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Our Trust of Schools

Meet the Governors

Please see below our wonderful Local Governing Body. 

  • Lance Chatfield

    Chair of Governors

  • Roger Williams

    Co-opted Governor

  • Aaron Meredith

    Co-opted Governor

  • Pat Patel

    Co-opted Governor

  • Annette Codner

    Staff Governor

  • Nicky Henderson

    Co-opted Governor

  • Jen Brimming

    Principal

    Lance Chatfield

    Chair of Governors

    Lance is a distinguished leader recognised for his exceptional track record spanning over 25 years, encompassing personnel management, project oversight, departmental leadership, and executive roles. Over the past 18 years, Lance has dedicated his expertise to the field of education. Before his tenure in education, Lance excelled as an electrical engineer, operating on an international scale with a team that stretched across Europe and Asia.

    In his capacity as the Chair of Governors at Marine Academy Plymouth, Lance undertakes the dual responsibility of supporting and challenging the school's leadership team. His focus lies in ensuring continual enhancement, aiming for the school to achieve top-tier performance and evolve into one of the most distinguished educational institutions in the UK

    Roger Williams

    Co-opted Governor

    I am a retired lecturer from City College Plymouth where I started off lecturing in business studies and then switched to teaching maths for the last ten years
    I now run a project where I do free maths tuition in return for a donation to the Plymouth foodbank.
    I have served on several governance bodies for Plymouth schools and have specialised in both curriculum and human management.
    I love to play bridge and suffer from following Cardiff City as they struggle due to the fact I hail from the Welsh Valleys.

    Aaron Meredith

    Co-opted Governor

    Aaron, CEO of The Inspire Multi Academy Trust (South West) and Executive Headteacher of Ernesettle Community School and Tor Bridge Primary School, was originally appointed when Ernesettle Community School was deemed to be requiring special measures in May 2010. Within 18 months, the school was graded as ‘Good with Outstanding features’ by Ofsted and in 2019, graded as ‘Outstanding’. In April 2013, Aaron was seconded to part time for two years to open Devon’s first primary free school, Marine Academy Primary; the academy became the south west’s first ‘Outstanding’ free school in June 2015. Aaron was designated as a National Leader in Education (NLE) in 2018 and when the trust sponsored Tor Bridge School in 2021, it consequently became one of only three schools in the South West region to ever achieve moving from Special Measures to Outstanding in its next inspection.

    Pat Patel

    Co-opted Governor

    After a career spanning 25 years in the Royal Navy I began my live as a civilian in Barne Barton becoming a community activist, I have overseen many changes and improvements to the area which was once known as “little Beirut”. I have raised funds which has enabled my community to acquire four large buildings which help to sustain community activities on the estate.

    I was elected as a councillor for St Budeaux Ward in 1921 being given cabinet responsibilities for Customer Service, Culture, Leisure and Sport. I have much knowledge and experience to support the school, the staff, parents and children.

    Annette Codner

    Staff Governor

    Nicky Henderson

    Co-opted Governor

    Jen Brimming

    Principal