Governors are volunteers who have an interest in the role of schools in society and wish to make a positive contribution to their communities.
School Governing bodies are responsible for working with the school to ensure that it provides good quality education. Governors are there to help guide and support the vision and strategic direction of the school, together with the Headteacher, who is responsible for the day-to-day management. They are members of the school team, and their contribution to the running of the school is highly valued.
The role of the Governing Body is a strategic one, its key functions are to:
Different categories of Governors:
Parent Governors have a child in the school at the time of their elections, and are elected by the parents who have children at the school.
Staff Governors are members of staff at the school and are elected by their colleagues.
Co-opted Governors are co-opted onto the governing body by other members, either because they come from a specialised group, or because they possess a particular skill, which can contribute to the governing body.
Local Authority Governors are nominated by the local authority, according to the skills and experience required, but appointed by the individual schools’ governing board.
Our instrument of government states that the governing body of Leominster Primary School shall consist of:
Mike Hawthorne, Chair of Governors - After teaching in Shropshire, my wife and I spent many years overseas. We lived mostly in India and Bangladesh where I was head of two schools. Nowadays we run holiday accommodation in West Herefordshire.
Jill Grant, Co-Opted Governor - I was elected as a co-opted Governor in September 2021 and I’m very much enjoying being part of the team at Leominster Primary School. Having over thirty years experience in Primary Schools, both as a teacher and Headteacher, i am passionate about providing children with the best education possible, enabling them all to reach their individual potentials and enjoy their learning journey. I am currently link Governor for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) In my spare time I enjoy walking with my dogs, sewing and exploring places in our motorhome.
June Willis, Local Autority Governor - I was born and brought up in the Wye Valley and retired to Herefordshire nine years ago. I was a teacher , Headteacher and school improvement adviser in East London for most of my career. I enjoy a variety of hobbies including walking, art club and reading. I am also a governor at Wellington Primary School.
Victoria Pearson, Staff Governor - I have been teaching for 22 years now and have taught children in both primary and middle schools - up to and including Year 8 - across the West Midlands, Worcestershire and now Herefordshire. Several years ago, I was lucky enough to be able to spend a few years living and teaching in North Carolina in the USA - a truly amazing experience. Seven years ago, I came to work at Leominster Primary and haven't looked back. I currently work in Year 6 and love it!
Holly Haggart, Parent Governor - I was born and raised in Leominster and as child went to the Infant and Junior Schools. I worked at LPS as a Teaching Assistant/ Higher-Level Teaching Assistant for eight years and left in 2022 to train as a primary school teacher. I have two young children, one of which attends LPS and the other will start next year. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and baking with my children. My link role is to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and to staff and pupil well-being.
Lucy Lingwood - Parent Governor - I have lived in Leominster for 3 years now and have two children who attend Leominster Primary School. I am currently studying a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing to then follow on to a teaching qualification. I enjoy spending my spare time going on fantastic adventures with my family and creating memories that we all cherish.
Kasia Dykes - Parent Governor - I was born in Poland and grew up by the Baltic sea where I received education and Chef qualifications. I have lived in England since 2008 and settled down in Leominster in 2014. I am a mother of two girls and one is still attending Leominster Primary School. I work in the funeral industry as a Business Leader. I believe my experience of Mental Health issues enables me to understand this aspect of school life. I am always happy to help and share ideas.
Jonathan Roberts - Co-opted Governor - I worked as a music teacher and university lecturer before training for ordained ministry and moved to Leominster to take up the position of curate (trainee vicar) with the Priory and the village churches surrounding the town. I have found Leominster to be an incredibly welcoming community and am pleased to be able to contribute to the life of the town as a school governor.
Mark Simmons - Clerk to the Governing Body - Mark is the professional clerk to the governing body. He attends all meetings, offers advise on legal matters and keeps the minutes.
Each Governor serves for an initial term of four years and our governors meet as a full governing body twice a term.
Minutes of each meeting are kept in the school office, and can be accessed by contacting the office staff to make an appointment.
As a governing body we always welcome interest from anyone with suitable skills who would be interested in becoming a school governor. Please contact the Chair of Governors, Mr Michael Hawthorn, via the school for further information.
