Starcross Primary School is part of Ivy Education Trust and the Local Governing Body is within the structure of the Trust Governance. More information about IET Governance can be found here: Ivy Education Trust Governance

Marina Grew up in Sparkwell, attending the local primary school before going to Ivybridge Comprehensive and then Plymouth College to study hospitality. Marina was an accomplished athlete in her youth, running 400m and high-jump for Plymouth City, Devon and the South West. Marina moved to Bath to work until her 21st birthday when she travelled out to Auckland, New Zealand to continue her hospitality work and from there she travelled the world for many years.

Marina has two boys, both of whom went to Newton Abbot College. One son is now a Captain in the Irish Guards, the other son in the Police. Marina has experience as a governor in a secondary school before joining TPS September 2024 and subsequently SX 2025 when the boards joined.

Martin joined the Teignmouth and Starcross Primary governing body in March 2025. Prior to this, he was a member of the Starcross governing body, joining the team in October 2022. He is a science manager at the Met Office and has a background in STEM.

Martin has two children in primary education and decided to enter governance after being inspired by schools’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He is currently vice chair of the Teignmouth and Starcross governing team, helping both schools achieve their strategic objectives and ultimately, enhance outcomes for children.

I am pleased to serve both Starcross and Teignmouth primary school with their dedication to fulfil their potential within their own school family and wilder community.

Rachel was born in Wiltshire and moved to Plymouth in 1986 to attend college and study for her NNEB national childcare qualification and then worked for many years in childcare settings before embarking on setting up her own nursery. After 30 years working in the early years sector Rachel retired to Devon, where she has several volunteering jobs.  Rachel strongly believes that every child should have equal opportunities and be able to reach for the stars and achieve their dreams.

Danielle began her role as a Teaching Assistant at Teignmouth Primary School in September 2022, having previously had a career within the financial services sector. She has worked in key stage two and now works across two classes in key stage one. She is also the after-school club coordinator. Danielle has two children who currently or have previously attended the school.

Annabelle has been part of the governing board since September 2019 when she became Head at Teignmouth Primary. Since September 2024, she has been Executive Headteacher across Starcross and Teignmouth Primary Schools. With almost 20 years working in primary education, Annabelle has a huge passion for improving teaching and learning to ensure that children reach their potential and beyond. Annabelle has a proven tracked record of raising stands and strategic leadership.

Gareth was born in Derby and moved to Dawlish in 2015. He works as a Senior IT Manager at Sparx Learning and has over ten years experience leading technology teams and delivering large scale projects. His background includes driving digital transformation, improving systems and processes, and strengthening cyber security and governance to ensure organisations remain secure and resilient.

Bio to follow