About us

The School is a centre of excellence in Devon for complementary health training, in addition to supporting a busy practice which offers a wide variety of treatments to the public. The School was founded in 1983 by Stewart Mitchell, an internationally recognised educator, author and naturopathic practitioner. Stewart teaches CPD courses and runs his therapy practice from the School.

Lesley Hunter is the Principal of the School and also has a therapy practice here. She tutors most of the ITEC courses as well as CPD short courses and leads the Westcountry Massage Association meetings.

The School is situated on the 1st floor of a building located in a prestigious district of Exeter with easy access to car parks. Accommodation comprises two large, well-equipped, teaching rooms and a therapy room. All rooms can be hired for teaching or treatments.

All our tutors are experienced teachers and practitioners and are committed to provide the highest standard of teaching in a stimulating and friendly atmosphere.

Classes are small to accommodate individual learning. As well as delivering the syllabus requirements, courses are enriched with further topics to give students the confidence and experience to start in practice immediately.

Our examination results for 2008 are excellent. We are proud that all of our talented and hard working students have passed in May, with most gaining credits (68%) and distinctions (13%). Twenty one theory or practical marks were 90% and over!

Our contacts with the Department of Complementary Medicine at the Peninsular Medical School have lead to participation in several research projects.

The School is unique in having it’s own professional association, the Westcountry Massage Association, to further support our graduates.

About the staff

Lesley Hunter B.Sc. (Hons), PGCE, ITEC, IIHHT, MAR, MLD UK

Having graduated from Durham University, Lesley spent many years in science teaching before training in complementary therapies and setting up in practice in 1994. She teaches ITEC courses, continuing professional development courses, workshops and carries out treatments at the School. Lesley has been involved in reflexology research.

Genevieve Keys ITEC,QTLS

Genevieve completed her studies at the School and is ITEC qualified in Anatomy & Physiology, Holistic Massage, Indian Head Massage, Aromatherapy and Diet & Nutrition. She teaches introductory workshops and co-tutors the ITEC Indian Head Massage and Anatomy & Physiology, Holistic Massage and Diet & Nutrition diploma courses. Genevieve has completed stage 2 of her teaching training qualification and is currently working towards qualified teacher status.

Ann Kerridge

Is the School’s administrator and course co-ordinator and is a qualified adult education tutor. Ann has wide experience of helping our students, and welcoming clients and is your first point of contact for information. She runs the office, administers the Westcountry Massage Association and deals with the hire of rooms.