Our Governors

It is a  great privilege to be the Headteacher of Upton St James Church of England Primary school. The Team and I have an inclusive ethos are committed to our vision of ensuring that your child ‘Rises to their best’ and has the very best start to their educational journey.

We have high aspirations for your child and as we are such a small, friendly school we will get to know you really well and this allows us to design a curriculum that meets the needs of each and every child to "Rise to their best"

The scripture that supports our shared vision is 'Love your neighbour as yourself' (taken from Mark 12 v30 - 31). Central to my role on the Governing Body is working effectively with all stakeholders to ensure that every pupil really does 'rise to their best'. In my spare time, I am kept busy with two young children. We are often found exploring new places around Devon and further afield - on foot and by bike! 

I work as Head of IT for a group of independent schools all around the UK as well as the Operations Manager for Together church, which is also on St James road. I am a husband and a father of four children and we love wild swimming, walks on Dartmoor and exploring the lovely coves in the Torbay and wider area. We moved to the area to help the church and the local community of Upton. 

My name is Fr Nick Debney and I have been the Priest in Charge at St Mary the Virgin, St Marychurch since July 2022. 

It is an absolute and joy and privilege to be the parish priest in this lovely community and to be part of such a long-standing and vibrant relationship between the Parish Church and St Marychurch Primary and Nursery School.  I grew up in Torquay and prior to ordination worked for over twenty years in the NHS.  After I was ordained I served my curacy for four years in Dartmouth and then as the Vicar of St Luke’s Milber in the Newton Abbot Team Ministry and latterly as Priest in Charge of St John’s Bovey Tracey.

My passion is ministry to children and families and I am looking forward to spending time in school and building on this incredible relationship, as by God’s grace we journey with our young people together.

I am a member of St Mags Church, having previously been treasurer and now on the Parochial Church Council for St Mags.

I work as a Compliance and Contract Manager  inspiring, developing and supporting people to make positive change across the South West. I am also the Deputy of a Saturday Club for Children with Additional Needs. I have previously been a Chair of Governors and after a long break I am excited by the challenge of returning to a Governor Role. I have also worked as a Careers Adviser with a focus on young people with SEND.  In my spare time I enjoy swimming, reading and cross stitch.

My name is Laurence Walbrugh, and I locally in St Marychurch, very close to the school. 

I have worked across the power, energy, and chemical industries for the last 15 years in a variety of technical and management roles.  

Since moving to Torquay in 2010 I have seen clearly how integral a role St Marychurch Primary School plays in our local community, and I was keen for my daughter to attend the school. As someone who strives to support our community where I can, I took the opportunity to become a school governor in 2022 and have been focussing on SEND and safeguarding support since then. 

I enjoy spending time in school and working with pupils, staff and parents, helping in any way I can.

My name is Nicki Rogers, and I am a local resident of St Marychurch, with a passion for reading, listening, learning and dogs.

Learning has been a cornerstone of my corporate career within Human Resources and during that time I have worked with a wide variety of industries and local education providers to build links between the world of work and students.    

I have previously served as a school governor at Secondary level for a number of years and following my decision to step away from my former career in 2024, I am now privileged to be serving as a Local Governor for St Marychurch Primary.

I look forward to learning more about the school and our community, and playing my part in the team to support its progress

Jodie has spent 10+ years in Sales Management, and more recently 4 years as CEO & Founder of her own business.  She has key skills in leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.

As a school governor, Jodie would like to foster relationships amongst parents, teachers, and local organisations to create a supportive and inclusive environment for our students. Additionally, her entrepreneurial mindset encourages innovative thinking. She is committed to exploring new ideas and initiatives that can enhance our school’s offerings, from academic programs to extracurricular activities. Jodie believes in the importance of continuous improvement and is excited about the opportunity to contribute to the school’s growth.

Rob has spent his career working in the conservation and management of the historic environment, working in local authorities. During this time, he has worked both within, and in partnership with, various teams, giving him a range of skills including budget planning, managing staff and reviewing strategic frameworks. 

Rob has a positive and proactive approach to management and appreciates the need to listen and communicate effectively with others and to assess all relevant information to ensure that all necessary decisions are as well informed as possible.

Rob is keen to work proactively with all stakeholders of the school and Trust to build strong relationships in order to secure the best possible outcomes for all pupils through support and challenge.

John has worked in sales for over 20 years and has previously been a Governor and Chair of another Local Governing Body in Torbay for approx. 7 years.

John has a good understanding of progress data, with a special interest in Data Analysis, Safety & Safeguarding procedures.

John has also been involved in the youth sector volunteering within the Scouts for 15 years. He has assisted with the financial planning for the group, risk assessments and safety statements for activities at group and district level and safeguarding of all the young people.

John is particularly keen to ensure that all children are safeguarded well and can fulfil their full potential whatever their background, special educational needs or disabilities. He also keen to support the Trust and all its dedicated staff who work so hard to keep the schools running smoothly.

During his spare time, you will probably find John on a beach around the Bay with his Cocker Spaniel, Charlie, or at home, baking or with his head inside a book.

Having been a former pupil at St Marychurch Primary, I feel I have come a full circle now that I am fortunate enough to be part of our amazing teaching and support staff team.

Until my son started at the school, I had worked in various roles for 23 years within a South West retail company.  Unfortunately, I was made redundant and found myself with time on my hands - this turned out to be a blessing; as not only did I get the chance to spend quality time with my son but I also started to volunteer in his reception class when he started school.  This led to me becoming employed at the school full time, and I have never looked back.

I can honestly say that since the time I was a pupil, to current times, the school feels exactly the same - the community and the caring staff are the glue that keep this school such a lovely place to be.  I hope in my role as a Staff Governor, I can further support our school in any way possible.

Sarah is a Year 2 teacher at All Saints Babbacombe and is also the Lead for Humanities & Music.

Andy is the Headteacher at All Saints Babbacombe Primary School and a Foundation Governor for Upton St James

Jane is the Headteacher of St Marychurch Primary School and a Foundation Governor for Upton St James.