I have been a parent governor since 2019 and took on the role of Chair in 2021. 

I have 20 years experience of working in education,  theatre and creative approaches to education. I split my time between London and the Island working for an immersive theatre company called Punchdrunk Enrichment, where I am Artistic Director and  joint CEO. I believe strongly in the transformative power of the arts to unlock our innate creativity and curiosity. I place particular importance on ensuring an equitable approach and am passionate about access, inclusion and diversity. I understand first hand the importance of a strong education as a foundation for your future and have my experiences at Sandown High School to thank for that. 

Originally from Knighton, I now live in Ventnor with my family. Our two  sons attend Niton Primary School. In my spare time I enjoy surfing, gardening, running, cycling and spending time with family and friends.  

As well as chairing the Governing Board I am also on the Quality of Education (primary) and Leadership Management and Safeguarding committee.

Hello, my name is Rev. Ian Lovell and I was appointed as a Co-opted Governor in November 2021. I am currently the Baptist Minister of Salendine Nook Baptist Church, Huddersfield.

I left the Isle of Wight in 2019 in order to take on the role that I now have in Huddersfield.

Some of you will know that I have had a long association with the Cornerstone Federation involving both Niton Primary and The Bay C.E. School. I was a Governor at both schools and was formally Chair of Governors for about 9 years.

I have been married for over 30 years and have 5 sons, 2 daughter in laws, 1 grandson, and a 5 year old Labrador.

I have extensive governance experience and am looking forward to once again working alongside both schools in the Cornerstone Federation. My passion is to see both schools thrive and continue to become the outstanding schools that they can be.

I am also Vice-Chair of Governors at Newsome Academy in Huddersfield, where I am currently a Parent Governor.

I started working at The Bay in 2012 as School Business Manager after taking time off with my 2 children. Prior to that, I worked for a Building Society for 20 years in a variety of roles up and down the country, before returning to the Island with my family. I am responsible for the non-teaching element at The Bay which includes financial management, HR, personnel, catering, premises, communications, website and the office support of the school. I am also responsible for the financial management of Niton Primary.  I think I am extremely lucky to be able to combine my professional experience with my interest in making a difference to children’s education at 2 fabulous schools. When I am not in school, I am with my family who is made up of my husband, my 2 children, the dog and me.

My name is Duncan Mills and I am the Executive Headteacher of the Cornerstone Federation. The Governors of The Bay CE and Niton Primary Schools appointed me as the Executive Headteacher of both schools in July 2016.

I have been a Headteacher since 1999, in five different schools, working in the London Borough of Barnet for most of my teaching career before relocating to the Island with my family. I feel extremely privileged to be working with both schools that have such talented staff, wonderful children and supportive parents and governors. I am committed to working to ensure that pupils across the Federation have access to a nurturing environment where they feel safe, a stimulating curriculum, high quality teaching and exciting extra-curricular opportunities available to them to enable them to be the best they can be to prepare them for the future.

‘WHAT IS AN EXECUTIVE HEADTEACHER?’
An Executive Headteacher is a strategic role. I provide strategic leadership across both schools, which secures success and continuous improvement, ensuring high quality education for all pupils and the highest standards of learning and achievement.

I work closely with the Senior Team and Governors to make decisions, monitor the effectiveness of the provision and implement improvements. I spend part of each week at each school, although these days change week by week. I am always keen and happy to speak with parents. If you would like to make an appointment, please contact the school office at Niton or The Bay.