Did you know that school governors make up the biggest body of voluntary workers in the UK? There are over 370,000 of us working to support around 29,000 schools nationally.
Who are we? We are a mixture of parents, members of the wider community, and the staff are also represented on the governing body. We meet seven times a year, but we are frequently to be found in school talking to teachers about their work.
What do we do? Governing bodies are the key strategic decision makers in every school. Along with the Head Teacher, it is the job of a governing body to set the school’s aims and objectives around how the school will develop and improve. They agree targets to help the school achieve its objectives, as well as regularly reviewing progress. The governing body is there to support and challenge the school’s senior leadership team. They play a crucial role in holding the Head Teacher to account for securing the best possible outcomes for our pupils. By challenging key decisions and asking pertinent questions about the school’s performance data, governors ensure that the school always aims for the highest standards in education.
Could you be a governor? From time to time a vacancy occurs for a parent governor. All parents are notified of the vacancy, any parent can stand, and an election is held. You don’t need any qualifications other than a commitment to support the school in being the best it can be.
Adam Geach
Chair of Governors
I became a co-opted governor of Newburgh Primary school in 2019 with a special focus on Pupil Premium. Having always worked in the education sector I see how important good governance is for all schools. Since moving to the Warwickshire area I wanted to support a local school in the form of a governor. I work for a national education charity that works with inner city schools, providing them with volunteers to support the most vulnerable pupils. I truly believe that all young people should have a fair access to a high quality education and I hope to bring my experience and enthusiasm to support Newburgh school.
Rebecca Clifford
Vice Chair
I became a parent governor at Newburgh in January 2022 and have 2 children who both attend the school. I became a parent governor because I wanted to be involved in school life and ensure that all of our children's voices are heard and that the families in our school community are well represented.
As a social worker, I have worked in different fields and have worked for Warwickshire County Council for many years. I have a keen interest in supporting vulnerable children to thrive and hope to ensure that Newburgh continues to be a setting where all children feel safe and welcome and are given the right tools to help them to achieve their potential.
Janice Simpkins
Headteacher
In April 2019, I was proud to be appointed as the Headteacher of Newburgh Primary School. Having taught part time at the school for many years, while my own children were young, I was delighted to take the opportunity to continue my full time career within the school as the Deputy Headteacher in 2011.
I am passionate about giving all children, whatever their background or needs, the opportunity to thrive and succeed within a caring, supportive but challenging environment. I enjoy finding new ways to enhance our school and curriculum to enable us to work with parents in giving each of our children the best possible foundations and opportunities in life.
Karen Turner
Deputy Headteacher/ Associate Governor
As Deputy Headteacher, my role supports both the Governors and Headteacher developing our vision for Newburgh and giving substance to the innovations of staff and students. As our children grow it our responsibility as educators to shape each child. I believe that developing each unique child’s skills and knowledge is the key to allowing them to access their chosen future. The experience I have gained teaching in the classroom for 20 years and watching my own children grow is a constant source of inspiration, which I draw upon when establishing Newburgh’s relationships with our community.
Nishit Gopal
Parent Governor
I am a proud father of two children. My son is currently in Reception at Newburgh, and my daughter will be joining Newburgh in a couple of years. I decided to become a parent governor as I am passionate about the education of our young people and believe every child deserves the best education to fulfil their potential and lifelong aspirations. I believe learning is a life-long endeavour and people realise their potential through opportunities and not by birth. I run my own cybersecurity consultancy and I believe my experience of corporate governance and dealing with regulatory and industry bodies will add value to the school board.
Fabien Laroche
Co-opted Governor
I became a co-opted governor at Newburgh in 2021, having lived in Warwickshire for several years.
I work in finance for a large renewable energy company, and have a keen interest in children's education. I applied to become a school governor because I think that the skills and experience that I've gained during my career could help Newburgh to open up new opportunities for its pupils. I will focus on helping the school with its budgeting and financial monitoring.
I've been extremely impressed by the passion and professionalism of all of Newburgh's staff and governors so far, and am committed to supporting the school's leadership in whatever way I can.
Kate Blayney
Staff Governor
I am a mother of 3 beautiful girls who have all gone through primary education at Newburgh - in fact my oldest is training to become a teacher!!
Outside of school I am an assistant scout leader where I love working with children in a different environment achieving goals they thought not possible.
I have worked at Newburgh since September 2012, as a Teaching Assistant then training to become a Higher Level Teaching Assistant. In this role I take classes for music (which I have a passion for), RE and French. I have also experienced working in a secondary school.
I decided to become a governor, to increase my understanding of how the school runs in a wider context and to give my own perspective as a longstanding staff member.
Michelle Nutt
Co Opted Governor
I am a local resident, having recently moved to Warwick in 2022, after a decade living in Leamington Spa. Having spent over 15 years as a Civil Servant working for various central government departments, I have significant experience in policy development, strategy development, project delivery, performance management, governance and accountability.
I volunteered to become a governor in the hope that my experience can aid and help the school to thrive and provide the very best for its pupils and the local community. I also volunteer as a Parish Council and with the local Guide Dogs centre. I became a co-opted governor in November 2023.
Richard Monk
Parent Governor
Mrs Jessica Campbell
Co-opted Governor