Meet our Governors

Our Trust of Schools

Ann Denner

Chair of Governors

Ann has been involved in governance in Devon for more than 20 years, serving on infant, primary, federation, secondary and Multi Academy Trust Boards. Ann is passionate about ensuring education is not a postcode lottery and that children and young people are able to attend school in their local community and can thrive, flourish and succeed.

Ann currently serves on two local governing boards within the Ted Wragg Trust and on the board of a primary Multi Academy Trust in Devon and believes it is a privilege to be involved in young people’s education by supporting and challenging schools in being ambitious for all their students.

Ann also works as a governance professional in a number of East Devon schools, as well as working with the schools that make up the Honiton Learning Community.

Caroline Brothwood

Principal / Ex Officio

Born and raised in the Midlands, Caroline completed a degree in Wales before beginning a teaching career in London. After several successful years in the capital, Caroline moved to Devon, where they became a valued member of an Exeter school community for 15 years. They now bring this wealth of experience to Honiton, continuing a lifelong commitment to excellence in education.

Caroline is deeply passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of young people and families within the community, driven by a strong belief in the power of education to transform lives. With a keen interest in Science and the Natural World, Caroline is an enthusiastic advocate for curiosity, learning, and environmental awareness.

Outside of school, Caroline enjoys spending time with family, including two teenage boys and two lively beagles, who ensure there is never a dull moment.

Debbie Stuart

Co-opted Governor

Debbie is the Link Governor for SEND

I taught in Kenya for three and a half years before returning to the UK in 1990. I spent the next nine years teaching Chemistry, Maths and other subjects as Head of Careers and PSHE at a Comprehensive School in Reading. I enjoyed sports, played hockey, and I also did voluntary work. I moved to Cheltenham in 1999 when I married Ian and taught for the next nineteen years at a school in Gloucester. I organised the staff Triathlon team and continued to enjoy cycling with our 3 children in tow on our tandem or triplet bike, covering many miles.

In 2018 we decided as a family to move to Devon and the youngest started HCC in year 10. I have been very happy in my teaching career and fortunate to teach so many amazing and inspiring students over the years. I have loved my job and continue to do supply teaching. I also attend Spanish lessons, classes at Honiton LED and am learning to play the piano.

I joined HCC as a Parent Governor in December 2019; I was Chair of the Quality of Education Committee, Vice-Chair of Pay and Performance Committees and am currently the Link Governor for SEND. I am excited for the future and look forward to becoming more involved with HCC.

Kathy Neve

Co-opted Governor

Kathy is the Link Governor for Careers

I am fortunate enough to have had several careers, first spending five years travelling the world as a dancer, singer and actress, and then going to Oxford University to study Mandarin Chinese amongst other languages. This was followed by a further five years working in the City of London for merchant banks and management consultancies, looking after their PR and marketing strategies. After my marriage, my husband and I moved to Devon, and with a young family to consider I decided to train as a teacher. I worked in Exeter for many years, teaching French, German, Spanish and Mandarin. I was appointed Head of Enterprise Education, and was later appointed to the role of Head of Careers and Work Related Learning. I left teaching in 2015 and worked for two years as Activities Manager in a specialist dementia care home before taking retirement.

Our two boys are now grown up and are busily pursuing their very different careers. I spend my time volunteering at the vaccination centre in Exeter and have served for many years on the civilian committee of the Honiton Air Cadet squadron. Any spare time I have is devoted to gardening, supporting the local cafés with a book in tow, and planning the next travel adventure on my list.

I am currently on the Quality of Education Committee. I am the Link Governor for Careers and I am the Duke of Edinburgh Verifier for the College.

James Bass

Trust Appointed Staff Governor

I grew up in Torbay and have always loved being outdoors, from sailing, swimming and kayaking along the South Devon coast to hiking, cycling and running on the moors. Devon is a truly special place and I feel incredibly lucky to call it home.

After studying Marine Geography at Cardiff University, I completed a Master of Science at the University of Liverpool. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for education and began my journey into teaching.

I spent four years working in Plymouth as a Head of Year and then SENDCo, where I had the privilege of being part of the transformational journey at Marine Academy Plymouth. In 2023 I joined Isca Academy for a new challenge as a Senior Leader and am currently Deputy Head for Attendance, Safeguarding, SEND & Behaviour. I absolutely love my job, especially the opportunity to work at Isca, where I feel incredibly proud to be part of such a dedicated, values driven team. Working with our young people, families and community is what I enjoy most and every day I feel fortunate to play a role in shaping their futures.

I am passionate about education and committed to ensuring that every student feels seen, supported and able to succeed. Joining the Honiton Community College Governance team is a wonderful opportunity to extend that passion even further. I am excited to help ensure that all students leave HCC as confident, ambitious and successful individuals, ready to engage with the world of tomorrow.

Lynsey Lawrence

Parent Governor

Lynsey is the Link Governor for Attendance

I joined the Governing body as a Parent Governor in May 2023.

I have lived in Honiton since 2007 and was born and raised in Devon. I have 2 children currently attending Honiton Community College. My eldest daughter is studying A levels at Exeter College having completed her journey through HCC in 2024.

I am a qualified Project Manager with experience of delivering a variety of projects in the private and public sectors. In my current role I support the digital services accessed by the public and industry to prepare for extreme weather events and stay safe.

Prior to joining HCC’s Local Governing Body I served as a Governor at a local Primary Academy for two years. I am keen to play my part to enable all students to reach their full potential during their time at Honiton Community College.

Martyn Brake

Parent Governor

Martyn is the Link Governor for Disadvantaged inc. Pupil Premium

Since graduating I have held various roles within the field of IT and I now work at the University of Exeter supporting researchers with their IT requirements. I really enjoy the variety from working in higher education and research.

I joined the Governing Body in 2021 as a Parent Governor. I appreciate the opportunity to support the college in any way possible.

Samuel Sanders

Co-opted Governor

Having grown-up in the nearby village of Alfington, I have a long personal association with both Honiton and the Community College. My father was Head of Mathematics at the college for over twenty years, and I now spend much of my free time in Honiton supporting my two daughters as they train and compete for Honiton Gymnastics Club.

As the only ‘non-teacher’ in an extended teaching household (grandmother, both parents, aunt, uncle, brother, sister-in-law and god parents), I have a deep passion for supporting and promoting the inclusivity, learning gain, social mobility and enhanced life chances that education can offer, and am keen to put my personal skills and experience to good use to support both the school and local community.

Professionally, I am the lead partner for KPMG’s Education Advisory practice in the UK and sit on the firm's global Education Executive. I have nearly 25 years of experience working across various aspects of the public sector in the UK, Australia, east Asia and central America, most recently in the devolved government space. In this capacity I oversee the firm’s advisory and assurance work across DfE, K12 and Tertiary Education.

Sarah Nicholas

Co-opted Governor

Sarah is the Link Governor for Safeguarding

As an education practitioner, I have spent 30 years in Devon Primary Schools shaping and growing the adults of the future. My career has seen me teach across all age ranges from the Early Years through to Year 6. I am now a Deputy Head of a large primary school in East Devon.

As a qualified SENDCo, Pupil Premium Lead and DDSL, I have a passion for fostering inclusive environments where all children receive the support, care and education that they need to thrive. As the Inclusion lead, I work to create tailored strategies that promote equal opportunities for every child ensuring the best outcomes for individuals.

In addition to my work regarding outcomes for children, I am also actively involved in coaching and mentoring within our school setting, working alongside our Early Career teachers supporting their development as class teachers and leaders of the future and as a lead mentor for trainee teachers.

Ian Wallace

From a Higher or Further Education Provider

Ian Wallace is Head of Faculty for Information Technology, Digital and Data at Exeter College, where he leads courses from Levels 2 to 6 across areas including Cyber Security, Data Analytics, Software Development and Esports. With over 16 years' experience in further education, he is passionate about helping young people develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in higher education and employment.

Ian has played a leading role in the development of T Levels, Higher Technical Qualifications and Higher Education programmes, working closely with employers and universities to ensure students gain industry-relevant skills and experience.

He brings valuable governance experience, having previously served as both a Governor and Chair of Governors at a local feeder primary school.

As a parent of three children who have attended, currently attend, or will shortly attend Honiton Community College, Ian has a genuine interest in supporting the continued success of the school and its wider community.

Outside of work, Ian is an active dinghy sailor and has been involved with Lyme Regis Sailing Club for over 35 years.

Nicola Turner

Staff Governor

Information coming soon

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