Leadership Team
Ross Banks
Director/Principal
Experience
I have always been passionate about working with young people. My journey in education began at the age of 16 when I was employed at my former school. There, I dedicated 12 years to various roles, including Head of Year and Interventions Manager.
I transitioned to a specialist independent school as a behaviour specialist, where I joined the leadership team and became Head of School at just 27 years old. During my tenure as Head of School, the school achieved a good rating from Ofsted following a previous required improvement rating. I have also opened my own independent school, Phoenix Bay, which is something that brings me immense pride.
A highlight of working for Phoenix Bay so far:
Visiting the House of Lords for the National School awards. Attending Buckingham Palace Garden party for the Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards. Results day, School trip to Gran Canaria, Celebration Evening, Working with incredible young people.
Hobbies
- Magic
- Puppet Making
Guilty Pleasures
Jacqui Sloane
Director/ Business Manager
Experience
I began my school journey more than twenty years ago and have gained extensive experience in mainstream education and special independent schools.
My passion for supporting children who have experienced trauma and multiple ACEs has enabled me to realise my dream of becoming the director of Phoenix Bay School.
Family values are very important to me personally, and I am fortunate that my family lives nearby. We all love reading and writing – some of us are more successful than others, though!
A highlight of working for Phoenix Bay so far:
So many!! Celebration Evenings, The opening main site at Seale Hayne, our Ofsted report 2024, and Visit the House of Lords for the National School Awards, to name a few.
Hobbies
- Horse Riding
- Reading
Guilty Pleasures
Eating out, ABBA.
Laura Secker
Deputy Principal
Experience
I qualified as a Dancer and Drama teacher 1999 and spent 17 incredible years at a large Plymouth school. I was lucky enough also to be the Head of Year 7 and then the school SENDco.
I then went on to lead primary schools across Devon and Torbay, focusing on inclusion, before taking the amazing opportunity to work as Deputy Principal at Phoenix Bay.
A highlight of working for Phoenix Bay so far:
Celebration evening, our first year 11 results day. Getting to know the students.
Hobbies
- Reading
- Going on holiday
Guilty Pleasures
Watching true crime documentaries.
Ben Miller
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Experience
Worked in education since graduating in 2016 after studying BEd Secondary Physical Education (QTS) at Marjon University. Started 8th year in teaching in September 2024 with experience in mainstream, SEND, specialist and alternative provision settings. Current teaching and planning lead in the following subject areas: PE, Science, PSHE & Computer Science.
Other roles & responsibilities include: Designated Safeguarding Lead / Filtering and Monitoring Lead / Prevent Lead / Duke of Edinburgh Manager
Previous experience includes roles such as Student Support Advisor, Primary PE Coordinator, Cover Supervisor and Mental Health First Aid Lead.
A highlight of working for Phoenix Bay so far:
Visiting Buckingham Palace to attend a Duke of Edinburgh gold award ceremony in June 2023, visiting the House of Lords representing the school at The National School Awards in Oct 2024 and a trip to Gran Canaria in July 2024!
Hobbies
- Enjoying nature
- hiking
- surfing
- tennis
- football
- golf
Guilty Pleasures
Pickled eggs!
Amy Whiteley
Associate of SLT Therapy Lead
Experience
Before training as a Speech and Language Therapist in 2013, I spent several years developing and running my own business, delivering music and movement sessions to pre-school-aged children. These sessions took place in early years settings and local children’s centres, often supporting families experiencing disadvantage and those involved with social care services.
Outside of work, I enjoy making music and being creative, hobbies that not only bring me joy but often find their way into my therapeutic practice as innovative tools for connection and communication.
A highlight of working for Phoenix Bay so far:
- Gran canaria 2025
- Supporting the creation of the Phoenix Bay well being hub which is called the light house
Hobbies
- Multimedia creative artist
- Puppet making
- Writing and creating miusic
- Walk my dog
- Converting my new camper van
Guilty Pleasures
At Phoenix Bay, we believe strong schools are built on strong challenge, accountability, and diverse perspectives. Although independent schools are not required to have a governing body, we chose to establish an Advisory Board to provide the very best oversight, guidance, and critical friendship for our school.
- Ross Banks — Proprietor & Principal
As the founder and head of Phoenix Bay, Ross leads the school’s ethos, strategic direction, and day-to-day educational vision. He ensures that everything we do remains grounded in our trauma-informed, relational philosophy. - Laura Secker — Deputy Principal
Laura supports the educational leadership of the school, guiding curriculum development, staff mentoring, and quality assurance. Her close work with students and teachers ensures our high standards are lived in classrooms every day. - Jacqui Sloane — Business Manager / Director / Co-Founder
Jacqui ensures the smooth operation of Phoenix Bay’s finances, facilities, compliance and governance. Her leadership in business administration and sustainability allows the school leadership and teaching team to focus on what matters most: supporting our students. - Jill Bainton — Chair of Advisory Board & School Improvement Officer
Jill is a seasoned inspector and consultant in independent education. She has inspected a broad range of schools (including EYFS, special needs, faith schools, and independent settings) and worked as an ISI reporting inspector. Her role as Chair enriches Phoenix Bay’s capacity to meet independent school standards, embed rigorous self-evaluation, and continuously raise educational quality. - Kevin Parker — Leadership Coach & Interim Education Consultant
He provides expertise in organisational growth, leadership development, and strategy implementation. His insight supports Phoenix Bay in evolving systems, building resilience, and sustaining high impact leadership. - Claire Medworth — Parent Representative
Claire brings invaluable lived experience to our board. As a parent of a former Phoenix Bay student who successfully transitioned into post-16 education, she offers perspectives rooted in real family journeys. Her voice ensures that family and student experience remain central in our strategic planning and decisions.
