Rhys studied English Literature at Cardiff and Exeter Universities. He then completed his PGCE, QTS and MA in Education. His teaching career began at Bishop Road Primary School in Bristol, where he built the foundations of his classroom practice.
Rhys then took his career overseas. He moved to Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands, to teach at Takitimu School. He soon rose to Assistant Head. Alongside his teaching duties, Rhys contributed to the Educational Journal of the Cook Islands. He also presented his findings at the University of the South Pacific. These findings drew on insights gained from teaching in such a distinctive setting. Life in Rarotonga wasn’t all work, though. Rhys played for the local Arorangi rugby team and made the most of island life outside the classroom.
Eventually, Rhys returned to the UK and settled in Exeter. He joined our school as a class teacher and quickly made his mark. He progressed to Head of Upper School. In this role, he took on greater responsibility for pastoral care and academic standards across the year groups. In 2026, he became Deputy Head of the Junior School. This role draws on everything he has learned across two very different education systems.
Rhys brings a wealth of experience to this position. He has served as Head of English, Head of PE and SENCo during his career. Across the primary age range, he has taught pupils from reception right through to Year 8. This breadth gives him a rare depth of understanding. As an ISI inspector, he also stays closely attuned to best practice in schools beyond our own.
Outside school, Rhys is happiest outdoors. He loves exploring the Devon countryside and coastline whenever he gets the chance. Hiking, kayaking and biking all feature regularly in his free time. He brings that same sense of adventure and curiosity into his work with pupils. His varied background, from Bristol to the Cook Islands and now Exeter, gives him a genuinely global perspective on education.
