Jayne Brigg

Acting Principal

Jayne has been teaching across mainstream Primary,  2-19 SEN and Secondary SEMH and behaviour provisions for over 25 years. Originally from Cumbria, Jayne completed her degree and PGCE in York and having taught in Yorkshire for 5 years, moved to Cornwall in 2003. Jayne is a qualified SENDCO and has almost completed the National Professional Qualification in Headship.  Jayne has recently completed a 9 month secondment at Restormel Academy in St Austell and prior to this her substantive post is Head of Education at Sowenna, a CAMHS unit in Bodmin Hospital. Jayne is committed to making a positive difference to the lives of young people through meaningful and quality educational experiences and is very much looking forward to supporting the team at River Dart. Jayne will be accompanied by her Irish Setter Rosie who is a lovely addition to a school setting.

Harry Welch

Assistant Head of School

Harry started his career at The Brunel Academy in 2015 as a HLTA. He has work as an Advocate from 2018 until 2020 where he joined the extended leadership team in the role of Lead for Engagement. In 2021 was appointed the Lead for Behaviour whereby he has operational and strategic oversight of behaviour, attitudes and attendance as well as being the Designated Safeguarding Lead. 

Harry is a Trauma and Mental Health Practitioner and a Dialectical Behavioural Therapist and is passionate about supporting young people to overcome trauma and adversity to become the best possible versions of themselves. 

Before moving into a career in education Harry was an aspiring rugby player who was selected to represent England Rugby U19's. 

In his spare time Harry enjoys following local sport including 'The Fisherman' Brixham RFC and Brixham AFC. 

Hayley Jenkins

Assistant Principal

My love of teaching began when I taught English abroad in Barcelona and Prague. I pursued this further when back in the UK as a Teaching Assistant and then qualifying as an English teacher in 2005. I have had various roles within comprehensive education and since then and have also worked in other Alternative provisions, this is my first Assistant Principal role at The River Dart. I am very excited to be back in AP and to lead the quality of education as I am passionate about supporting all pupils to succeed and reach their potential.

I am originally from Derby and worked across the Midlands before moving to Cornwall 12 years ago to be near family and start my own family. I moved across to Devon 5 years ago and enjoy spending time with my 8-year-old son, young puppy and my sister. I love reading, walking and generally being outdoors.

Jessica Bell

SENDCO

Jessie started her career as a Teaching Assistant supporting children and young people with profound, multiple and specific learning disabilities. She then trained as a teacher and has taught in both mainstream and special school settings, teaching all ages from 4-18. 

Jessie's passion has always been within SEND, and from a young age her dream job was to be a SENDCo. She feels strongly that all children and young people should be able to access education and that learning should be differentiated to meet each child's individual needs. 

Outside of school, Jessie enjoys spending time with her family and friends and taking her dog on walks around Devon. 

Suzy Eagles

Assistant Principal

Suzy has been teaching for over 20 years in numerous settings from Mainstream, Pupil Referral Units and a Private School in the UAE. Suzy has taught a number of subjects: PE at A level, GSCE and BTEC in addition to core PE, Science, Numeracy, Literacy and ASDAN.

Initially qualifying with a BE.d (Hons) in PE Suzy has since completed a Masters in Educational Leadership and Management. During her career Suzy has held positions in middle and senior leadership such as Head of Department, Director of Department, Head of Faculty, Head of Year and Assistant Principal in differing settings. 

She has been strategic lead for Teaching and Learning and behaviour in a large all through school in addition to behaviour CPD lead in Mainstream and Alternative Provision. She has successfully led Pastoral teams, Teaching and Learning teams and whole school CPD responsibility resulting in whole school improvement in those areas.

Outside of school Suzy enjoyed several sports including Hockey competing at national League level and Judo also at national level. Latterly she now enjoys keeping fit and walking her dog.