Our Staff
Mrs Robinne Lowrey
Headteacher
Mrs Lowrey joined Holywell in January 2023 as the full time Headteacher for the school. Mrs Lowrey has been teaching for 20 years and has had various roles in school leadership. Her responsibilities include Designated Safeguarding Lead as well as the overall running and development of Holywell school. Mrs Lowrey is passionate about Early Years, reading and the wellbeing of all children. She is an advocate for the benefits of outdoor learning, play and has high expectations in all areas of learning.
Mrs Lowrey says, "Since joining the school, I have been made to feel extremely welcome into the school community and feel fortunate every morning as I drive through our beautiful countryside. I wish to continue the excellent work that was at the heart of the school for many years, focussing on celebrating each and every individual child. I will strive to make sure that I continue to nurture the unique individual as well as encourage every child to reach their full potential.
As well as being a Headteacher, I am also a working mother to two wonderful children and have a very supportive husband and family. I have lived in North Devon for 17 years and would not choose to raise my family anywhere else. Outside of school, I am a keen runner and attend ballet and am an avid reader and writer. My passions are around bring joy into school, whether that be through nature, outdoors, singing together or just good old-fashioned hard work! I delight in the everyday achievements that children make and cherish sharing those moments with their own families. I am open and honest and would welcome any family to always come and talk to us, no matter how big or small a problem may seem.
Mrs Coulam
Teacher - Nursery, Reception, Year 1 & Year 2
Mrs Coulam teaches in the Robins Class. She is responsible for the development of RE and the ethos of the school. She loves to teach our younger pupils and has a wonderful way to make learning a fun and exciting time. Mrs Coulam is a talented potter and can often be found using clay around the classroom and currently leads our Movement and Mindfulness club!
Ms Benstead
Pre School Leader
Ms Benstead is the much loved teacher of our Pre School children, who are based in Hedgehogs class. Ms Benstead works hard to develop an environment for learning that is child-centred, but far reaching! In our Pre-School, we are lucky to be able to use our space to teach children in EYFS together with our Reception children, using a play-based curriculum to encourage exploration, curiosity and learning. With a strong focus on early reading, we find can provide stretch and challenge in a highly nuturing environment where children can develop at their own rates.
Mrs Bellew
Teacher - Years 3 & 4
Since joining Holywell in 2017, I have worked across what was the Gateway Federation at both Holywell and Bratton before the schools became a part of the Ventrus Academy Trust. I began my teaching journey in Early Years. During my time at Bratton and Holywell I have taught in Years 1/2 and 3/4. I love teaching at Holywell, the children and staff make this beautiful school a very special place to work and learn.
Miss Boundy
Teacher - 5 & 6
I started my teaching journey in early years and have been working within Ventrus Academy Trust since 2016. I enjoy working at Holywell, the staff and children are a joy to work with and make everyday a fun filled adventure. Miss Boundy has responsibility for the development of maths across the school.
Mr Day
PE Teacher
I have worked at Bratton since 2010, qualifying as a teacher in 2012. Currently I teach across 2 Ventrus schools. In my spare time I love to take part in a variety of sports especially running & football. I believe I can bring passion, enthusiasm, fun and energy to teaching and my goal is to ensure every child’s learning experience will become one of their fondest memories!
Miss Challacombe
SENDCo & Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
I started teaching in North Devon 10 years ago and have always had a passion for supporting children with SEN. This is my fourth year working as a SENDCo after completing my training. During my time working as a SENDCo, I have loved having the opportunity to support children across the school to get the help they need and to reach their full potential, working closely with their families in the process. I joined the team at Holywell in September 2023, and am really enjoying being part of such a great team in such an inclusive and supportive school.
Mrs Palmer
Administrator
Mrs Palmer has many skills. She has worked at Holywell since September 1999 in various roles. She is available in the school office every morning and afternoon. If you need any information about the school, Mrs Palmer is the person to speak to in the first instance.
Caretaker - Mr Steve Coles
Mr Coles is a dedicated part of the team, keeping our beautiful school well-presented and cared for. Mr Coles works on site across two trust schools and is to be found at Holywell between Wednesday and Friday. Mr Coles is a lover of nature and wildlife and can tell the children a great deal about the animals that share our site!
Kitchen Manager - Ms Emma Dart
I joined the Holywell team in February of 2023 as the Kitchen Manager, and it's the best job that I have ever had.!
To be able to provide our children with meals and puddings made from scratch everyday fills my heart with such pride and joy.
In my spare time I enjoy adventuring with my son, cooking and baking, gardening and crocheting and caring for our snow bengal Snowflake, our house bunny Pumpkin and our indoor guinea pig Frosty.
HLTA - Mr Ian Garrett
Mr Garrett works mainly in Squirrel's class and provides 1:1 support. He occasionally supports other classes across the school and leads PPA cover. He has a history of working in mental health and has a degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice studies.
Teaching Assistant - Mrs Lil Carlyon
Teaching Assistant - Mrs Bev Huckstep
Mrs Huckstep has been at Holywell for over 10 years and works part-time. She started as a 1:1 teaching assistant. She now works with Foxes class.
She loves to read and encourage Foxes class to read and enjoy books as much as possible.
Teaching Assistant - Mrs Langdon Rolfe
Mrs Rolfe works part time in Foxes class, supporting children who require extra support. She has been working with children aged 0-8 for many years.
She loves to enable children to learn through play and children who need encouragement and support are taught in a fun and safe environment.
As a mum of three herself, Mrs Rolfe understands the importance of a good relationship between children and herself. She believes a warm and loving relationship develops your child's confidence whilst at Holywell school.
Teaching Assistant - Mrs Jemma Lowin
I enjoy bringing a sense of fun and energy to my time working across Robins and Hedgehogs classes. I am passionate about helping children learn to read, encouraging them to build their own independence and working alongside individuals when they need a little extra boost to help them shine!
Teaching Assistant - Mrs Charlotte Mullen
My name is Charlotte Mullen and I am a 1-1 Teaching Assistant in squirrels class. I have previously worked in nurseries before joining Holywell school.
Teaching Assistant - Mrs Myka Scott
Mrs Scott works mainly in Foxes class as a Teaching Assistant, though she also spends time at the other end of the school with the younger children in Robins! Mrs Scott also supports the Welly Walking club with Mrs Lowrey and loves sharing her knowledge of nature and the world around her. Another keen artist, Mrs Scott loves to work on the development of art across the school.
Teaching Assistant - Ms Holly Wilcox
I started at Holywell in November 2024, I have been able to support and help many amazing children to learn and grow. I work across Hedgehogs, Robins and Foxes and love seeing all the children’s smiley faces each day. Alongside working at Holywell I am also doing my degree in primary Teaching and Learning, hoping to become a Teacher myself one day.
Teaching Assistant - Mrs Chloe Meakin