Governors

I have over a decade of teaching experience across both primary and secondary schools in Tewkesbury, with a particular passion for PE and promoting active, healthy lifestyles. Sport has always been a big part of my life, and I have proudly played for Tewkesbury Cricket Club for more than 20 years. I’m committed to supporting our school community and helping every child achieve their full potential.

I am the local authority governor, which means I was nominated by a local County Councillor to be put forward by the County Council: then I needed to be approved by the school’s Governing Board.

I have always enjoyed the openness and directness that young children often show, and their strong sense of fairness and of fun. I believe that we develop a lot of our feelings about, and attitudes towards, education and the world in our primary school years - so I think this is a most important place, and I want to contribute to its success in any way I can.

I am retired, after a very happy career as a software engineer. I am curious about most things, but particularly interested in science and maths. I enjoy looking at paintings, and landscape and natural history photographs. I also enjoy countryside walks with my wife (where I take too many photos!).
 I love basketball: after many years, I still just manage to play and referee.

Any visitor to the school soon realises that this is a place where children are engaged and enjoying themselves. At the heart of the school is a Head and staff who are keen to relate to the pupils, and to inspire and support them. They strive to help them succeed in all ways possible, and to be happy.
I am very pleased to have the opportunity to work with this fine school, and the community of which it is such a vital part.

I have been a governor here for the last two years, since my appointment as Vicar of Tewkesbury Abbey. As one of our Foundation Governors, I chair our Vision and Values Committee and enjoy leading collective worship every couple of weeks. I also love welcoming the whole school community to the Abbey for our big celebrations.

Before arriving in Tewkesbury, I served as a vicar and school governor in Cheltenham and, prior to that, in South London. Before I was ordained, I worked for Christian Aid, Save the Children, and The Shaftesbury Society in communications, fundraising, and campaigning. I hope to bring these skills to my role as a school governor.

I'm married to Helen, and we have two school-age children who keep my feet on the ground except when we're bouncing on our trampoline! My hobbies include bird watching, kayaking, and cider making.

Hi, I’m Stacey! I’m mum of four and our family has been part of C of E since 2016. Two of my children have already completed their journey here and moved on to secondary school, and my younger two are happily making their way through the school.

I worked in Early Years from 2007, most recently as a Deputy Manager, before moving into SEND advocacy - a passion shaped by supporting my own children with additional needs. Inclusion and making sure every child has the chance to shine really matter to me.

I’m also an active member of the PTFA, often helping at events and fundraising for school projects.

As a governor, I’m committed to using my experience to support the school, champion all pupils, and help maintain the warm, nurturing environment C of E is known for, if you see me on the school run, please feel free to grab me for a chat!

I am proud to have come full circle, having attended Tewkesbury C of E Primary School myself as a child and now serving as Chair of Governors. I decided to get involved when my own children started here. My daughter is now in Year 2 and my son has just begun in Pre-School. I wanted to give something back to a school that gave me so much and to help support the wonderful community to which my children now belong.

I have been teaching English, EAL and Music at Rendcomb College for over 15 years and have also been Marketing Officer for Tewkesbury Arts and Drama Society for the past 8 years. I love being part of the town’s creative scene as a singer with The No-Good Nancys, a member of the Tewkesbury Pub Singers, and one of The Dames, the ‘older’ dance group that make up The Heat.

What I value most about this school is its focus on mental well-being, its warm and inclusive community, and its OPAL play facilities which give children the freedom to play and grow as children should. It is a privilege to support the staff, pupils and families in any way I can.

Peter has over 30 years of experience in education. He has taught in primary, middle and secondary schools. He has held a range of middle and senior leadership roles including head of physical education, special educational needs coordinator, headteacher and executive headteacher of two schools in Worcestershire. For ten years Peter was one of Her Majesty’s Inspectors working for Ofsted. Two of Peter’s children attended Tewkesbury CofE School. One of his grandchildren currently attends the school. Peter’s interests include spending time with his grandchildren, reading and sport.

I am the Curate at Holy Trinity Church (trainee vicar). I am married to Annie and have three children who attend CofE and the Preschool. I love being part of the school community, including taking part in collective worship, other school events and meeting with people at the school gate when picking up my children. Before becoming a vicar, I had a background working in schools and in youth work. You might spot me cycling round Tewkesbury on our cargo bike with the children in the front. When I’m not doing that, I enjoy supporting Bath rugby (controversial living in Gloucestershire!), walking our black labrador and going to the gym when I can.

I’ve been Headteacher at Tewkesbury C of E Primary for 3 years, and I still wake up each morning feeling lucky to lead such a wonderful, vibrant school. I’m proud of the amazing opportunities our children experience every day, from our REAL curriculum, which brings learning to life, to our OPAL play sessions that give children the freedom to explore, create and grow. Building strong relationships and mutual respect is central to everything we do, and our nurturing, inclusive ethos gives children the confidence and independence to shine long after they move on.

Life outside school is full and lively with three children of my own, one each in infant, junior and secondary school, so evenings and weekends are never dull. I’m passionate about sport and I help coach my children’s football teams, which is as rewarding as it is energetic, and when I’m not on the touchline you’ll often find me at Cheltenham Town matches (I’m not entirely sure why I put myself through that).

I grew up in Cornwall and remain drawn to the sea; even though we’re far from the coast, I grab any chance to head south and recharge by the water. In my spare time, I love watching live sports, getting out on my surf or paddleboard (depending on where I am) and going for family walks and bike rides.

I have lived opposite the school for a number of years and watched it take shape from the old secondary school. I have also seen 4 grandchildren attend over the last 10 years, with only 1 left at the end of this academic year. For the last 3/4 years I have spent an afternoon a week in the school listening to readers and see this role as a development of that, in helping children to maximise the opportunity a good school provides.

I spent 30 years in the Fire and Rescue Service, in the early years working to integrate fire safety educational programmes into schools and after retiring I spent 8 years as a research Psychologist working with training established across Europe, as a visiting fellow at Gloucestershire University. Today I sit as chair of SACRE in Herefordshire, undertake some voluntary work with Mencap and coordinate a citizens science project called SafeAvon, working to raise awareness about the pollution levels in our rivers from raw sewage dumping and dangers this holds for our communities. I hope my Health and Safety background can contribute to helping the school and its staff provide the environment where our children can learn and grow.

I have been teaching for 14 years, with 11 of those at Tewkesbury C of E Primary, and I feel very fortunate to be part of such a wonderful school community. Over the years I have taught across Years 3–6 and worked alongside so many incredible and dedicated colleagues. What keeps me here is the life of the school — the constant buzz of activity and the way teachers are always striving to make learning exciting through creative and innovative approaches.

During my time here, I have led science and currently lead both RE and writing across the school. I also have responsibility for collective worship and many aspects of SIAMS, which is a real privilege, as well as stepping into senior leadership this year after completing leadership qualifications. Every new role has deepened my appreciation for the values and ethos that make our school so special.

Life outside school is equally active. I love spending time with friends and family, especially with my two newly born nieces, and I try to travel whenever I can — usually to hot places near water, with recent highlights including sailing in Greece and lake swimming in Italy. I’m involved in a church in Cheltenham where I help with both leadership and music, which is an important part of my life. And as a lifelong (and long-suffering) Manchester United fan, I still hold on to the memories of the glory days, even if they feel a little distant now!

As Vicar of Holy Trinity Church, our C of E school falls within our Parish so serving as a Foundation Governor is part of my role which I have done since arriving in Tewkesbury in 2006, when both my children attended the school

During this time I have served with 4 headteachers and many different governors, who have come and gone. I have always been impressed with the enthusiastic commitment of those involved in the school, whether this is as paid members of staff or volunteers serving in different capacities.

Part of my role is to provide input to the distinctively Christian character of the school through participating in the Vision and Values committee of the FGB and leading (with colleagues from Holy Trinity Church) morning collective worship with the school community. This is always a fun, interactive and uplifting occasion bringing the school together to start the day with a song of praise, a bible reading and reflection.

For my own recreation I enjoy distance walking and have completed the Cotswold Way, The Wychavon Way, the portuguese camino to Santiago and almost completed the Cleveland way in Yorkshire. As a former Army Chaplain, I like to maintain a certain level of fitness and walking is the activity I love most.

I am originally from Yorkshire but have been living in the South West since 2012 and in Tewkesbury since 2016.

My son attends the school and my daughter attends the pre-school. Over the last 10 years I have worked within IT holding responsibility for developing digital products as well as leading teams. In the last few years I have worked as a consultant supporting complex work within Government departments. My areas of expertise are in supporting leadership teams and delivery teams in managing change, improving delivery and building teams effectiveness.

Outside of work I am busy with the family and the kids’ hobbies from martial arts, theatre school, ballet and now horse riding! I love being outdoors whether that is on my road bike, walking up hills or down at my allotment.

If you see me on the school run and have any questions / concerns etc I am more than happy to have a chat :)