Gail Whalley

Deputy Principal

My role as Deputy Principal includes staff development, training and welfare. I lead on Teaching and Learning which I aim to take to Outstanding this year as we share and develop our best practice through action - research, observations and workshops led by experts and innovators amongst the staff. We are a Schools Direct training school and work closely with local FE providers to train future generations of inspirational teachers.

Central to my role is the joy of working with our brilliant team of Chaplains to deliver our worship and pastoral care programme in line with our Outstanding Church of England Voluntary Controlled status. Working with the Chaplains combines my personal belief, that all children are special and created in the image of God, with a desire to see Christian values such as acceptance, forgiveness, kindness, determination and service to others underpinning every aspect of College life. My hope is that staff, students, Governors, parents, carers and visitors whether Christian, of other faith or none, feel valued and respected here and that the Human spirit in us all is nurtured and developed in this place.

Having taught at St Luke's since 1981, I have a huge affection for the College and the generations of students who have been educated here. I meet old boys and girls all the time, many of them now parents of present students, and our reputation for care and commitment to aspirational achievement for all has never wavered. I teach English and Literature in the Upper School and promote speaking at competition level through the English Speaking Union and Rotary clubs. I love supporting the Creative Arts and Design and Technology in College, areas where students can grow as effective, confident communicators, empathetic, intelligent thinkers and experience the joy of creating beautiful articles or experiences to share with others.

Working with Devon Wildlife trust, we teach our students to be responsible stewards of our wonderful part of the country and the College site is a leading eco-friendly location in the city.