Trudy Danby
Chief Operations Officer and Interim CEO
Jo Smith
Headteacher, Danesfield Church of England School
Jo Smith
Headteacher, Danesfield Middle School
Jo began her career as a performer in London and Bristol, working in theatre and music before moving into education—a transition driven by a desire to inspire young people through creativity, integrity, and leadership. Her performing arts background gave her a strong foundation for teaching, and she began her career in Bristol leading curriculum development.
After relocating to Devon, Jo taught in a large primary school, leading the Upper Key Stage 2 phase and teaching Year 6. She later became Head of School at St Dubricius First School and Oaks Nursery, where she continued to champion early years education and community engagement. Jo has also led training for SCITT supporting the next generation of educators.
Her academic journey includes the NPQSL, a Diploma in Strategic Leadership, and she is currently completing her MBA. These qualifications underpin her strategic vision for Danesfield Middle School: to ensure every child discovers what they’re good at and what they love, sparking a lifelong love of learning and confidence in their future.
Jo continues to dance and sing weekly, bringing joy and creativity into her leadership. As Danesfield’s first female headteacher, she is proud to lead a school where every child is encouraged to flourish, supported by a passionate staff team and a vibrant school community.
Emma Murch
Headteacher, Old Cleeve Church of England First School and Interim Head at St Michael’s Church of England First School
Emma Murch first joined West Somerset Academies Trust in September 2019 as Director of Early Years. Emma was an early Years Teacher and Advisor before having her own family.
In her role as Director of Early Years, Emma works with the Head Teachers and Early Years Teachers across West Somerset Academy Trust to create an outstanding curriculum that inspires children and meets their learning needs, to ensure they achieve their potential. In September 2021 she was appointed Interim Head at Old Cleeve School.
Maida White
Headteacher, St Peter’s Church of England First School
Maida White is Head of School at St Peter’s First School. She is an experienced teacher, having qualified in 2005 and spent more of her teaching career in the early years and KS1. Maida has worked in three of the Trust’s first schools; and St Peter’s First School is where she took her first steps into senior leadership as deputy headteacher in 2019, as well as becoming the designated safeguarding lead and SENDCo.
Maida believes that an excellent education will not only change a child’s life, but it will also make the local community stronger. It is important to make sure that the children have the confidence, qualifications, and skills necessary to be able to take their place in a highly technical and competitive world.
Laura Mackie
Headteacher, Minehead Middle School
Laura has been teaching for 22 years, starting her career at a secondary school in South Bristol teaching business and computing. She enjoyed 11 years in Bristol having gained experience in developing teaching and learning practices, raising standards and outcomes for young people, as well as embedding an ever-changing strategy for online education. Her move to West Somerset in 2012 where she now lives with her daughter, allowed her to broaden her experience, and for the past 12 years Laura has enjoyed teaching maths to young people from years 6 – 11.
She has continued to work within secondary education in various leadership roles in West Somerset, Taunton, and North Devon Schools where she trained to become a qualified SENDCO and safeguarding lead. Her philosophy for education is to provide an environment where young people feel safe, happy and can embrace a love of learning. She strongly believes in this environment we see young people flourish, and through the dedication of a committed team we can support our children to fulfil their potential and achieve their aspirations.
Laura joined Minehead Middle School as Headteacher in September 2023 and is looking forward to working with a group of exceptional young people, a passionate staff team and in partnership with the parents/carers who make such a valuable contribution to the provision we offer.
Gemma Chapman
Headteacher, Minehead First School
Gemma Chapman is Headteacher at Minehead First. Having qualified in 2006, Gemma has spent most of her teaching career in the Early Years and KS1, specialising in early reading. Gemma has enjoyed working across Beacon Education, returning to Minehead First as Deputy Headteacher at the beginning of 2023, before stepping up to Headteacher in September 2024.
Having specialised in early reading, Gemma is driven to ensure that all children make a strong start to their school journey.
Gemma is hugely passionate about developing a captivating and relevant curriculum for the children of West Somerset, ensuring that through this, they reach their full potential and have the knowledge, confidence, and skills necessary to take their place as citizens in West Somerset and the wider world.