Queen Elizabeth’s School

Our Trust of Schools

Keith Baker

Chair/Co-opted Governor

I was educated at Ashburton Comprehensive School (now South Dartmoor) following which I entered into an apprenticeship and trained as a precision engineer. Currently I am a Watch Manager with Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service having served for 36 years and am based on a watch at one of our Wholetime fire stations in Exeter.

I am a former chair of governors and have been a governor at Queen Elizabeth's school for 16 years.

I am the link governor for Health & Safety and am able to provide support and advice to our premises team when called upon drawing on my 30 years of experience in Health & safety, Risk assessment and Fire Risk Assessment. I am passionate about providing the best support I can to the principal and staff. Three of our children attended QE and so I know the school well from both sides. Outside of school and my job, I am a member of the school's training team for the Ten Tors event on Dartmoor, am a DofE Expedition assessor and a keen marathon runner. all of which keep me busy.

Paula Smith

Headteacher / Ex Officio

Paula Smith is the Headteacher of Queen Elizabeth's School. Paula was the Head of Sixth Form at QE for eight years and has held various posts including Assistant Headteacher for Teaching and Learning and Deputy Headteacher for Quality of Education.

Julio Andrade

Co-opted Governor

Julio Andrade is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of Exeter and recently joined the governing body of Queens Elizabeth's School. He has two children and one of them attends another Ted Wragg Multi-Academy school in Exeter.

As an academic, he is interested in researching and teaching mathematics and other related areas, with a focus on the inquiry-based (deductive) approach to teaching mathematics and other subjects.

His interests are in reading, mathematics, theology, and philosophy and how creativity can be used as a tool in teaching the school science curriculum.

Mark Baptist

Staff Governor

I am a Staff Governor on the Governing Body. I’m originally from Gateshead and moved to Exeter to take Archaeology at Exeter University in 2000. I have been at QE for 16 years and have taught an array of subjects including Maths, Economics, Citizenship, Geography, History and RE. I am currently teaching Business Studies and Personal Development. I have been a Head of Year since March 2021, I am a member of QE’s Staff Council and I am the NEU Rep. Outside of school, I enjoy the great outdoors and take our springer spaniel Bruno for long walks around Devon. I am very proud to be a Staff Governor and to act as liaise between the staff and governing bodies.

Matt Bartlett

Co-opted Governor

Matt is the Link Governor for Disadvantaged

Matt grew up in Ivybridge, near Plymouth, and studied A-Levels in Politics, Economics, and Mathematics at Ivybridge Community College before going on to read Economics at the University of Exeter. Alongside his studies, he works as a tutor for GCSE and A-Level Mathematics, a role he finds deeply rewarding as he enjoys helping students develop their confidence and thrive in the subject.

He joined the Governing Body at Queen Elizabeth’s in October 2024. Matt is passionate about promoting Student Voice and is committed to ensuring that every student feels a genuine sense of ‘belonging’ at QE. As the Link Governor for Disadvantaged Students, Matt believes every student deserves an equitable access to education and is committed to breaking down the barriers to educational opportunities.

Outside of this, Matt is a keen swimmer and particularly enjoys sea swimming during the warmer months.

Denis Casey

Vice-Chair/Co-opted Governor

Denis started life as an Electrical and Electronics Engineer working in the Ministry of Defence, and in the defence industry. He then worked in mainstream Management Consultancy for a number of years, traveling extensively around four continents. In the 1980s Denis was a founder and owner of an innovative lighting business, established to design, supply and install lighting schemes for museums, galleries, theatres, offices, and private homes throughout Europe, the USA and the Middle East.

Denis’s first attempt at retirement was entirely unsuccessful. Returning to the UK he retrained as an Independent Mental Health Advocate, and worked for a local charity running an advocacy service across three counties for ten years. A second attempt at retirement four years ago was more successful.

Denis spent two years as a governor at Sarum Academy, part of the Wiltshire based Magna Learning Partnership MAT. He was then Chair of Trafalgar AGC for three years from 2020 to 2023, staying on as a governor since then. He is also a governor at Old Sarum Primary School, and is Secretary and a trustee of the Salisbury Men's Shed Association.

Jamie Engineer

Trust Link Governor

Jamie is the Link Governor for Careers and SEND

Coming Soon

Diane Evely

Parent Governor

Diane is the Link Governor for Safeguarding

I joined the governing board in January 2024 as a Parent Governor and Safeguarding Link Governor. I am also a Governor at a local primary school. I was educated here at Queen Elizabeth's, then at Exeter College and gained a degree in Early childhood studies at Plymouth University. I have worked in the Education sector for more than 24 years. Primarily, in the Early Years, where I was a Nursery Manager. I currently work as a lecturer and assessor in Further Education within the Childcare and Education sector. I have two boys, one of whom attends QE and one to start in the next academic year.

I have a particular interest in safeguarding, SEND and student well-being. I am committed to using my expertise and experience to raise standards in education to ensure all pupils have access to experience the best learning environment. Thus, will ensure they flourish and become confident, resilient and lifelong learners.

Judith Harris

Parent Governor

Judith is the Link Governor for Attendance

I was elected as a Parent Governor in March 2025. I have twins in Year 7 at QE. I am the School Business Manager at Landscore Primary School and have been involved with the Governing Body there for the last 10 years.

I grew up locally and graduated from Lancaster University with an undergraduate degree in History and Geography and a MSc in European Environmental Management. I then worked in the environmental conservation and community development sectors in the North West and West Midlands before returning to Devon in 2014.

I am a volunteer Guide Leader with Girlguiding Crediton, running weekly sessions for 10-14 year olds in the town, this combined with my employment mean I can offer valuable skills and perspectives. I am passionate about education and look forward to the opportunity to make a positive impact on the school community.

Co-opted Governor Vacancy

From the community

Co-opted Governor Vacancy

From a Local School

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