Governor Profiles

Peter Bailey 

Parent Governor

I am Peter, I became a Parent Governor here at Tidcombe in 2022, after observing LGB meetings throughout the year.

Becoming a Governor is something I have thought about since my eldest child joined Tidcombe, and I consider it a great opportunity to work with this wonderful primary school.

With two children in the school, I am passionate about their experience in education, and recognise how crucial this stage is for setting them up for the future. In my role I hope to work with the educators and support staff at the school, and wider trust, for the benefit of all of our attending children.

In my regular work I am a senior leader in software engineering for the games/entertainment industry, and in my spare time I enjoy being with my family, DIY, exercise, reading, and playing games (board or computer) with friends.

Mr Adam Evans

Headteacher

Adam joined Tidcombe as Headteacher in January 2023. He has BA (Hons) degree; before coming into education, he had experience of being a Housing Officer and working as a Business Manager for the Royal Bank of Scotland. He retrained in his mid 20’s completing a PGCE at Bath Spa University specialising in Maths. 

He worked as a teacher in KS2 and KS3 at Minehead Middle School for 9 years where he worked latterly as Head of Lower School. He became Head of Danesfield Middle School in April 2016, moving back to be Head of Minehead Middle School in September 2018. In April 2019 he also took on the role of Head of Minehead First School thus ensuring transition between the schools was embedded. 

He is very much aware of the responsibility that the staff and he have in ensuring that the highest standard of teaching and learning is achieved in a safe and nurturing environment.  

When he is not being a head teacher, being a father of 3 keeps him busy! He enjoys all sports but has a real passion for cricket and occasionally, when time allows it, turns out for Minehead Cricket Club.

Mr Steve Harding

Parent Governor

My name is Steve and I have recently become a parent Governor at Tidcombe. I have 2 children at the school, my son is in Year 5 and my daughter is in Year 1.

Becoming a Governor has been something I’ve wanted to do for a while so I jumped at the chance when the opportunity arose in the Spring. I’m looking forward to working with the Governing Board to build upon the great reputation the school has. My areas of interest are leadership and the wellness of staff and pupils.

In my spare time I like to watch as much sport as possible either on TV or at Exeter Chiefs, and still try to play cricket for Heathcoat at Knightshayes.

Father Richard Maudsley 

Director Appointed and Vice Chair

I am Fr Richard, Parish Priest at St Andrew’s church.  Tidcombe, along with Wilcombe and Blundell’s are in the parish.  My background is in education, having served as a headteacher in North London, Hertfordshire and Wiltshire before a job as an Education Officer brought me and my wife to Devon.  I am deeply committed to equal opportunities and family welfare in a difficult and challenging time for staff, pupils and parents.  I really enjoy just being in school, talking to the pupils and taking assemblies and listening to older pupils ask difficult questions about what is happening in the world.

Fr Richard 

Parish Priest 

St Andrews

Joanne Ridley

Staff Governor

My name is Joanne Ridley and I have been teaching at Tidcombe since 2016 as an NQT and have spent time working in year 5, year 3 and now year 4.  Prior to teaching I was a property lawyer in London and decided to make the change after becoming involved as a volunteer at my own children's school.  It was a decision I have never regretted.  In 2019, I had the opportunity to become the Maths Lead at Tidcombe and decided to become the Staff governor in July 2022.  When I am not busy with work, I enjoy being part of a local choir, reading and spending time with my family and friends.

Nigel Williams

Co-Opted

Appointed in April 2022 as a Co-Opted Governor, following attendance at the 3 previous Tidcombe Primary LGB Governor meetings.

I would like to support the school, at which our daughter will be attending for the next 6 years, with my time, professional commitment and any relevant transferable skills and experience gained from my extensive international career as a Chief Financial Officer.

Throughout my career I have been passionate about self-actualisation for my team and would like to pass this on, in a small way, for every child to receive the best support possible in the start to their educational journey. Primary school is the foundation for this where children first learn how to learn, before acquiring key skills of language and literacy, mathematics and numeracy, communication, and team work.

I also have a Masters of Business Administration (gained from Ashridge with distinction) and a BA (Hons).

An AFOL, I also enjoy gardening, cooking, well-being, and further travel.

Mrs Esme Willis

Parent Governor

My name is Esme and I have a daughter who started in Reception at Tidcombe in 2020. I work as a Purchasing Manager in Tiverton and have done so for the last 13 years and my husband is in the Royal Navy. The military life can be challenging and unpredictable at times, so a stable and positive school environment is important to us as a family. I’m hopeful that I can use both my professional and personal experiences as part of the Governing Board to help Tidcombe be a positive experience for the children, their families and the staff. 

In my spare time I enjoy cooking, watching rugby, walking with our dog and planning various house decor/renovation projects.

Mrs Yvonne Land

Clerk to the Governors

Having worked at Tidcombe Primary School for the last 28+ years, our Clerk to Governors has a wealth of experience and skill to bring to the board. She has had various roles within the school over the years, including a Mealtime Assistant and Teaching Assistant before stepping into her current position where she has looked after us for the past 25 years! She was also our Non Teaching Staff Governor for 16 years. Outside of school, Mrs Land has 6 grandchildren, is an avid rugby fan and enjoys playing crib for a local team as well as swimming and playing racquet ball as often as she can.