we continue to do this at The King's School.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family; often outdoors walking our two dogs, exploring the country or travelling abroad.

Mr R Gerry
Assistant Headteacher
Post 16 Learning

I joined King's in 2006 having taught at two other schools in Devon before as Head of Department / Faculty and starting my teaching career in Bristol. I have overseen many changes in the sixth form during the past few years having moved into new purpose built accommodation with a new café and IT suite, introducing the reformed KS5 curriculum and ensuring that post 16 students play a central role in the life of The King's School. The sixth form remains a challenging yet welcoming environment and this is celebrated with a diverse range of events that happen every year and our amazing results that enable students to go on to a wide variety of future careers, apprenticeships and higher education opportunities.