Our Governors

Suzie Ottewell

In her role as Headteacher for St Matthew's, Suzie is also part of the governing body. She works closely with all of the governors through school visits and at our termly meetings.

Jacklyn Barry

Chair to the Governors

First as an elected parent governor and now as a foundation governor, Jacklyn (known as Jackie) has been a member of Saint Matthew’s local governing board since 2019. She is an experienced teacher, lecturer in education, mentor to training teachers and she has recently earned her doctorate which focussed upon the impact of evidence-based practice on teachers’ pedagogies. She uses this expertise to hold leaders to account, ensuring that our school’s strategic priorities are maintained and that all our pupils are able to let their light shine.

Sally Eales

Vice-Chair to the Governors

Sally is a foundation governor and has been involved with the school since before it was even built! It's been great to see the development over the years and a privilege to work with such committed staff and enthusiastic pupils. She has recently retired after working for 20 years at Marjon where she worked in training primary school teachers. Prior to that she was a teacher in primary schools in Devon for almost 18 years. She is interested in all aspects of school life but particularly passionate about English and reading. She lives in Derriford and loves walking on the moor and coast, gardening, swimming and reading! 

Justin Bailey

Justin has a son and daughter who currently attend the school, and he joined the board of governors to help the school to be the best possible environment for his own children and all the other children who are attending now, and will be attending in the future.

His aim as a governor is to be an effective bridge between the parent body and the school. He wants to be able to represent not only the wishes and objectives of the parents, but also their concerns, fears and frustrations and help the school achieve sensible, realistic and pragmatic outcomes.

In his professional life, he works as Head of Programmes at Taking Care, part of AXA Health. They help support around 110,000 elderly and vulnerable adults across the country with technology enabled health and well-being solutions. His role within the business is to manage strategic implementation and the various programmes of change, skills that he can transfer to his role as a governor.

You’ll see him on the school run regularly, and he is always happy to stop and chat, or make time to discuss anything specific that’s on your mind.

Katie Howell-Head

Katie has recently joined the board of governors as the Military Lead. Having served within HM Royal Navy and now working within the MOD, Katie’s role is to provide sound and current advice to the board, ensuring that the school remain up to date with information and knowledge which is relatable to the Forces Children within St. Matthew's.

Nisha John

Nisha offered to volunteer her time as a parent governor as she wanted to be more involved in the school that her children love. 

She is the link-governor for the SEND provision at St Matthew's and this year has taken on Reading at Key Stage 2 as well, meeting with the staff who have these areas of responsibility within school. She truly admires the dedication and commitment of the teachers she interacts with and is looking forward to being part of the school's progress in the coming years.

Prior to becoming a full time mum, she worked in the banking, retail and public relations sectors.

Lucy Babb

Lucy has been elected by the staff at St Matthew's to be the staff governor for St Matthew's.