LSB (ID 1220)

• Victoria Mitchell
  Chair of LSB
  Victoria Mitchell

  I joined the Local Stakeholder Board (LSB) 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 Stakeholder 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 LSB drop-in sessions.

  Contact me on vmitchell@dmatschools.org.uk

• Ralph Crook
  Vice Chair of LSB
  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
  LSB 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
  LSB 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
  LSB 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
  LSB 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.”

Head Students (ID 1113)

• Eva
  Head Student
  Eva

  I am one of the head students here at Tavistock College, and I am proud to say I have chosen to study here at the college sixth form. I study A-level Psychology, Biology, Mathematics, and an EPQ. Although quite an academically rigorous choice of subjects, the sixth form has provided many other creative and supercurricular opportunities, such as taking part in the school show, as well as trips to London and New York. Tavistock College has enabled me to carry out the passion I have for my chosen subjects and has helped guide me with the next steps for my future. The subjects and opportunities don't just stop there – there is something here for everyone! The carefully constructed balance between academic guidance and independent work is key to the success of students. The smaller class sizes allow for deeper and more passionate conversations in class, as well as a more collaborative relationship with teachers.

  As one of the head students, I have the privilege of being part of the student leadership team, with responsibilities that include guiding our house system, which is key to the community atmosphere at Tavistock College. I also play an important role in promoting anti-bullying and mental health awareness, areas I am truly passionate about. I have thoroughly enjoyed representing the college, interacting with the whole school, and helping to create a college that we are all proud to be part of. This role has allowed me to grow in confidence through public speaking and to expand my people skills in many ways.

  The sixth form environment is one of friendship, community, and a place to make real memories and grow. The extensive network of support offered by tutors, peers, and teachers is the reason Tavistock Sixth Form is such a comforting and enriching environment. I can say my experience at sixth form at Tavistock College has been one I am incredibly grateful to have had — from the friendships I've developed to the academic value the school has helped me realise. I am confident that you will excel in whatever path you choose — but in my experience, I couldn't imagine myself anywhere but Tavistock College Sixth Form: a place where we are equipped for our futures.

• Seth
  Head Student
  Seth

  I am one of the head students at Tavistock College and I am currently studying maths, history and business studies. My time so far in the sixth form here at Tavistock College has been amazing. Whilst it took us a few weeks to prove ourselves worthy to leave site, once we were given our ID cards the extra freedom afforded to us has been beneficial as it has helped me to improve my organisational and timekeeping skills as well as learning to do tasks in the right order as opposed to the more fun things first. The smaller class sizes have also benefited me as it allows us to build a stronger relationship with each other and our teachers to develop further and learn more effectively. My tutor has also been extremely helpful throughout my Sixth Form journey from careers advice to helping sort out work experience as well as constantly being there for us if we ever need them and helping with any quandaries we may have.

  Alongside my studies, I have been able to do many things including: A ski trip to Canada, being an Anti-Bullying Ambassador, being a House Captain and now a Head Student. These have been beneficial as I was able to bond with my peers whilst skiing and then help out many other students through my various other roles. Anti-Bullying is something that resonates strongly with me and my desire is to help make Tavistock college a better place, free from bullying, a place where students feel safe and happy attending. If I were to describe the Sixth Form here at Tavistock College in three words it would be friendly, enjoyable and fruitful. I have really enjoyed my time here, be it through playing table tennis with year 13 (they aren't as scary as you think) or achieving desirable accolades such as helping younger students through my House Captain role.