Chaplaincy Team
What is a school chaplain?
'Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.' ~ Hebrews 10:24
School chaplaincy has a long and richly varied history. The word chaplain comes from the Latin word for a cloak. The term "St. Martin's cloak" originates from the story of St. Martin, a former soldier who became a bishop. He famously cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar in need, demonstrating not just charity but also a willingness to share burdens. A chaplain is someone who walks alongside and offers support as a fellow sojourner. The role of The Chaplaincy Team at Ilfracombe Academy is primarily to come alongside staff, pupils, parents, governors and the wider community and journey with them.
The Chaplaincy Team at the Ilfracombe Academy is an ecumenical body. Each member is encouraged to contribute from the depths of their own traditions and understandings. Specific roles may include leading collective worship, school governance and empowering pupils and adults to be courageous advocates.
The Chaplaincy Team
ICE Youth and Community Worker
The ICE (Initiative in Christian Education) Youth and Community Worker
ICE Ilfracombe is a Christian schools and youth work charity that aims to give young people the opportunity to explore the Christian faith. The ICE Youth and Community worker helps the school live up to its foundation as a Church school, to enable pupils and adults to flourish.
Flourish Lead - Rev Tandy Ruoff
Tandy is our Flourish Lead. Flourish is a church of England initiative that works with young people and their families, connecting schools with local churches and placing young people's voices at the heart of decision making.
Year Group Chaplains
Karly Jackson
Karly is married to Phil and has two daughters and three step-daughters. She works for ICE Ilfracombe, doing school-based youth work and managing Delta, an after-school drop-in youth space. She is also training to be a Baptist minister.
Karly grew up in Ilfracombe and is passionate about helping Ilfracombe’s young people reach their full potential and know their value. She enjoys paddleboarding, coastal walks with geocaching, coffee shop visits with friends, and playing board games with her family—especially their large Monopoly collection!
Rev Sophie Potts
Sophie and her husband moved to Devon in June 2026 for her curacy (vicar training), after three years studying Theology. She previously worked as a youth worker in Sheffield and enjoys walking, cycling and discovering new coffee shops. Sophie enjoys helping young people explore life’s big questions and supporting them along the way.
Rev Mark Read
Mark is a Salvation Army officer in North Devon with a background in fine art and secondary art and design teaching, as well as an MA in Education and Social Justice. He is passionate about supporting young people to live life in all its fullness through education, school chaplaincy and church leadership.
Mark enjoys mountain biking, surfing, kayaking, SUPing, hiking and creative pursuits such as painting and screen printing. He hopes to help create a school community where everyone experiences joy and is encouraged to pursue fullness in life.
Rev Mark Ruoff
Mark is married to Tandy, is a father of four, and is Vicar of three North Devon churches: Pip & Jim’s in Ilfracombe, Combe Martin and Berrynarbor.
He is passionate about helping people discover their God-given purpose and fulfil their potential. Mark loves sport and the outdoors, is involved with Ilfracombe Tennis Club, and is a lifelong Arsenal FC and Saracens Rugby supporter—a controversial choice in Devon!
Rev Dave Matthews
Dave is a minister at Croyde Baptist Church. He lives in Mortehoe with his wife, Mary, and they enjoy spending time with their three grown children and nine grandchildren. Before entering ministry, Dave studied art and trained as a teacher of deaf children. Being hard of hearing himself, he may not always hear you in the corridor!
Rev Tandy Ruoff
Tandy is married to Mark and is a mum of four. Born in South Africa, she moved to England at 20 and is now an ordained minister serving at Pip & Jim’s Church in Ilfracombe and St Peter’s in Berrynarbor.
She has experience in school and prison chaplaincy and is passionate about helping people discover hope, purpose and the love of God. Tandy particularly enjoys working with children, young people and families, creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels valued and able to be themselves.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading, swimming, paddleboarding and spending time outdoors along the North Devon coast.
