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Blundell's Governors

At Blundell’s we have the benefit of an extremely experienced, dedicated and enthusiastic Board of Governors who serve both the Preparatory and Senior School, to shape our strategic direction, maintain standards and oversee our legal and regulatory compliance.

Governors' Biographies

Mr Nigel Hall, MA FCA

Chair of Governors

A chartered accountant, educated at The Haberdashers’ Aske’s School and Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, Nigel was the Finance Director of Arcadia Group PLC. He has since pursued a portfolio career as a non-executive director of several public and private companies. Nigel lives locally and has two grandchildren at Blundell’s Preparatory School.

Rt Revd Nick McKinnel

Vice Chair of Governors

Nick studied Law at Cambridge and Theology at Oxford, before ordination in 1980. Bishop of Plymouth until 2022, Nick has been a governor and trustee of schools and charities for over 30 years and served as the High Sheriff of Devon in 2023/4. He is currently the Chancellor of the University of St Mark & St John, Plymouth and a vicar on Dartmoor.

Dr Sarah Ansell, BM BCh MA FRCGP

Deputy Chair of Preparatory School Committee, Deputy Safeguarding Governor and EDI Governor

Sarah is a General Practitioner and Medical Educationalist, educated at both Oxford and Cambridge. Sarah has been appointed in July 2024 to the position of interim Primary and Community Care Dean for NHS England across the South West region, leading delivery of the future workforce of doctors, nurses and allied healthcare and clinical practitioners training to work in NHS General Practice. Her three children were educated at Blundell’s.

Mr James Beckly, BSc (Hons) MRICS ACIArb

James, a chartered surveyor educated at Blundell’s and Plymouth University, is the Senior Partner at Ward Williams, with over 25 years’ in the Property Sector and experience managing major developments globally in senior roles with Lendlease and Majid Al Futtaim. Committed to community Service, James is also a Governor at Marjon University and supports local initiatives via the Devon Community Foundation’s Beckly Fund.

Ms Anna Crosse, LLB

Deputy Chair of Governance Committee

An Old Blundellian and lawyer, Anna is General Counsel for Vorboss, one of the fastest growing telecommunications companies in the UK. Previously, she advised businesses globally at Johnson Matthey PLC, a FTSE 100 science and chemicals company specialising in sustainable technologies. Anna’s two children attend Blundell’s Preparatory School.

Mr Simon Crew, BSc (Hons) MEcon

Deputy Chair of Finance & General Purposes Committee

Educated at Exeter School, Simon has 20 years’ of leadership and strategic experience in financial services. As Head of Strategic Consulting at Benefex, Simon helps clients, including Independent Schools, shape employee benefits, risk management and insurance requirements. Simon previously served as a Governor and Chair of Finance at Holne Grange School.

Mr Graham Howe, FCA CTA

Chair of Finance & General Purposes Committee

An Old Blundellian and chartered accountant, Graham was a partner with South-West accountants Bishop Fleming before joining the board of The Pavey Group as Finance Director. He has served as a trustee of the Devon Community Foundation and the Church House Charity. Graham’s son was educated at Blundell’s also.

Mr Michael Huntingford, ACA BSc

Chair of Education Committee and Sustainability Governor

Michael has worked within the offshore wind energy sector in the UK since 2001 and previously spent six years developing a large-scale agribusiness in Zambia. He is chair of a regional not-for-profit energy consultancy and is extensively involved in his local community in West Somerset.

Mr Matthew Lovett, BA (Ed) Hons

Chair of Preparatory School Committee and EYFS Governor

A former Headmaster of three preparatory schools with considerable experience teaching overseas also, Matthew serves as an educational consultant and reporting inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate. He delivers training for preparatory school teachers, leads a development programme for future school leaders and oversees the Early Years Foundation Stage at Blundell’s.

Mr Leigh Menheneott, BEd, MBA

Boarding Governor and ECT Governor

A teacher and former Blundell’s Housemaster from 2001 to 2014, Leigh serves on the Board of Governors as the Common Room Representative. During his tenure at Blundell’s he made partnerships with local primary schools and built links for Blundell’s abroad in Laos, working with Blundell’s pupils to enhance opportunities for girls’ education. Leigh’s four children were all educated at Blundell’s and he has a grandchild at Blundell’s Preparatory School.

Josh Papanicola MBA FCMI CMgr

Josh was educated at Torquay Boys’ Grammar School and the University of Exeter where he read Modern Languages and an MBA. Following roles at the University in Data and Alumni Relations, he is now in the role of Senior Development Manager, focussing on securing philanthropic support for Humanities, Sport and Widening Participation.

Mrs Daya Rees, BA (Hons) CPE/Dip Law

Lead Safeguarding Governor

Daya is a practising barrister, specialising in Children Act cases. Educated Taunton School, UCL, The City University and the Inns of Court School of Law, Daya utilises her considerable experience in this field in her Safeguarding roles for both the Preparatory and Senior Schools. Daya’s two children were both educated at Blundell’s.

Dr Andy Smith, BSc MB ChB DCH DRCOG MRCGP

Chair of Governance Committee, SEND Governor and Health & Safety Governor

Former Executive Medical Director at South Western Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust and highly experienced in emergency medicine & medical leadership, Andy was a General Practitioner for 23 years and now lectures at the University of Exeter Medical School. He continues to volunteer as a first responder for medical emergencies. Andy’s two children were educated at Blundell’s.

Mr Ian Thomas, AFPS STEP CFP

Chair of Investment and Philanthropy Committee

A Chartered Wealth Manager, educated at Universität Düsseldorf and the University of York, Ian has spent most of his career at at financial services companies including AXA, Fidelity Investments and JP Morgan. He is currently a Director at Moore Kingston Smith, advising employers on workplace pensions and employee benefits.

Mrs Jo Thomson, BA (QTS) MBA FRSA

Boarding Governor

Head of Clayesmore School in Dorset, Jo is a passionate educationalist whose career has taken her into roles as an English teacher, Head of Games, boarding Housemistress and Deputy Head at a number of independent schools including Repton Prep School, Aiglon College in Switzerland and Christ’s’ Hospital School in Horsham.

Professor Mark Wood, BA MA DPhil

Deputy Chair of Education Committee

A Chartered Chemist and Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Mark was educated at Balliol College Oxford and appointed as a ‘GlaxoWellcome Fellow and Tutor in Organic Chemistry’ by Dyson Perrins Laboratory and Catherine's College Oxford, where he was a governor for 6 years. He is an Associate Professor in Organic Chemistry at Exeter University.

Honorary Governor Emeritus: Sir Christopher Ondaatje, OC, CBE

The Chair of Governors can be contacted through the Clerk to Governors - Sophie Coryton

They can be contacted at:

The Bursary
Blundell’s School
Blundell's Road
Tiverton
Devon
EX16 4DT
Tel: 01884 232309
E-mail: s.coryton@blundells.org

Latest News

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Blundell’s Celebrates Top Ranking in The Times Parent Power List

We are delighted to share that Blundell's School has been ranked 244th in The Times' Parent Power list, a prestigious ranking based on GCSE and A-Level results.

Our position reflects the strong academic achievements of our pupils, particularly given the highly selective nature of many of the schools ranked alongside us.

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Open Morning 27th January

Nestled in 12 acres of stunning Devon countryside, Blundell's Prep is a school where learning goes beyond the classroom. Our Open Morning on Monday, 27th January, is your chance to explore our vibrant community and see how we inspire young minds.

We pride ourselves on our small, superbly equipped classes, generous staff-to-pupil ratios, and the personalized academic and pastoral care we provide. With endless outdoor learning opportunities, our pupils thrive both in and out of the classroom.

To attend, please book your place by contacting the School Office on 01884 252393 or emailing 📧 prep@blundells.org. Please note that booking is essential.

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Exciting Leadership Update: Chris Filbey Appointed as Second Master from September 2025

Chris Filbey, the new Second Master to take over from Matt Radley in September 2025. Chris is currently an Assistant Head at Epsom College where he was previously a Housemaster. Before that he was Head of Modern Languages at Haileybury. I look forward to working with Chris and we will introduce him to the wider Blundell’s community in due course.

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A Blundell’s Christmas Album Now on Spotify

Blundell’s School is proud to release A Blundell’s Christmas, a collection of carols performed by choirs from Year 4 to Year 13. Now streaming on Spotify, the album showcases our pupils’ remarkable talent and celebrates a year of musical highlights, including performances at Exeter Cathedral, Bath Abbey, a summer tour to Italy, and Choral Evensong at Westminster Abbey.

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We've Joined The Wellbeing Hub

Blundell’s is thrilled to announce our investment in The Wellbeing Hub by Teen Tips, a comprehensive resource dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our Senior School community. With expert-led, evidence-based tools, The Wellbeing Hub will empower pupils, parents, and staff with guidance and resources to support students’ social, emotional, and educational needs. This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.


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STEM Week Sparks Innovation and Collaboration at Prep School

During this Autumn Term, our Drama Scholars delivered an impressive Autumn Showcase featuring their examination pieces. The performances spanned Restoration Comedy, Comedy of Manners, Musical Theatre, contemporary works, and original material.

The evening highlighted the scholars’ talent, creativity, and dedication, showcasing the high standard of drama at Blundell’s. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing their continued growth.

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House Music 2024

House Music was a highlight of the term, with standout performances from Reuben (Old House) winning the Solo Performance Trophy and Nico (Westlake) earning Best Individual Contribution. North Close won the Ensemble Trophy, and Old House claimed both the House Song and overall titles. Pupils were praised for their energy and effort throughout the event.

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Westminster Abbey Evensong

An incredible experience for our pupils to sing in one of the world’s most famous churches

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Blundell’s School pupils achieve the school’s highest ever GCSE results

Blundell’s School pupils have achieved the school’s highest ever GCSE results, for exams taken under standard conditions.

This extraordinary achievement reflects the unwavering dedication and effort our pupils have poured into their studies.

Senior School News