Trustees & Members (ID 1308)

• Mrs C Weston
  Chair of Trustees
  Mrs C Weston

  I moved to Torquay from London in 1988 and joined the Torquay Boys’ Grammar School Parents Association. I became Chair of the Association leaving in in 1991.
  I became a governor at Torquay Boys’ Grammar School in 1991 and a trustee when the Multi-Academy Trust was formed. I was previously Vice-Chair of the Trust before being selected as Chair in 2020.
  In 1995 I became Chair of the newly formed TBGS Charitable Trust; this trust is dedicated to overseeing fundraising for Capitol development.
  In 1999 I was elected as a Torbay Councillor and held the Portfolio for Education later adding the one for Tourism. I held both of these before becoming Mayoress in 2003/2004.
  I have had a lifelong interest in education and child welfare and, before retiring, was the Manager of Relate South Devon; a service dedicated to community and family support.

• Mrs L Critchlow
  Trustee
  Mrs L Critchlow

  Born and educated locally at Cockington Primary and Audley Park School followed by a Foundation course at SDTC Art school and some years later distance learning at Hereford College for various Hotel and Catering courses.
  Currently Vice Chair of Torquay Academy Governing Body and Chair of the HR and Safeguarding committee taking a special interest in Safeguarding and looked after children.
  From 1999 I was employed as a Project Officer by Devon County Council representing the client, working in the Built Environment team. My work was directly associated with the delivery of major capital school projects including new primary, special schools and the new Cranbrook community school provision in East Devon. I worked with school stakeholders, local authorities, technical design and construction team members. Prior to this I was employed within the catering service for schools, covering the whole of Devon.
  I am also a governor on the Torbay’s Virtual School Governing Body that scrutinises in detail the education provision and outcomes for children who are looked after. Passionate about the importance of the highest quality of education in the growth and development of all our young people and preparing them for the challenges the future will bring.

• Mr V Flower
  Trustee
  Mr V Flower

  Born and raised in Torquay, I previously served as a Director of the Specialist Leisure Group and Managing Director of Shearings Hotels Ltd. After leaving school, I completed an OND in Business Studies at South Devon College, an HNC at Exeter College, and a Diploma in Management Studies at Plymouth Polytechnic, all while training as a manager at a local holiday business. My first job was at Beesons Holiday Centre in Torquay, which was later acquired by the Ladbroke Group in 1981. This opened new opportunities, and over the next eight years, I managed holiday villages and catering concessions, including those at Kew Gardens and the Tower of London.
  In 1990, I joined the Specialist Leisure Group, working my way up to become Managing Director of Shearings Hotels Ltd. As MD, I oversaw 50 hotels across the UK, with a turnover of £68M and over 1,600 staff. I retired from this role in 2018 after four decades in the holiday leisure sector. I have served on the Board of Governors at South Devon College and became Chair of the Board of Governors at Torquay Academy in 2010. I also became a Trustee of the TBGS Multi-Academy Trust in 2013, maintaining a deep connection with the school where I was educated. I am passionate about providing quality education for
  all young people in our community.
  In February 2020, I was appointed Chair of the Torquay Town Deal Board, helping to secure £22 million for Torquay’s regeneration. Later that year, I became Chair of Young Devon, a charity supporting young people across Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay.
  At the start of 2021, I took on the role of Chair of Visit Devon, representing over 600 businesses in the visitor economy. In 2023, I helped establish the Devon & Partners Local Visitor Economy Partnership, now formally recognised as Devon’s official tourism body.
  I remain committed to making a positive impact on the community and the organisations I serve.

• Ian Fraser
  Member
  Ian Fraser

  I joined Torquay Boys Grammar School in 1956, aged 11. Although I struggled academically, sports provided friendships and the ATC Squadron led to a RAF flying scholarship and promotion to Cadet Warrant Officer. With average ‘O’ level results I entered the Sixth Form and Mr. T E Hood’s biology group. Together we set up the Men’s hockey team around 1962/3. Because St. Bartholomew’s Hospital (London University) had the foresight to ignore grades (my good luck) I gained a place there on mere passes at ‘A’ level.

  I thoroughly enjoyed the life and medical studies at Barts qualifying in 1969 without difficulty. Winning a prize or two helped to secure good jobs. As a ‘junior doctor’ I enjoyed superb training opportunities including teaching at Oxford University and research in the USA for my Master of Surgery degree (London). Also I obtained the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

  I was appointed Consultant Surgeon at Warwick Hospital in 1983. Parallel to busy clinical duties I was invited to teach at the Royal College of Surgeons and also become an Examiner. Several training courses for teaching were attended and I obtained a diploma in Medical Education from Warwick University. I taught in London and examined internationally in Asia, the Middle East and the West Indies.

  After retirement from clinical work I took on the Presidency of TOGS, Chair of TBGS Charitable Trust, Chair of the Sarah Roope Almshouses Trust and trustee of Torquay & District Medical Society including being their President. The teaching of trainee surgeons and introducing medical students to basic surgical skills continues to give great satisfaction. For additional enjoyment I sail boats in the summer and write papers for talks and publication on Admiral Lord Nelson and his associates.

  I admire excellence in all fields but from experience I believe it important to support the late developer and recognise latent talents which otherwise can remain dormant. This is the reason I try to return that support which I received during my education here in Torquay.

• Mr J Hunt
  Co-opted Trustee, Headteacher TBGS, MAT Accounting Officer
  Mr J Hunt

  I moved to Torquay as a child, and was lucky enough to attend Torquay Boys’ Grammar School in the 90s. Always knowing I wanted to teach, I completed my bachelor’s degree in English at Cardiff University, before embarking on teacher training, and then a master’s degree in Education at Exeter.

  When a teaching job was advertised at TBGS in 2006, it felt very exciting to be able to come back to teach here, which I have been doing since, moving up through roles from Deputy Head of House to Head of English, and now Deputy Headteacher.

  I am currently in my second 4-year term as staff governor, and have served as chair of the curriculum committee. Alongside teaching, I am currently studying a doctorate in education, and value the importance of pedagogical research to underpin the decisions we make in school; I hope that I bring some insights in this area to my role as governor and trustee.

• Chris Linton
  Vice Chair of Trustees
  Chris Linton

  I grew up in the local area attending Torquay Boys’ Grammar School in the late 90’s before reading Law at Kingston University and completing my Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at Plymouth University. I returned to Devon in January 2010 upon qualification as a solicitor.
  I am a partner at Wollens Solicitors. I am a Full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. I am involved in the training and mentoring of young lawyers and am very keen to encourage others into the profession. I work with local education providers to provide guidance and advice to those interested in a career in law. I am passionate ensuring that young people, whatever their backgrounds are provided with the tools to achieve their goals.
  I became a community governor at Torquay Boys’ Grammar School in 2017, am a past chair of both the Personnel and Finance committees and in 2020 was appointed Vice-Chair of governors. I became a trustee of the Multi-Academy Trust in 2018 and in 2020 was appointed Vice-Chair. I am a trustee for the Torbay Medical Research Fund, which funds research into local medical projects, and I am also the present Honorary Secretary of the Torquay Old Grammarians Society.
  I am a member of the Executive Committee of Torbay Business Forum and the League Liaison for Torbay Hockey Club.
  In my spare time, I enjoy time with my young family in and around the beautiful county of Devon, classical music, musical theatre, raising money for local charities and watching sports, particularly cricket and American Football.

• Ralph Fyfe
  Trustee
  Ralph Fyfe

  I arrived in Devon in 1997 to study for a PhD in Geography at Exeter University, having been brought up in the east of England, and completing my first degree at Durham University. After nine years studying and then working at Exeter University, in 2006 I took up a lectureship at the University of Plymouth, and became a full Professor in 2016. I am now Associate Dean of Research for the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

  I became a community governor at Torquay Boys’ Grammar School in 2019, and chair the Teaching and Learning sub-committee. I became a Trustee of the Multi-Academy Trust in 2024. Over the years I have participated in a broad range of sports, including hockey, rowing and tennis.

  I now mainly focus on running, including active volunteering and support of the Haldon Forest parkrun.

• Steve Margetts
  Principal TA
  Steve Margetts

  I grew up in Torquay and was educated at Torquay Boys’ Grammar School before heading off to university in New York and then Nottingham. I started my teaching career in London before coming back to Torquay to lead the Business, Economics and Enterprise Department at Torquay Boys’ Grammar School. After six years at TBGS, where I also became Head of Davys House, I was appointed as Deputy Headteacher at Devonport High School for Boys. In January 2014 I joined Torquay Academy as Principal.
  I live in Torquay with my wife and two sons. I enjoy spending time with my family and playing water polo.

• Claire Beckett
  Chief Financial Officer
  Claire Beckett

  I moved to Torquay to join TBGS as the Chief Financial Officer for the MAT, based at Torquay Academy. I have worked in schools for over 20 years starting in a primary school and have since overseen my previous secondary school become an academy and am now enjoying the multi-faceted role of working at Torquay Academy with financial oversight of the multi academy trust.
  During my time in schools I have been seconded to the Local Authority in Reading to help implement a new computer system across the authority schools and in 2013 was part of an EFA working party updating the Academies Financial Handbook.
  Prior to moving to Torquay I lived in Reading for 24 years. After over five years in Torquay I am still enjoying my dream to live by the sea. I have two grown up children who visit regularly as they always feel on holiday here.
  In my spare time I love walking both on Dartmoor and the coastal paths and have recently taken up golf.

• Heather Jeffreys
  Clerk to Trustees MAT, Clerk to Governors TA
  Heather Jeffreys

  Having been born and educated in the North of England, I spent most of my working life in the banking industry before taking a career break to move to Torbay in 2011. I have experience of governance having served for 5 years as a Chair of Governors at a Church of England Primary School in Torbay. I became Clerk to Governors at Torquay Academy in November 2014, and in June 2018, I also took on the role as Clerk to Trustees for Torquay Boys’ Grammar School Multi Academy Trust. I am married with two children and live in Churston Ferrers. In my spare time, I like to play golf and I am a member of Churston Golf Club.