Queen Elizabeth’s
School
Our Trust of Schools
Keith Baker
Chair
I was educated at Ashburton Comprehensive School (now South Dartmoor) following which I entered into an apprenticeship and trained as a precision engineer. Currently I am a Watch Manager with Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service having served for 36 years and am based on a watch at one of our Wholetime fire stations in Exeter.
I am a former chair of governors and have been a governor at Queen Elizabeth's school for 16 years.
I am the link governor for Health & Safety and am able to provide support and advice to our premises team when called upon drawing on my 30 years of experience in Health & safety, Risk assessment and Fire Risk Assessment. I am passionate about providing the best support I can to the principal and staff. Three of our children attended QE and so I know the school well from both sides. Outside of school and my job, I am a member of the school's training team for the Ten Tors event on Dartmoor, am a DofE Expedition assessor and a keen marathon runner. all of which keep me busy.
Julio Andrade
Co-opted Governor
Julio Andrade is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of Exeter and recently joined the governing body of Queens Elizabeth's School. He has two children and one of them attends another Ted Wragg Multi-Academy school in Exeter.
As an academic, he is interested in researching and teaching mathematics and other related areas, with a focus on the inquiry-based (deductive) approach to teaching mathematics and other subjects.
His interests are in reading, mathematics, theology, and philosophy and how creativity can be used as a tool in teaching the school science curriculum.
Denis Casey
Co-opted Governor
Denis started life as an Electrical and Electronics Engineer working in the Ministry of Defence, and in the defence industry. He then worked in mainstream Management Consultancy for a number of years, traveling extensively around four continents. In the 1980s Denis was a founder and owner of an innovative lighting business, established to design, supply and install lighting schemes for museums, galleries, theatres, offices, and private homes throughout Europe, the USA and the Middle East.
Denis’s first attempt at retirement was entirely unsuccessful. Returning to the UK he retrained as an Independent Mental Health Advocate, and worked for a local charity running an advocacy service across three counties for ten years. A second attempt at retirement four years ago was more successful.
Denis spent two years as a governor at Sarum Academy, part of the Wiltshire based Magna Learning Partnership MAT. He was then Chair of Trafalgar AGC for three years from 2020 to 2023, staying on as a governor since then. He is also a governor at Old Sarum Primary School, and is Secretary and a trustee of the Salisbury Men's Shed Association.
Paula Smith
Headteacher / Ex Officio
Paula Smith is the Headteacher of Queen Elizabeth's School. Paula was the Head of Sixth Form at QE for eight years and has held various posts including Assistant Headteacher for Teaching and Learning and Deputy Headteacher for Quality of Education.
Diane Evely
Parent Governor
I joined the governing board in January 2024 as a Parent Governor and Safeguarding Link Governor. I am also a Governor at a local primary school. I was educated here at Queen Elizabeth's, then at Exeter College and gained a degree in Early childhood studies at Plymouth University. I have worked in the Education sector for more than 24 years. Primarily, in the Early Years, where I was a Nursery Manager. I currently work as a lecturer and assessor in Further Education within the Childcare and Education sector. I have two boys, one of whom attends QE and one to start in the next academic year.
I have a particular interest in safeguarding, SEND and student well-being. I am committed to using my expertise and experience to raise standards in education to ensure all pupils have access to experience the best learning environment. Thus, will ensure they flourish and become confident, resilient and lifelong learners.
Caroline Gale
Parent Governor
Caroline is a parent governor and the SEND Governing Lead. Originally from Bristol, she has lived in Crediton for 19 years and is a Library Manager at the University of Exeter. She has two children and is involved in various local organisations including Crediton Foodbank. Her role at the university involves overseeing skills teaching programmes; ensuring resources are used appropriately to support education and research; building sustained and effective relationships across the institution and managing and supporting a team. She has a particular interest in literacy and reading as well as the importance of extra-curricular activities to all children’s development.
Mark Baptist
Staff Governor
I am a Staff Governor on the Governing Body. I’m originally from Gateshead and moved to Exeter to take Archaeology at Exeter University in 2000. I have been at QE for 16 years and have taught an array of subjects including Maths, Economics, Citizenship, Geography, History and RE. I am currently teaching Business Studies and Personal Development. I have been a Head of Year since March 2021, I am a member of QE’s Staff Council and I am the NEU Rep. Outside of school, I enjoy the great outdoors and take our springer spaniel Bruno for long walks around Devon. I am very proud to be a Staff Governor and to act as liaise between the staff and governing bodies.