Queen Elizabeth’s School

Our Trust of Schools

Dan Boxall-Simpson

Chair of Governors (Co-opted)

Co-opted Governor and Chair.

I am proud to be the Chair of Governors for QE School. I rejoined the LGB in December 2025 after an 18 month break to focus in setting up a Social Enterprise. I was previously a governor between 2021 & 2024. I am the link governor for Careers.

I am a foster parent for the local authority and a Special Guardian to siblings with my husband. We have had young people go through QE as we live on the outskirts of Crediton. Our children are at a local primary school. My career path has been varied, completing my education in the North East of England, heading straight into retail, retail management, and into finance/banking roles which led me on relocation-journeys around the UK, eventually settling in Devon nearly 20 years ago. I have previously been self employed in the hospitality sector for approximately 15 years, though over more recent years have pursued a career path into social care. I’m now the founder of a community interest company that supports vulnerable young people and those that support them in the Southwest. As part of the organisation, I led on an OFSTED application to register a new not-for-profit fostering service based in Crediton in 2025. I am passionate about supporting children to having positive opportunities and better outcomes by using an empathic and collaborative, trauma-informed approach.

In my ’spare time’ I enjoy the outdoors, running, gardening/landscaping and fundraising activities. Those that know me well would say I'm usually the prankster of the group, enjoying plenty of humour across both work and play.

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.

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

Vice-Chair / 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.

Jamie Engineer

Trust Link Governor

Jamie is the Link Governor for Careers and SEND

Jamie has been part of the TWT since 2022 on the Future Headteacher programme. He has worked as a deputy headteacher at Isca Academy and All Saints Academy and started as Head of School at West Exe in September 2025. Jamie trained to teach with Teach First and taught English for five years in Torquay before joining the trust.

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.

Sam Weeks

Co-opted Governor

Co-opted Governor Vacancy

From a Local School

Co-opted Governor Vacancy

From a Further or Higher Education Establishment

Co-opted Governor Vacancy

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