Senior Leadership Team
Robyn’s role at the school is to look after our learners’ individual requirements and their pastoral welfare. She’s been an English teacher for over 20 years and has worked in Special Schools for the last 11. She loves the new Outdoors School because it is so different and allows children to be children with the flexibility to learn in the way that best suits them. Robyn loves anything to do with music, dancing and singing. She reads a lot and loves to cook.
Jon has worked as a lead in welfare, pastoral care, safeguarding and behaviour as a senior member of staff in secondary schools for nearly two decades. He is passionate about giving the best opportunities for all children and young people to achieve in life, no matter what challenges life throws at them. Jon has been involved in primary school governance, where his children attend, he is a leader at his local church and a massive rugby fan!
P has worked as SENDCo as a senior member of staff in mainstream schools for 6 years. As a result she strongly believes that all learners can succeed when provided with the right tasks, support and understanding. In her spare time P likes to spend time with her family and friends, walking and playing with her 2 Therapy dogs Mr Darcy and Bingley, and cooking, reading and playing her saxophone.
Craig has previously been an Assistant Principal and Head Of English in Secondary schools and has worked in mainstream until he came to The Outdoor School three years ago. He loves to be outdoors and play football. He enjoys most sports and anything outdoors but also books by the fire.
Dougie’s previous career was spent in the British Army; with experience in Leadership and Management, Teaching, Coaching and Mentoring. He served for 28 years in various places in the world and on retirement joined The Outdoors School in 2022. Dougie is a barefoot-running enthusiast who likes to get in an old whiskey barrel full of cold water on a regular basis, and likes to paint landscapes in whatever spare time he can find around work, family and playing with LEGO.
Hannah had worked as a support worker for adults with complex needs and an activities co-ordinator within an elderly residential home. She then worked in special education as teaching assistant. Hannah went on to train as a primary school teacher, before then teaching in special schools. Hannah started at The Outdoors School in 2019 as a tutor and worked as Assistant SENDCo at South Brent after completing the NASENCO award in 2021. Hannah is often found on the South West Coast path or in the sea!
Adam started his career as a mainstream Primary school Teacher before deciding he wanted to specialise in SEND. He has always been a keen sports player. In particular and currently he trains regularly for Triathlons and Ironman events.
Middle Management Team
Adrian has worked in a variety of schools and in a diverse range of roles around the world. With a keen interest in nature and challenge he has cycled the length of Britain, completed the Camino de Santiago walk across Spain, trekked some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas and more recently sailed 45,000 miles around the world. His love of challenge, the outdoors and the mindset of ‘being our personal best’ is what he hopes his learners at The Outdoor School will be inspired and thrive from. Adrian has been a curriculum tutor with Hazel group at the Tiverton Site and is now the Site Lead at the South Brent Site where he enjoys managing an incredible site, great staff and wonderful learners.
Beverley has worked in education for over 25 years initially as a Psychology teacher and then specialising in inclusion within mainstream schools, setting up and running behaviour provisions. She was a Chair of Governors at a primary school and a volunteer with Guide Dogs for the Blind. Beverley has worked for The Outdoors School since 2020. She is passionate about working outdoors and project based learning. Beverley loves cooking, watching films, reading, spending time with her large family and friends, sea swimming and walking her rescue labrador.
Currently on leave, Bio to follow upon their return to work.
Admin Team
Karen started her working career 45 years ago in the banking and finance sector in London, working in a variety of administrative posts including both mainstream and special schools. In her spare time, Karen likes nothing more than to walk the moors and visit the many areas of Devon and Cornwall. She also enjoys travelling, cooking and spending time with family.
Jane has over 40 years of administrative experience, starting and developing her career in London within some large blue-chip companies. She has also previously worked within school offices in both special educational and mainstream schools. Jane enjoys travelling, cookery, interior design, and going to the theatre. Having now lived in Devon for a few years, Jane is still enjoying discovering new places to visit and beautiful village pubs to enjoy!
Peripatetic Staff
Currently on leave, Bio to follow upon their return to work.
Ryan has been an outdoor pursuits instructor for the past 9 years with a wide range of qualifications, he has spent the majority of his instructor career coaching and guiding; mainly white water rafting, paddling and high ropes activities. Ryan most recently worked with a SEN Outreach programme integrating white water activities. Alongside this career he has achieved a 1st class degree in film production and this led him to becoming a photographer and capturing everything from weddings to landscapes. Being outside within nature is where he feels at home and happy! In his free time you’ll find him mountain biking, hiking or climbing! Often with others as you make the best memories with the best people. You would be lucky to catch him lazing around on a day off!
Sam has previously worked at various Outdoor Centres as an Outdoor Instructor mainly leading Kayaking sessions but also high rope and bush craft sessions. In his spare time Sam loves to explore wild natural spaces through hiking and white water Kayaking. He is also an active member in the Totnes Chess club.
Before working with the Outdoors School Ed was a secondary school teacher. He was a Science teacher, specialising in Physics. Ed was also the Outdoor Education lead at his last school running the Ten Tors and DofE programmes. Previous to becoming a teacher he worked in construction. Ed loves the outdoors and has a passion for the marine environment. He will spend most weekend on walks around South Devon, has done a lot of sailing and used to be a Yacht Sailing Instructor.
Rob started his teaching carer as an Early Years specialist, he has taught learners across the nursery, reception and YR1 age-range. A strong advocate for connecting young people with natural spaces and wildlife, Rob has setup forest school programs in a number of schools and has run education outreach programs for Devon Wildlife Trust. Upon joining The Outdoors Group he successfully co-managed the company’s Kindergarten before joining our School team. Rob now utilises his educational background and passion for learning outdoors to support the academic progress of our learners. Outside of work Rob enjoys running, watching birds and playing geeky roleplaying games.
Daisy has worked as a tutor for many years at The Outdoors School. Daisy has previously worked with adults with SEN needs before retraining as a Play Therapist. In Daisy’s spare time she makes pottery and helps run a pottery studio in Exeter, Ceramexe. Daisy is also a keen swimmer and is currently training for her first triathlon!
Sarah previously worked as part of the Early Help team in Devon’s Children’s Centres where she supported families with parenting and ran groups that supported strong attachment. When not at work Sarah loves spending time playing board games with family and friends, looking after her four daughters, and taking her dog Jasper for walks on the beautiful Devon beaches.
Harry began his career as an accountant in London before returning to Devon to try his hand at various outdoors endeavours including working as a stonemason, tree nursery field-hand and groundsman. He made the switch to education in 2020, working as a self-employed TEFL Teacher and Life Coach before working at a local college as a Behaviour & Attitude Coach and English Teacher and then joining The Outdoors School in 2023. Harry loves exploring the local countryside with his family and friends and finding beautiful spots to camp and swim. He also loves singing and playing guitar and regularly trains in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Juliet trained as a Forest School tutor in 2019 and has since worked in multiple forest school settings. She has just completed a MSc in Engaged Ecology and after growing up immersed in a forest is committed to sharing her knowledge and wisdom of the woods. Juliet spends time sailing, running, wild swimming and practicing as a mixed media artist.
Crediton
Turtles
Prior to working at the outdoors school Emily was a teacher and SENDco with experience in Bristol and Devon. She has also previously worked as a drama practitioner at SEND Schools engaging learners in their curriculum through drama and silliness. In her spare time, she is usually out walking her dog (Olive), seeing live music or attempting some DIY.
Worked in the third sector for over 14 years, specifically working in youth work and fundraising. Taken groups abroad to build houses for families living in poverty and has run large scale youth camps in the past. In his spare time Simon volunteers for Dartmoor Rescue, helps train young people for Ten Tors and volunteers at youth events across the South West.
Merrily has worked at the Outdoors School since 2020 and in education for seven years. She is a trained Forest School Leader. Outside of work Merrily enjoys walking the coast path and moors, wild swimming, excessively reading and playing the fiddle.
Julia has worked with children and young people in various settings for over 20 years. She has been with The Outdoors School since 2020, and loves working alongside learners as they grow and achieve more than they ever thought possible. In her spare time she enjoys making music, watching football and getting out into nature with her family.
Maxeen has previously worked in care and education for children and young people with additional needs, which has helped Maxeen to think differently about how to approach everyday tasks. Outside of work Maxeen enjoys crafts, reading and being out in nature.
Bart has previously worked as LSA and as a chef and enjoys passing on tips and skills to learners when it is his turn to cook lunch. Bart has always championed Neurodivergence through his poetry and spoken word. He has an MA in poetry from Queens University Belfast. He is happiest when riding or fixing up a bicycle.
Axolotis
Beth is a trained teacher who has worked in a variety of educational settings, including mainstream schools and Independent schools. She has worked as a 1:1, Attachment Based mentor and teacher. She has had a lot of experience working with SEND learners and tries hard to always put the SEMH needs at the heart of her practice. In Beth’s spare time she loves to read and spend time outdoors, walking and gardening.
George has previously worked in primary schools in a variety of roles, but had the most fun in a forest school environment. Outside of work George enjoys going to the coast and being by the sea. At home she also enjoys making LEGO sets, playing board games and watching baseball!
Jack previously worked in landscaping, horticulture and timber framed construction. He also studied at the national school of blacksmithing and farriery in Hereford. In his spare time, Jack likes spending time in nature with his dog, Cold swimming, metalwork and gardening.
Prior to The Outdoors School, Chantelle worked with conservation charities in various educational and events roles before making her career change in 2021. Outside of work Chantelle enjoys reading and playing her bass guitar.
Shillingford
Razorbills
After graduating from Exeter University with a drama degree, Izzy worked in events and communications for a Devon-based creative writing charity, while also freelancing as a theatre practitioner in diverse community settings such as schools and care homes. Eager to further her work with young people and her love of the outdoors, Izzy now leverages her past experiences to craft enjoyable and educational learning experiences for children of all backgrounds. Outside of work, Izzy loves strolling around Dartmoor, diving into a new crafty hobby every month until something else catches her eye, and just hanging out with friends.
Rebekah is a qualified teacher with experience in primary and secondary as well as home schooling! Rebekah is also involved in running the family sports event business. She loves helping young people realise how brilliant they are and that they can achieve anything they want to. In her spare time you will find her playing hockey, baking, spending time with family and friends or watching a movie with plenty of snacks!!
Flo came to the outdoors school after completing a degree in outdoor adventure education. They spent some time at a alternative provision school as a 1:1 learning mentor which was based indoors. Having seen the impact the outdoors can have on learning and mental wellbeing they wanted to try a learning setting that involved spending more time outdoors. Outside of work Flo likes to spend time climbing, wild swimming or hiking.
Cary attended Falmouth University, studying Graphic Design, prior to working at The Outdoors School and loves all things arty! He is passionate about providing a safe place for all children to learn and grow. He also loves being outdoors, walking his dog and is a massive football fan
Shelducks
Luke is just starting his career within SEND education. He has recently trained as a Physical Education teacher however, has found his true passion working alongside and supporting each individual to achieve their best. In the summer holidays he works with the RNLI as a Senior Beach Lifeguard. Luke enjoys spending his weekends surfing the waves of Devon and Cornwall. He also enjoys a variety of music and mixing as a DJ.
Hannah is a qualified teacher and has worked in a variety of educational settings including nursery, primary schools and working with teenagers in between school and work. She loves supporting learners in a range of skills and opportunities and has dwelled in the Shillingford woods for almost four years. In her spare time Hannah will be found collecting a range of hobbies including painting, crocheting, walking her dog and playing rounders very badly.
Emily previously worked in an assisted living facility for adults with complex needs before changing her career path to education. Outside of work you will often find Emily painting, reading and walking her beloved pooch.
Georgia completed a degree in Psychology at Chester university with a particular interest in child development and the relationship between nature and mental well-being. In her spare time Georgia can be found creating, reading, collecting rocks and forest bathing. She is also a great impressionist and can be found performing in the woods daily.
Gannets
Sam has worked as a tutor at the school for the last four years and whilst in role has completed his NQT year and has achieved a qualification in leading teaching. He loves his job at the school (he even moved down to Devon for it) and feels privileged to have the opportunity to work with learners enabling them to be the best version of themselves, overcoming obstacles to learning and truly understanding the wonderful complexities that makes our learners unique. Out of school Sam enjoys being outdoors; walking and exploring. He equally enjoys settling down in a cosy environment with a book or some relaxing music.
Before joining the school Leaf worked as a university lecturer and audio technician for 14 years, building and maintaining state-of-the-art music studios as well as teaching synthesis, sampling, musical instrument/effect design and sound art. Outside of school Leaf is a keen advocate for nature and is an active member of both local and national groups for fungi, lichens and bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) and can be often found exploring Dartmoor and the surrounding area. Leaf also is still very passionate about music and performs, records and composes a variety of different musical styles and genres, as well as creating custom software/electronic instruments.
Haddi has worked in education for two years. In Haddi’s spare time Haddi loves to paddleboard, camp and walk the south west coast path.
Jayne has worked with young people for around 25 years and managed a youth work constituency in Yorkshire. Since moving to Devon, she has always worked in education specialising in challenging behaviour and complex needs. Jayne has been at Shillingford for almost four years now and loves the adventurous way of teaching in the woods and how the outdoors positively impacts the leaners self-belief, helping to develop confidence, social skills, emotional wellbeing, problem solving and knowledge and understanding. In her free time, Jayne likes paddleboarding, walking and camping but is equally at home visiting strange planets and battling evil from the comfort of her own home in VR!
Jessie previously worked as an Outdoor Instructor teaching climbing, walking, archery and bushcraft, mainly with children but also with adults. Through this, she found a passion in leading young people to learn skills and gain experiences, using nature. This all began whilst studying Sports Science in University, and the interest in how the outdoors benefits our wellbeing has developed progressively, over the years. Jessie is really passionate in sharing the love for life, and finding things that spark joy in every individual, and hopes to share that with the learners, all whilst enabling them to have access to education, in a way that works for them. Jessie loves to spend time adventuring outdoors, either walking with her little dog, climbing rocks, or wild swimming. She also loves to relax with various crafts including clay sculpting, painting and whittling.
Matt has worked as a Early Years Room Manager, Lead Forest school teacher, Ofsted Mentor and Head Chef in London. He has over a decade of experience. His role of Woodland Learning Support encompasses all his skills, knowledge and achievements, enabling him to offer the best practice within his role at support at the Shillingford site. His love for nurturing and play stems from his passion for creative arts, food and music. From exploring the world as a playground through nature to discovering new flavours and experiences within cooking. He enjoy constantly learning for the children, but more importantly with them.
South Brent
Badgers
Chris is a Curriculum tutor at South Brent with a real passion for delivering learning opportunities in any experience. Having done his Degree in Education Studies Chris has a great knowledge of different teaching and learning styles and caters his approach to meet each learners needs. He also discovered the fantastic opportunities being in the outdoors offers when he completed his level 3 Forest School Lead with The Outdoors Group and spent 3 years as a Forest School lead in a local Autism Spectrum Disorder specialist school. Chris has a lot of energy both at work and home. He has a massive love for skateboarding but also enjoys football, mountain biking and being a dad to two equally energetic children.
Robert has previously instructed in various arenas including Duke of Edinburgh Scheme and Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service at station level. He has also been an operational commander for over 15 years. Robert has joined us initially as a 1:1, growing within his empathetic holistic approach to take on this pastoral role. He has a passion for nutrition, fitness and teamwork; the kitchen and natural settings being where all the best self discoveries are made. Robert loves to run, wild swim, orienteer, debate ‘The Big Stuff’ and cook.
Amelia has a degree in Archaeology and has many years of experience working as a Countryside Ranger. Amelia has a passion for the outdoors and nature, and is keen to pass this on to our learners. Amelia enjoys cold water swimming in her spare time and has set up a cold water swimming group aimed at helping those struggling with their mental health and wellbeing.
Deer
Daisy has received a First Class degree in Child Development and Education from the University of Plymouth. She has worked in Primary schools for the past four years alongside her studies. Her passion for education lies within fostering children’s intrinsic curiosity so that they are supported to become lifelong learners. Daisy is passionate about permaculture. She spends much of her time in the garden with her family, creating prints and paintings of the wildlife found there.
Karl spent 25 years in the British Army, primarily in Logistics & Training, gaining a wealth of experience in a great many fields. After leaving the Army he worked as a metal fabricator, landscape gardened and spent 2 years as a Design & Technology Technician in a secondary school before joining TOS. He loves the outdoor life and is most content when building & fixing stuff (including restoring vintage tools), gardening and cooking.
Laura used to work as a Volunteer and Engagement Officer at a local charity aiming to regenerate native woodland on Dartmoor. In this role, she managed groups of volunteers of diverse backgrounds and needs during tree growing and planting activities. In her spare time, Laura enjoys long hikes across mountains, swimming and camping. She used to train as a dancer and now enjoys movement practices like yoga, climbing and capoeira.
Adam’s previous job was a PE teacher in Primary Schools. During his spare time Adam enjoys coaching and refereeing football.
Otters
Lizzie has experience of working with young people in mainstream and specialist provisions. Where play and art are at the heart of the learning environment. Her family have always had a busy home as they were a foster family. Lizzie has a dog who loves long walks and a marmalade coloured cat.
Edward has received a First Class Honours degree in Primary Education at the University of Plymouth and has also completed a Forest School Leader Qualification. He has taught in a mainstream school as a Teacher and Forest School Leader. Edward has worked at The Outdoors School as a Pastoral Tutor since January 2022. He spends his free time walking and hiking all over the UK with his two dogs and family. He also enjoys climbing, watching football and painting.
Emma has worked with young people in a range of settings before qualifying as teacher 3 years ago. Having worked outside for 12 years on Sail Training vessels Emma is enjoying a return to the outdoors whilst still being able to use her teaching skills. In her spare time Emma enjoys going scuba diving and loves sharing her enthusiasm of the underwater world with learners.
Jane has enjoyed working with a range of ages and across a variety of settings in SEN, mental health, outdoor education, teaching, rehab and youth development. She’s studied foundation courses in SEN and psychotherapy and trained as an expressive arts educator and movement facilitator. She’s passionate about utilising creative processes to facilitate expression and autonomy within marginalised communities.
Squirrels
Kathy has been a teacher in various settings in the UK and overseas for 30 years, specialising in developing outdoor spaces to support learning for all. She is passionate about giving children opportunities for expanding their own learning skills through connection to nature and the outdoor environment. When not in school, Kathy can be found in her shack in the woods on Dartmoor or swimming in the wild seas around Devon and Cornwall with her family and giant dog, Louie.
Design Technology Teacher in Mainstream and SEND. Climbing, Walking on Dartmoor and Swimming in the sea.
Sarah previously worked as a primary class teacher where she specialised in teaching the reception age range. Sarah is an enthusiastic wild swimmer who loves exploring the Devon countryside and coast to find new swim spots.
Tiverton
Hazel
Jordon joined The Outdoors School in January 2020, his previous experience before that was completing his supporting teaching and learning 2 and 3 at college. In his spare time Jordon paints his Warhammer models and enjoy finding shells and sea glass at the beach.
Harry has worked at TOG since 2021 starting as an LSA to now a PT at the Tiverton site. Previously Harry has worked in the leisure industry as a personal trainer/gym instructor and is passionate about helping young people achieve their own personal goals in what ever aspect of life that may be. In Harry’s spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, working out at the gym and watching football at the weekend.
Sharon has been an LSA at Tiverton for the past 18 months. Previously she ran an early years setting, where she found her passion for working with children outdoors. Sharon has completed her Forest Skills Leader Training and her Level 3 in Counselling Skills. She is currently training to be a person-centred counsellor and life coach. In her spare time, Sharon loves walking, running and going to the gym. She is also a member of the local Art club and a keen painter.
Is a 1:1 on our Tiverton site and joined the team in October. He sees himself as Woodsman, who has Tree Surgeon and Arborist qualifications in these areas. Arthur enjoys being outdoors and he is enthusiastic in encouraging learners to develop new skills in working with tools and crafting. At home, Arthur is a keen Falconer and has a Harris Hawk called Jango. He is also an Archer and has a passion for the Medieval arts.
Philippa has been teaching for more than a decade in primary schools with a specialism in Early Years education. She is a huge advocate for learning through play and loves nothing more than sharing her love for reading through storytelling. She is currently completing her Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification with The Outdoors Group. Outside of work you will find Philippa getting muddy exploring the Quantocks with her family. She has also taken an intererst in trail running and trains regularly throughout the week.
Scots Pine
Simon has worked with children and young people on the autistic spectrum for many years, in a variety of educational and non-educational settings. Prior to working with young people, Simon worked in the photographic industry and has a BA Honours in Photography in the Arts as well as a HND in photojounalism. Simon still loves and practices photography.
Chloe previously worked in hospitality and enjoyed the nature of working with people. Chloe always wanted to work in a school, and when the opportunity to work outdoors within the education sector with SEND children came up she was excited for the challenge. Chloe started as a LSA in 2022 and progressed to her current job role as Pastoral tutor. Chloe enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach whether it is summer or winter! Chloe passionately cheers on her son playing rugby on Sundays.
Christina joined The Outdoors School after completing her MSc in Outdoor Environmental and Sustainable Education at the University of Edinburgh. Previous to her role as an LSA, Christina worked as an Activity Manager and Outdoor Instructor, sharing her love and knowledge for all things outdoors. In her spare time, Christina enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and learning about botany.
Rachel has worked as a 1:1 on our Tiverton site for the past year. Previously, Rachel worked as a community builder (minus the hard hat) and as a support worker in Bristol. Rachel likes to help people to appreciate nature and use it to support their Mental Health. She is also a keen environmentalist and teaches the learners to recycle and respect their environment. Rachel enjoys spending time with her two Grandchildren and her favourite place to be is at the sea.
Joolz has spent several years working in Agriculture, whilst travelling through the country in her canal boat. In Scotland, she has planted native trees and then lived on her own on a remote island for a year, living off the land. Joolz has also worked as a Community Artist and then became a Willow Sculptor, building sculptures for the likes of Dame Judi Dench. In her spare time, Joolz likes to play her fiddle and ride a unicycle. Joolz is passionate about nature and loves working with the learners on their tool-based projects.
