LSB (ID 1220)

• Victoria Mitchell
  Chair of LGB
  Victoria Mitchell

  I joined the Local Governing Board (LGB) as a co-opted member after being a parent at the college. Initially, I took on the role of SEND link governor, later becoming Vice-Chair, and then Chair in 2023.

  As Chair, I am proud to lead a team of dedicated governors who work together to support and challenge the college, ensuring it provides the best possible education and opportunities for all students to flourish, both in and outside the classroom.

  I am committed to ensuring that Tavistock College reflects and serves the community it belongs to. I believe that a college thrives when there are open, genuine conversations. It is important to me to hear the voices of pupils, parents, carers, staff, and the wider community. By actively listening to stakeholders and valuing their contributions, I aim to ensure our Local Governing Board's decisions are grounded in the lived experiences and aspirations of those we serve.

  If you would like to get in touch to share your thoughts and experiences of the college please feel free to email me or attend one of our LGB drop-in sessions.

  Contact me on vmitchell@dmatschools.org.uk

• Ralph Crook
  Vice Chair of LGB
  Ralph Crook

  I started in School Governance in 2015 and have since held both the titles of Vice and Chair of Tavistock College, as well as Trustee of DMAT over the years. I had to take a break for a while due to work commitments in the Armed Services however came back to Tavistock College in 2022 after completing nearly 24 years in service. I moved into the NHS on release and have spent the past 3 years as a practice manager. I currently serve with the Governing body at Tavistock College as Vice Chair and Careers Governor. My aim has always been to ensure equality of opportunities for all young people in the DMAT.

• Lisa Barker-Jones
  LGB member (Safeguarding)
  Lisa Barker-Jones

  Lisa is an experienced and dedicated safeguarding professional with over 30 years of expertise in the field of child protection and safeguarding. A qualified social worker, Lisa began her career in local authority child protection services. Over three decades, she has held a variety of roles, including front line practitioner, team manager, and senior leader. Currently serving as the Safeguarding Policy Lead for the Ministry of Defence Lisa has successfully transitioned her wealth of experience into the national safeguarding arena. In this role, she provides strategic oversight and expert guidance on safeguarding policies and practices across Defence, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and best practice standards.

• Dee Benzie
  LGB member
  Dee Benzie

  Dee was involved in education throughout her working life and has continued in a voluntary capacity since retiring. The majority of the time she was in mainstream secondary education including 10 years as a Head of Mathematics. She also worked for 5 years in a residential special school for emotionally challenged teenagers. During this time, she learned much about special educational needs and effective educational support for these youngsters. She plays an active part in the Tavistock community in a voluntary capacity in particular through the Family Work Project at the Methodist Church.

  There have been many changes through the years, but she remains passionate about the power of education to change lives. She offers her experience, skills and continued passion to provide the opportunities for all youngsters to achieve success in an ever changing educational landscape.

• Josh Harmer
  LGB member (SEND)
  Josh Harmer

  Josh has been a governor within Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust for the past two and a half years. He brings over 20 years' experience in the hospitality and catering sector, working across a wide range of locations and sectors. During this time, he moved into training and development roles with hotel groups and a training provider, supporting professionals to gain qualifications and progress in their careers.

  Josh has a particular interest in SEND and is passionate about ensuring that all young people receive the right support, opportunities, and encouragement to achieve their full potential.

• Shirley Young
  LGB member (Staff)
  Shirley Young

  Shirley has worked in education for more than 25 years. She started her career teaching overseas in China and worked in business management for a time before returning to the classroom as an English teacher. She has worked in a range of secondary settings specialising in literacy and whole school curriculum projects. In her current role as Faculty Lead for English her focus is on developing the quality of adaptive teaching, working closely with the SEND department to ensure equity of education for all students. Promoting a love of reading and overcoming barriers for disadvantaged students is a consistent theme of her work.

  “I am passionate about working with families and the community to ensure that our school is the best that it can be. The school belongs to everyone; it can only be as good as the relationships and trust we have with our families.”

• Mike Baker
  LGB member
  Mike Baker

  Mike has worked in Higher Education alongside a career as a sports journalist for the past 30 years. He is currently an associate dean and programme leader of the BA (Hons) Journalism and Sports Journalism programmes at Plymouth Marjon University. His journalism journey took him from starting out at the Plymouth Herald, before making the move to The Guardian sports desk for the majority of his career, covering major sports events around the world alongside working as the night editor for the print edition. On returning to Devon he worked for a while on the Herald Express before becoming the sports editor of the Western Morning News and Western Daily Press, briefly transforming into a newsreader on BBC Radio Devon, and freelance writer for a wide range of publications and websites. His time at Marjon has included representing academic staff on the board of governors, leading a number of international and regional research and professional partnership projects, and working closely with a range of employers focusing on student employability and engagement. He has been a co-opted governor at Callington College and works in curriculum and assessment planning as an external examiner at a number of UK universities.

• Jon Ascot
  LGB member
  Jon Ascot

  Jon has worked in education for 25 years, with his career spanning mainstream schools, specialist education, SEND and post-16 provision. For 17 of those years he has held senior leadership positions, including 15 years as a headteacher and principal. Most recently, he spent five years as the founding principal of a specialist college, leading its development from its early stages into an established specialist provision.

  Having moved from full-time headship, Jon now runs his own education consultancy, drawing on that leadership experience to support schools, specialist providers and education organisations. His work includes strategic planning and school improvement, SEND and alternative provision, curriculum development, governance, financial and operational planning, and the establishment and development of new education provision.

  As a governor at Tavistock Community College, Jon is committed to ensuring every young person feels valued, included and able to achieve. His particular interests are inclusion, SEND, curriculum development and creating meaningful pathways into further education, employment and adult life.

  Jon believes strong schools are built on high expectations, positive relationships and genuine partnership with parents, carers and the wider community. He brings significant leadership experience alongside a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing education today, providing both support and constructive challenge as a governor.

• Sam Biggs
  LGB member (staff)
  Sam Biggs

  Samantha has worked in education for 19 years, starting as a curriculum Teaching Assistant based in the Religious Studies department. During her time as a Teaching Assistant, she has gained valuable experience and qualifications. She has gained an Open University Degree, HLTA status then went on to achieve a Diploma in Education and Learning, and lastly her QTS.

  Sam has developed a life skills course giving students valuable skills for their future. Sam currently works as an Assistant SENDCo at Tavistock College. Sam is driven to reduce the barriers young people face; to enable every student to have the most fulfilling education journey they can.