Meet the Governors

Our Trust of Schools

Jason Hill

Chair of Governors

I’m Jason Hill and I’ve been involved with Exmouth Community College as a governor since 2021. I have served as Chair of Governors since 2023, working closely with the Headteacher, Local Governing Board and the Trust to provide effective oversight and support the long-term direction of the College.

I originally come from the West Midlands and studied at De Montfort University in Leicester. I’ve worked in the information technology, software development and digital consulting sector for over 30 years, across a mix of technical, leadership and operational roles, including time spent living and working overseas.

I now work in a senior leadership role within the technology sector, with a focus on software development, advisory consulting, people leadership and business operations across a range of organisations.

I moved to Exmouth with my family in 2019. Outside of work, I enjoy running, cycling and spending time on the water on my paddleboard.

Tom Inman

Headteacher

Tom has been Headteacher at ECC since September 2023. Prior to that he was Headteacher at Gordano School in Portishead, near Bristol, for five years. Tom also spent a year as Strategic Lead for Secondary Schools for the Lighthouse Schools Partnership Trust and has acted as School Improvement Partner for a number of schools in Somerset.

Leigh Withers

Trust Link Governor

Leigh is currently Director of School Improvement for the Ted Wragg Trust having previously been a successful Headteacher at a secondary school in Plymouth. Having also worked as a senior leader across schools in Exeter and Torbay, Leigh is passionate about improving the life chances of all children across Devon.

Clare Babbage

Co-opted Governor

Darren Evans

Co-opted Governor

I am really pleased to be appointed as a Governor at Exmouth Community College. I have worked within Education for over 25 years and my passion for ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to achieve is my main focus.

I started my teaching career as a Physical Education Teacher in West Sussex and swiftly moved to Head of PE along with a pastoral leadership role. Moving back to Devon 20 years ago I have worked in a number of Colleges in a variety of Teaching and Leadership roles.

My current role is the Head of Bicton College where I lead the curriculum teams and the day to day operations of a large Further Education College.

In my spare time I like to keep active with my family and am a keen runner, completing many half marathons and also the London Marathon.

Nigel Fletcher

Co-opted Governor

I am very pleased to have been appointed to the Governing Board as a Community Governor in December 2023.

I attended Exmouth Community College in the 1980s completing my A Levels in 1990, followed by a degree at the University of Leeds. My career has been in the retail sector for over 30 years, and I currently own and operate a fuels retail business across the south-west.

I am committed to positively contributing to the College, where my two daughters are current students.

Liz Lee

Co-opted Governor

I am Elizabeth Lee and I am privileged to be a Community Governor at ECC.

For over 25 years I have served in this role, with 17 of those being as Chair of the Governing Board, which has meant that I have worked with alongside 4 different headteachers. So, hopefully among other attributes, which I think I bring to the Board, is a great deal of experience of our College.

I feel passionate about comprehensive education. I take advantage of every opportunity to update my skills and keep abreast of new initiatives, both local and national.

My background is local business which I retired from a few years ago. I try to keep fit, I have run marathons and half marathons raising money for both local and national charities. Lately, I tend to visit the gym more and am currently wrestling with the sport of golf.

Amber White

Staff Governor

I was delighted to be appointed to the Board of Governors at Exmouth Community College as a Staff Governor in October, 2023.

I was previously a student at the College and will eventually be a parent of a year seven student in the September of 2027. I have worked at the College for nearly 7 years and work in the Pastoral and Inclusion team, with responsibilities in many areas, for example: Alternative Provision, Whole School Behaviour admin, Attendance, Rewards evenings and Year 11 Prom.

I feel I have insight from multiple points of view on a variety of topics and am keen to lend a hand in any way that will collectively, with the other governors, improve the education and wellbeing for the young people of our community. Exmouth is a special place to me, and I wish to help make it a special place for the next generation.

Claire Fegan

Parent Governor

I am a Parent Governor at Exmouth Community College, having been elected in October 2022. My eldest son is in Year 7 and my youngest will follow in a few years time. I have been really impressed with my interactions with the college so far and look forward to being part of its future moving forward. I am the Link Governor for Happy Days Nursery and the REACH centre.

I gained a BSc in Psychology from the University of Cardiff and then completed a PGCE in primary teaching at Bath Spa. I was a primary teacher then deputy head in Bath, and became a designated Specialist Leader of Education, supporting other local schools with English, maths and curriculum work. During this time, I was a staff governor for my school.

In September 2016, I became Head of School at Sidmouth Primary and relocated with my family to Devon. Since September 2022, I have been a School Improvement Officer for First Federation Trust, working across a family of 20 schools in Devon and Dorset to offer challenge and support to ensure children get the very best education. It is this experience I hope to bring to the role of governor. I am currently completing a Masters in Education Leadership and Management.

Joanne Rotchell

Parent Governor

I was delighted to be appointed as a Parent Governor in December 2025. I grew up in Exmouth and studied at the University of Southampton before returning to Devon to join Devon and Cornwall Police in 2000.

I have worked as a detective for over 20 years in a range of roles and am currently a Detective Inspector in Major Crime. My career has involved extensive partnership working and has given me significant experience in safeguarding, protecting vulnerable people and leading complex investigations.

As a parent of two daughters who attend the college, I am passionate about championing the school and our community. As a governor, I hope to use my professional experience and insight to support the strategic direction and oversight of the school, constructively challenge its leaders and ensure that all students are given the best possible opportunity to thrive.

Outside work, I enjoy travelling, festivals, camping and paddle boarding with my family.