Meet the Governors

Gill Quantrell – Co-opted

I’m Gill Quantrell, I was a teacher for 27 years and worked in a variety of primary schools across all age ranges. My last teaching post was at Decoy Primary where I worked as a class teacher and the EYFS lead from 2007-2019. I now work as a Curriculum Developer and Early Years Consultant for Cornerstones Education. I joined the governing board in December 2019, so I can continue to support the school community that is so special to me.

Kate Eames – Co-opted Governor

I started primary teaching in 1999 and left my last school in July 2019. During that time, I have led many areas of curriculum, including maths, music, PSHE and the humanities, and taught in all year groups. I have also been a school SENDCO, and my last post was as Head of School in a small federation. Alongside teaching in the school, I have also worked with the Devon maths team as a lead maths teacher and have trained and worked as a Primary Mastery Specialist leading work groups to develop teachers’ subject and pedagogical understanding of teaching for mastery in mathematics. One of my current roles is as part of the Jurassic Maths Hub primary leadership team covering much of Devon and Dorset, visiting schools and supporting maths development. I have a strong belief in allowing children access to an equitable classroom, where they all play a part.

Sandra Cartwright - Co-opted Governor (Co Vice Chair of Governing Body)

Born in Cornwall, and educated at the local Girls Grammar School, I began work at a high street bank. Having met my future husband at school, we married in 1978 and in 1981 moved to Dorset, following his transfer within the same bank. We lived and worked there for nine years, and had our first two children, our youngest son being born in Torbay in 1990 following another bank move to Teignmouth. During this time, I had begun studying with the Open University, finally completing my degree in 1998, whilst continuing to work in the bank. In 1999 I was accepted by St Luke’s in Exeter to do my PGCE training, fulfilling a long held ambition to be a teacher, and qualifying the following year. After a period of short term supply contracts, I arrived at Decoy in May 2001 for a maternity cover in Year 3, followed by a permanent appointment in Year 5 in September of the same year, and I resolved never to leave. It has been a real privilege to be part of such an amazing school community - as class teacher, including a period as part of the Senior Leadership Team, and now as Governor.

Simon Barnes - Co-opted Governor (Chair of Governing Body)

I serve on the Learning and Wellbeing committee and my special interest is in how we help disadvantaged children and the library.

I was originally appointed as a parent governor. When my term of office expired I was co-opted by the governing board.

My background is in law and local government.

Paul Evemy – Local Authority Governor (Chair of LW Committee and Co Vice Chair of Governing Body)

I have been the Local Authority Governor at Decoy School for the past eleven years and am currently Chair of the Learning and Wellbeing Committee. I hold degrees in the biological sciences and a PGCE.

During a long career with the BBC, I worked as a technician on a wide range of programme output, as a line manager and finally lecturer in film and video.

I put my teacher training to good use when I moved to Devon and was fortunate enough to work as a Lecturer at South Devon College for a number of years. My wife was a teacher and my family also work in the education sector.

The Decoy School community is wonderful, it has a dedicated staff and leadership team, supportive parents and talented children who love their school and want to learn. Our aim as governors is to work with the Head and other members of staff to fulfill Decoy School’s aims and values. It has been a real privilege to serve here as one of your governors.

Ruth Shoare – Parent Governor

I am a new Parent Governor at Decoy Primary School, since the beginning of 2021. My daughter started in Reception September 2020, and I wanted to help the school to be the best it can, and support our children to achieve their full potential. I hope to support the school to create an environment where each child develops confidence, can excel creatively, socially and academically and where each child feels valued.

I feel very fortunate in the education opportunities that I have had which have encouraged me to pursue a career in medicine and an interest in music. As a Doctor, I am familiar with reviewing and appraising things and supporting people and hope to utilise these skills in supporting the fellow governors as much as I am able. My job entails continually updating my knowledge and skills and so does being part of the Business Management Committee, a challenging but worthwhile experience. Outside of these roles I am a top chef, expert photographer, dancing diva, singer, talented musician, rambler, parrot whisperer, a ‘les mills’ expert – to my family and friends anyway!!! Growing up I enjoyed playing in orchestras, singing in bands, dancing in shows and breeding parrots. Now all grown up with children, I mostly enjoy spending time with them when I have time to escape and enjoy exercise for some light relief! Since Covid I have taken more of an interest in cooking more healthily and capturing memorable moments with photography.

I hope my enthusiasm and passion for life in general, will be a positive influence for my role as a governor.

Andrew McKenzie - Parent Governor (Chair of BM Committee)

I am a recently appointed Parent Governor at Decoy Primary School having joined in October 2021. My daughter, niece and nephew all attend the school, as did my wife and her brother some 30 years ago!

With a career background in local government and most recently as a Town Clerk I am all too aware of the pressures faced by public sector organisations which can have such a big impact on all those who work in them, and not least those who stand to benefit the most from them – our kids! In the short time I’ve been a Governor I have developed a newfound respect for all school staff with the volume of benchmarking, analysing, planning, and delivering they have to do, not to mention the sheer knowledge they have to possess – it certainly has reassured me as a parent that our children are benefitting from great teaching at Decoy and I certainly hope I can do my bit to help ensure that continues in the years to come.

Kay Dicken – Associate Member

I am an experienced School Business Manager in both a maintained school and an academy. I attend the Business Management Committee Meetings in my role as an Associate Governor.