Matthew Caunter

Principal

Matt trained as a teacher of Physical Education. He taught at the Brunel Academy in Torbay for 9 years, The Brunel Academy is a day special school for children aged 4-16 with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Matt went on to become Deputy Headteacher at the Academy before taking on the role as Headteacher for the last 5 years.

Before training to teach Matt worked in the leisure industry and as Sports Centre Manager before realising his passion for teaching.

Matt has played many team sports in his time including Football, Cricket, Gaelic Football and Rugby League. His main interest is Rugby Union where he follows his former club Brixham RFC along with the odd Exeter Chiefs game.

Assistant Head of School

Sarah Guest

Before training as a Primary Teacher, Sarah spent 8 years managing hotels in the UK. Her transferable skills, positivity and enthusiasm benefitted her successful career change.

Sarah spent 18 years working in a primary school in Cambridgeshire. She was a productive member of the Senior Leadership Team and was responsible for maths for the whole school. Following many years working with the older pupils, she became the EYFS Lead where she ran a fun and engaging unit, developing a love of learning in the youngest pupils. She remains in contact with many families of former pupils and has supported many with their own career moves into the teaching profession.

She joined Wave in 2019, after relocating to Devon with her family. She was the Primary Lead for two years before her appointment to Assistant Head of School.

Sarah has a love of the Devon countryside and enjoys walking the coast path or exploring Dartmoor at the weekend. During the warmer months she loves being out on the water in a kayak or body board. All the pupils that Sarah has been lucky enough to work with all know she is a huge Leicester City fan.

Rachael Knight

SENCO

Rachael joined River Dart Academy as SENDCo in September 2022.  She is passionate about inclusive education and trauma-informed practice and ensuring that each individual young person’s needs are met. 

After qualifying to teach in 1999, Rachael has worked in a variety of education settings, including mainstream and special schools and university teacher education.  She has a Master’s Degree in Special Needs and Inclusive Education, holds the PGCert National Award for SEN Coordination and has a Diploma in Trauma and Mental Health Informed Practice. 

When not in school, Rachael loves spending time with her partner and their two boys, typically on the beach or on roller skates! 

Jade Abraham

Pastoral Support Manager

Jade started working at The River Dart Academy in April 2017 as a Teaching Assistant and has progressed over the years to now be the Pastoral Support Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead for RDA. 

Jade trained to be a Thrive Practitioner in 2018 and delivers 1-1 interventions.  Jade has always had an interest in mental health and believes that well-being for the students and staff is really important. Jade is trained to be a Mental Health First Aider, for both staff and students and is the Mental Health and Well-being REP for RDA.  Jade works closely with and believes she has built good relationships with the families at River Dart.

When not working, Jade enjoys spending time with her daughter, friends, and family. While also enjoying going to gym classes, swimming and exploring new places