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Governing Board

Introduction to the governing body 2022/23

Welcome to the Governors information page.  There are currently 11 Governors, which represent our communities across both schools in the Federation.  The Board of Governors role is strategic and our focus is school improvement.  If you would like to know more about the Board of Governors or attend any of its meetings please contact the chair of governors to discuss.

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Dianne Goodwin – Clerk to Governors

As Clerk to the Governors, my main role is to prepare Agendas for meetings and taking minutes of meetings but I also provide advice and guidance to the Governors to help them carry out their duties effectively.

I have a long standing interest in Education having previously worked as a Maths teacher in a large comprehensive school in West Yorkshire. I then decided to change direction and joined the Civil Service however my interest in Education revived following the birth of my son as I wanted to try and ensure that he and his friends received the best possible education. I have worked as Clerk in a number of schools in Exeter over the last ten years and I want to try and help governors as they work to ensure all the children receive the best help and support whilst they are part of the Federation.


Tanya Cox  - Co-opted Governor

l became a Governor at Marpool School in 2017. I live in Exmouth with my husband & our two adult children. In 2016 I finished my employment of 17 years with DCC working within Children & Families Child Protection Services. I worked in many roles & positions from running drop-in centres and community family support/intervention work to managing Family Intervention Teams across Exeter, East & Mid Devon. This had led me to link in with other organisations & professionals, such as Marpool where a colleague and I successfully ran Parenting programmes. Now a self employed Therapist, I enjoy being part of the local community and appreciate the opportunity to help shape the future for Marpool and future generations of young people.


Rachel Pattison- Executive Headteacher


I am the Executive Headteacher of Exe Estuary Federation with over 15 years of experience in headship. In that time I have enjoyed creating a range of opportunities to engage in meaningful collaboration and partnership with others in order to enhance and deliver excellent outcomes for children. I have a deep understanding of how professional dialogue, training and challenge can engage all stakeholders in a genuine and authentic way.

I am passionate about all children having a sense of self worth and an aspiration to achieve. I balance my love for learning with the children in all the schools in the Federation alongside a thriving and happy family life. I continue to strive for the very best for our community and all those I come in contact with.

Outside of school I love to stay active and enjoy cycling and exploring Devon.


Jess Herbert - Co-opted

I am a Chartered Accountant with over 10 years’ experience of auditing and providing financial advice to the education sector. I want to put my skills to good use by supporting the local community.

I am keen to learn more about the federation and see being a governor as a very exciting opportunity to help towards the future success of the schools and help the federation be the best it can be.

I have 2 children who attend Clyst Heath primary school and in my spare time enjoy being outdoors walking, paddle boarding and exploring beautiful Devon with my family.



Lyndon Keywood  - Co-opted

I have been associated with Marpool for some 26 years starting when my two sons attended the school. During this time, I served on the MSA committee and later as a parent governor. I am now a co-opted governor working on the Resources committee. Having retired from financial services my aim is to ensure all our children receive the best possible start to their education so that they can go

on to achieve their full potential. I can often be found in and around the school supporting various school trips, the football teams or driving the school minibus. In my spare time I enjoy keeping my classic triumph on the road, attending car shows and motor sports events.



Tina Tapp  - Co-opted

I have been a teacher for over 25 years and have particularly relished being a specialist reading teacher. I really enjoy being a governor and have a strong interest in reading at school. I would like all of our children to read with fluency and enjoyment.

At home I like to garden and I am learning how to make good compost. I love to read books, newspapers and interesting articles. I enjoy a good “binge” watch on tv. I also like to meet my friends and walk along our beautiful Exe Estuary.


Liz Threlfall - Associate Governor

I love being part of our Marpool school community, having worked at the school for several years. I have been part of its growth and progress towards securing good outcomes for all of our children. We are really fortunate to have such a dedicated team of professional people supporting all aspects of our school and I feel lucky to be part of this. When I am not at work I love nothing more than a good stomp down the beach with my dog, spending time with my lovely children and learning my next yoga move!

Sue Keatt- Associate Governors

I originally became a parent governor at Countess Wear Community School in 2006 when my son was a pupil in year 1 as I was interested in finding out more about the school and his education.

I am a retired police officer and during my 30 years’ service with the Devon & Cornwall Police I worked in school’s liaison and in areas of training and assessment which included equality & diversity.

I am passionate about supporting the Federation and believe that every child deserves to have access to the best education.


Julie Merrick – Staff Governor


Recently elected as the Teacher Governor, I have been a primary school teacher for 35 years, 29 of which have been at Marpool. I have taught from Year 1 to Year 6, plus a cross phase ‘Needs-led’ class, with leadership in different aspects during that time including Literacy, Art, Design Technology and Thrive. I am also a qualified Massage in Schools practitioner. I am committed to ensuring the balance between educational and emotional development is maintained with well-being for students and adults alike being at the forefront of our school experiences. If we all feel safe, valued, challenged and confident, our schools will thrive. I am also mum to two previously fostered daughters and lead a pack of five dogs. Never a dull moment!

Paul Gosling -Foundation Governor

Paul began his teaching career after leaving Exeter University teaching in Canning Town in the London Borough of Newham for seven years. Paul then spent three years working in schools across Newham supporting school leaders and school administration staff in their use of IT. In 2001 Paul relocated to Devon, where he has taught and led a variety of schools in Okehampton, Tiverton and Exmouth. Paul is currently on secondment from Exeter Road Community Primary School where he is

the Headteacher. Paul’s school is part of the Avocet Learning cooperative trust, a group of three Exmouth primary schools, of which he is currently the chair of trustees.

Since 2010 Paul has been the NAHT – the school leaders’ union - branch secretary for Devon, Torbay & Plymouth. Paul has been an NAHT National Executive Member since 2016, representing the South-West region. Paul is currently the National President of NAHT until August 2023. In 2019 Paul became a Doctor of Education for his thesis on how children’s personal narratives influence their choices at school.


Claire Foster - Foundation Governor


My name is Claire Foster and I am Chair of Governors at Exe Estuary Federation. I have two daughters, one at university in Cardiff and one in year 11.

I am committed to driving school improvement, with the vision to promote high expectations and secure positive outcomes for all children across the federation. I enjoy building new relationships and encouraging people to realise their potential. With my experience as a primary school governor and as a business manager within the early years I intend to lead the Governing Board to realise the vision with strategic direction and effective governance.

Our three unique schools deliver child led, bespoke curriculums with each child at the heart of everything we do.


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