Newton Abbot school welcomes back former student as new arts mentor

It’s a classic case of drawn back to her roots as Coombeshead Academy in Newton Abbot has welcomed Elizabeth Foster Turner, a former student-turned-illustrator, back to campus – but this time, she’s the one inspiring budding artists.

She is now working as a CREATE Tech at the school’s CREATE Creative Arts Academy.

Elizabeth was a Coombeshead student from 2005 to 2012, after completing her A Levels she went on to study illustration at the University of Plymouth. After graduating she worked as an in-house illustrator for a company in Tavistock for eight years, illustrating personalised children's books and gifts. She has also worked as a freelance graphic designer and began a part-time Master's in Illustration at Falmouth University last year.

The CREATE Creative Arts Academy is home to specialist studios and teachers offering learning in an exciting range of creative courses. CREATE offers Art & Design, Photography, Textiles, 3D Design and Graphics providing young people a pathway to a successful future in diverse and rewarding arts careers.

The CREATE Creative Arts Academy is launching a new Level 2 Art & Design course for Year 12 students next September. Designed for all skill levels it will give students the chance to experiment with a range of different processes including painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, textiles and graphics.

Elizabeth said: “Having seen the work that has been put into the Creative Arts Academy on social media over the last year, I was really excited at the idea of coming back here. I am a massive advocate for arts education and believe it is important for all students to have the opportunity to be creative.

“It's a really great place to work, I have felt really welcomed by the whole department and I am really proud to be a part of CREATE. I am looking forward to the plans we have moving forward as we continue to make this an exciting creative space for the students.”

Helen Coulson, headteacher at Coombeshead Academy said: “Everyone at Coombeshead Academy is delighted to welcome Elizabeth back. It’s always special when a former student returns to work at the school as they undeniably bring a unique perspective to their role. The CREATE Academy will benefit hugely from her artistic experience and it’s great the students are also able to talk to her about the professional roles she has held in the arts sector.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: “It’s lovely to hear that Elizabeth has returned to Coombeshead Academy to work as a CREATE Tech. The students will undoubtedly be inspired by her clear passion for the arts and I wish her all the very best in her new role.”