Cambian Devon School
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Head Teacher, Deputy DSL

Abbi Salisbury

I joined Devon School 9 years ago as a teacher and over the years have progressed to a number of roles including English Lead, SENDCo, Deputy Headteacher and most recently, Headteacher.

 

I am incredibly proud of the team at Devon School and committed to achieving the best outcomes for both our students and staff. Over the past 4 years, the team have worked hard to move the school forward. I feel that our OFSTED rating of Good with an outstanding feature for Personal Development is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team.

 

I am committed to the continued development of the school and strive to provide the very the best for our students.

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Assistant Headteacher, DSL, SENDCo

Claire Benjafield

I have worked in education for over 20 years in a range of provisions including mainstream primary, a pupil referral unit and a secondary SEMH provision. I moved to an SEMH provision after becoming disillusioned by the expectations placed on young people in mainstream education who required a different level and a different kind of support.

 

My roles have included Literacy Lead, Pastoral Lead, SENDCo and most recently, Assistant Headteacher. The team at Devon School share my passion for making a difference to the lives of our young people and working closely with families to create a strong support network for every child.

 

 

 

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Assistant Headteacher, Buckfastleigh Site Lead and Deputy DSL

Scott Salisbury

I have worked within SEMH education for over 10 years and have always had a particular passion for working with young people outdoors and engaging them in the world around them.

 

As someone who found school challenging growing up, I have always used my own experience of education to benefit others and provide opportunities that enrich the lives of the young people I am fortunate to work with. As Assistant Headteacher of our Buckfastleigh site, I am excited to continue our journey and further develop our vocational offer.

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English Teacher

Leah Fraser

I have worked mainly in primary education for over thirty years. Throughout my career, I have worked in schools where inclusivity has been at the heart of the core values. However, the pressures of mainstream education have made this increasingly difficult. After leaving my primary teaching role, I worked in SEMH and SEND settings, realising the value of this child-centred approach and have been fortunate to be accepted for a teaching role at Devon School.

I have been a class teacher, team leader and English lead and have also led Key Stage One and Key Stage Two. I have also taken a year out of class to lead teacher training.

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CS

Maths teacher

Chris Salt

Following a career leading hi-tech & project management teams across Europe, I spent over ten years teaching mathematics & physics within mainstream schools at all levels up to Further A2 level before discovering my real passion was to show that all can engage and enjoy mathematics.

For the last five years that I have taught within SEMH provisions, I have realised that whilst important, mathematics is far more than just another academic subject with a target grade. Mathematics is not a subject to be feared but should be accessible & enjoyed by all; it provides a platform to develop many of the skills needed to solve the future challenges in life.

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Science Teacher

Robin Urwick

I joined Devon School 9 years ago to run the science department after over 20 years in mainstream secondary education (teaching science, maths and PE) and another 20 years running my own HiFi retail business. A lifetime of experiences has allowed me to understand how SEND schools need to adapt their teaching to cater for the needs of their students.

I am proud to say that the vast majority of our students find themselves happy and able to tackle all of the science disciplines. The mainstream core curriculum is followed, all the way from KS2 up to and including GCSE level, where the students are entered for the AQA double-award in Combined Science. We strive to make the curriculum relevant to the wider world and to give the students confidence in tackling topics which they may have previously thought were beyond them.

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MA

History Instructor

Mike Atkinson

I have worked in education for over 20 years, spending the last 15 years teaching history, geography and RE across Key Stages 3 and 4 in a variety of secondary schools. Additionally, I have served as a subject lead for A Level sociology, business studies, critical thinking, and BTEC psychology. As a form tutor for students in Years 7 to 13.

I have collaborated closely with a range of SEND specialist teams in different settings. Before qualifying as a history teacher in 2010, I taught English as a foreign language at local language schools and worked as a teaching assistant and cover supervisor in secondary schools.

My aim is to provide diverse, adaptive learning opportunities that enable all students to develop their knowledge of the world, discover their passions and reach their full potential.

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Geography Instructor

Leigh Onley

I moved to Devon 5 years ago and love working with children and young people who can find school challenging, as a means to support them and watch them flourish into wonderful members of society! I have worked at Devon School for a year and a half, as well as across a variety of schools including mainstream, SEND provisions and pupil referral units.

I have recently gained my PGCE and I am lucky to have Devon School supporting me through my next steps of my ECT. I currently teach RE and geography across all year groups and I also run cultural days and whole school days at our Buckfastleigh site, enabling the children to thrive and experience new opportunities regularly. 

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Art Instructor

Georgie Harman

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PHSE Instructor

Gill Mitchmore

I've been working in SEMH schools for the past eight years in a variety of roles. Over that time, I’ve seen first-hand how important the right support is in helping students access their education and reach their potential.

I work hard to make sure every student feels understood, valued and capable of success. Whether it’s through building strong relationships, adapting learning to meet individual needs or simply being a consistent, supportive presence, my goal is always to help young people navigate their challenges and grow in confidence.

Education isn’t just about academics - it’s about giving students the tools to build a better future for themselves and I’m proud to be part of that process every day.

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EET and Thrive Instructor

Daniel Wilson

I joined Devon School 14 years ago and throughout my journey here, I have used my knowledge and experience in various roles including maths teacher, Lead Thrive Practitioner, Careers Lead and most recently, Senior Mental Health Lead.

Prior to my time at Devon School, I spent 10 years in HM Forces, which gave me invaluable insights into leadership, resilienceand the importance of supporting others. My passion lies in understanding students’ potential and helping them unlock and achieve their best, both academically and personally.

 

 

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ST

Catering Instructor

Sian Timblin

I have worked in education for 28 years. I have had a number or roles which have included management and leadership roles as well as teaching. I have a great deal of experience working with SEND students as well as those with SEMH needs. I have held a Safeguarding Level 3 certificate for the last seven years and have had an active role as a Deputy Safeguarding Lead.

I have worked with mainstream students as well as those based at alternative provisions. I managed an english, maths and IT department for 8 years, where I managed the delivery, examinations and the IQA process.

I am passionate about education and believe that there are no barriers to prevent you from gaining the best education.

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CF

Therapeutic Intervention Worker

Charlotte Ford

I joined Devon School over 9 years ago after training as a Speech and Language Therapist. During my time here, I also went on to qualify in CBT and I use all aspects of my training to provide a variety of therapeutic interventions for our students. Wellbeing is my passion and I believe that it is the foundation to learning. My aim is to strengthen that foundation and give our students the necessary tools to manage in their school life and beyond; helping them to achieve their full potential.

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GM

PE Instructor

Gareth Morgan

I am a dedicated and passionate PE Instructor at Devon School, specialising in supporting students with social, emotional, and mental health needs. With a background in physical education and a deep understanding of the connection between movement and mental well-being, I create a safe, inclusive and engaging environment where students can develop confidence, resilience and teamwork skills.

Believing in the power of sport and physical activity to enhance emotional regulation and social skills, I tailor my lessons to meet the unique needs of each student. Whether through team games, mindfulness exercises or individual challenges, I encourage students to find joy in movement and take pride in their achievements.

I work closely with pastoral staff to ensure a holistic approach to student wellbeing, reinforcing positive behaviours and helping develop students’ self-esteem. My goal is to inspire young people to develop lifelong, healthy habits- physically, emotionally and socially.

 

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Teaching Assistant

Sophie Cannan

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Teaching Assistant

Caitlin Suddick

I recently joined Devon School as a Teaching Assistant. I’m passionate about students getting the best out of education, no matter their circumstances, and how we, as teachers, can help and enable them to do so. I love to read and also love getting involved in all aspects of school life. It’s great fun!

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Teaching Assistant

Tegan Walters

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Teaching Assistant

Zoe Youd

I have experience working in a variety of educational settings, including schools that support students with Special Educational Needs. My background has allowed me to develop a flexible and inclusive approach to learning, ensuring that all students receive the support they need to thrive. I recently joined Devon School, and I am excited to contribute to the school community by fostering a positive and engaging learning environment for our students.

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Teaching Assistant

Jess Nicholson

With five years of experience in special needs education, I am passionate about creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every pupil feels supported and valued. I strive to make learning enjoyable and accessible, tailoring support to meet the unique needs of each child.

My goal is to empower pupils with confidence and resilience, helping them overcome challenges and reach their full potential. I am proud to be part of a team that prioritises care, creativity and compassion, ensuring that every child thrives in a safe, positive and inspiring school environment.

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Admin and Exams Officer

Rebecca Jones

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Caretaker

Richard Fradd

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Cook

Cindy Carruthers

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General Enquiries

Email: admin_devonschool@cambiangroup.com

Telephone: 01803524537

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Governance Board

Termly Governance Board meetings are held at Cambian Devon School to ensure that the management of the school is closely scrutinised and held to account in all areas of responsibility.

 

The agenda comprises of:

 

✓ Voice of the Child - student feedback

 

✓ Head Teachers Highlight Report outlining achievements, challenges and progress against school improvement report

 

✓ Outcomes for Children and Young People - Care

 

✓ Outcomes for Children and Young People - Education

 

✓ Outcomes for Children and Young People - Therapy

 

✓ Commercial Performance

 

✓ Staffing and Personnel

 

✓ Estates Report

 

✓ IT report

 

The Governance Board contain key individuals from outside and within the school who attend this meeting each term and parental and staff feedback is always welcomed.

 

 

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"Sending her to Cambian is the best thing we have done for her education and we are truly grateful for the teams hard work and support. Thank you"

- Parent

 

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