Meet the Governors

Our Trust of Schools

Abi Croot

Co-opted Governor

After living and teaching in Bath for 10 years, I have returned to my home town of Plymouth. When I returned, I was keen to seek out an opportunity to give back to my wonderful home town.

I am currently Head of English and Literacy Co-ordinator at another school within the city, and I have worked in various state and private boarding schools across the South West. I am passionate about education, and I truly love my job of working with young people. It is a privilege to watch them grow and be a part of the foundations of their journey. I have a particularly keen interest in curriculum development and the academic side of education.

I am keen to bring my experience and knowledge to Lipson's Governing Board and to play a key role in the continued development and growth of the school.

Adam Hodgess

Staff Governor

Adam is the Link Governor for Training

I have been a member of staff at Lipson since 2011 and during this time has served as Learning Technology Manager and now Data, Systems and Timetable Manager.

I've now worked within Plymouth schools for the past 20 years, thirteen of those at Lipson. My role gives me a unique opportunity to work with all departments throughout the Academy in both a curriculum and administrative capacity. It is this wider insight that I feel gives me the breadth & depth of knowledge and diverse contact to represent the best interests of our school and support the aims and values of the wider MAT.

I am passionate about the development of our whole school and that of the wider community. As a past student of Lipson I feel a great sense of pride and respect for the incredible journey Lipson has taken and for the continued achievements it will have as part of the Ted Wragg MAT.

I am a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.

Andrew Adams

Parent Governor

Andrew is the SEND Link Governor

Daniel Watling

Co-opted Governor

I moved to Plymouth from Wolverhampton in 2015 to study a degree in Chemistry at the University of Plymouth. I graduated with a first class honours in Chemistry BSc (hons) in 2018. I continued my studies at the University of Plymouth, where I obtained a PGCE Secondary Science (with Chemistry) and QTS in 2019.

In 2019, I started my first teaching role as a teacher of Chemistry and form tutor, where my key priority was and to this day remains, children should come to school and first and foremost be happy and safe. In 2022, I transitioned into a new role as a Teacher of Chemistry and Lead Practitioner for SEND and Inclusion, where I supported students and staff to facilitate and access exam access arrangements. I did this by identifying students who may require EAA, delivering CPD to staff, assemblies to students and support sessions to students.

In 2023, I moved to a new school for a fresh challenge as a teacher of Chemistry, again, keeping true to my main principle - every child should come to school and be happy and safe, the learning will follow. I have recently been promoted to a Deputy Head of Year position, where I will strive to achieve my main philosophy, whilst delivering high quality teaching.

I am keen to expand my support to students and staff at Lipson Co-operative Academy to support the school to continue to flourish and go from strength to strength as a driving force for supporting students become well rounded adults, who achieve.

Dave Lane

Co-opted Governor

Dave is a Disadvantaged and Pupil Premium Link Governor

Graham Roser

Chair of Governors

I have lived in Plymouth for over 30 years from when I started my career in education as a teacher of Science in one of the city’s secondary schools, having completed a PGCE in Secondary Science (Physics) at the Institute of Education (University of London). After 7 years I joined another school in the city as the Head of the Science department. Since that time, I held many roles within the school and completed my NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship) in 2006 and was the Headteacher for 6 years, until I decided to retire from headship in December 2023.

The experience that I have through many years of teaching and also as a Headteacher is extensive and I am keen to bring this to the Local Governing Board in my role as Chair of the board. Having worked in partnership with the school for numerous years, I have a good knowledge of Lipson Co-operative Academy’s vision and values.

I have a passion for education and the crucial role schools play in enabling the young people in their care to be the best that they can be. As governors we oversee the culture and ethos of the school, ensuring that it is an effective organisation with a core focus of doing the very best that it can for the young people in its care, providing a high-quality curriculum delivered by outstanding teaching and pastoral support. As Chair I support the Headteacher and wider staff body by acting as a ‘critical friend’ ensuring that Lipson CA continues to be a positive force at the centre of the community.

Inebi Alfred

Co-opted Governor

I am currently a PhD student at the University of Plymouth, with a research focus on social enterprises, and I deliver lectures to students at the university. Consequently, I am an educator, researcher, and community advocate with a strong commitment to improving educational outcomes and life chances for young people.

I have extensive experience across social services and higher education. I have worked as part of a team in a family assessment centre, functioned as a student support officer, and a business life skills facilitator. Through these roles, I have supported learners from diverse backgrounds in their holistic development, with a strong focus on inclusion, wellbeing, and skills development.

I also bring valuable governance experience; I have previously served as Clerk to a Board of Governors in a school in Plymouth. This role gave me a strong understanding of effective governance, statutory responsibilities, safeguarding, and strategic decision-making, which I am applying in my current role as a Governor.

Alongside my professional and academic activities, I am a member of the British Academy of Management and the Institute for Social Value, UK. I am actively involved in various voluntary functions, such as tutoring young people, supporting a women’s charity, and participating in other community initiatives. These experiences have strengthened my connection to the local area and its families.

I have joined the Board of Governors to give back to the community and to contribute my skills and experience to strategic leadership, thereby ensuring that every student is supported to thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Lucie Garland

Co-opted Governor

Lucie is the Link Governor for Safeguarding

I am a Lipson alumna, having been a student here from 1999 to 2006. After living, studying and working in Oxfordshire for 11 years, I returned to Plymouth and was keen to find an opportunity to give back to a school which had such a positive impact on my life.

I am in my sixth year of Primary teaching, and am passionate about all children and young people having access to an engaging and inspiring education. My previous experience as a Governor of a Primary School, Secondary Academy and University, as well as a Trustee of a Students' Union, has given me a wide range of experience in the oversight of education from nursery to postgraduate level.

Throughout my own experience as a student at Lipson I always appreciated the holistic approach to learning; valuing life skills and building character just as highly as formal qualifications, and encouraging every student to achieve their potential. The ongoing journey of Lipson and its wider community has not strayed from this course, and now as a Governor I feel privileged to be able to support and challenge the school as this journey continues.

Mark Harvey

Parent Governor

Mark is the Disadvantaged & Pupil Premium Link Governor

I am proud to serve as a parent governor at Lipson Co-operative Academy, where my son is currently in Year 9. He thoroughly enjoys his time at the school, particularly taking part in Navy Cadets, playing the electric guitar, and singing in the choir. As the parent of a dyslexic student, I have seen first-hand the exceptional academic support Lipson provides, and I am committed to ensuring that all students receive the encouragement and resources they need to thrive.

In my role as a parent governor, I represent the voices of students and parents, helping to shape the school’s future in a way that benefits the entire community.

Professionally, I run Mark One Design, a digital marketing and design business specialising in graphic design, content creation, and branding photography for eCommerce and client services.

I bring my expertise in communication, problem-solving, and creative strategy to my governor role, working collaboratively with staff, parents, and fellow governors to uphold Lipson’s values of People, Quality, and Achievement. By fostering strong partnerships between students, staff, and families, we can create an environment where every child is supported, challenged, and empowered to reach their full potential within Lipson’s thriving and ambitious community.

Paul Greenway

Trust Appointed Staff Governor

As an impassioned advocate for education, I am deeply committed to ensuring every student receives the support and opportunities they deserve. With a wealth of experience as a Deputy Head Teacher overseeing teaching and learning, curriculum development, assessment, and progress monitoring, I bring a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape to the role of Secondary School Link Governor.

Throughout my career, I've witnessed first-hand the transformative power of education in shaping young minds and futures. My dedication to student success, coupled with my strategic oversight of academic programmes, equips me with the knowledge and insight needed to provide effective guidance and support as a Governor.

I am driven by a belief in the potential of every learner, and I am committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all students can thrive. Whether it's through advocating for resources, implementing innovative teaching methods, or promoting policies that prioritise student well-being, I am dedicated to championing the best interests of the school community.

With a collaborative approach and a focus on continuous improvement, I am eager to contribute my expertise and passion for education to the role of Secondary School Governor here at Lipson, ensuring that the school continues to excel and provide the highest quality education for all students.

Tom Goodman

Headteacher / Ex officio

Lipson is a special place. What makes this school different is not just what we do, but how we do it - we immensely value people, relationships and care, alongside a relentless ambition for our students. We love our students, we love our staff and we love Lipson.

We are a school where love and success go hand in hand; where staff are proud to work and students are proud to learn. Our mission is to be a school that provides success, opportunity and joy, to give every young person a life of choice.

Lipson is more than a school - it’s a community where everyone belongs, grows and achieves together.

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