A warm welcome to you from your school governors!  The Local Governing Body plays an important part in the life of your school. The members of the governing body reflect a wide range of interests from local businesses and the community, staff members and, of course, parents.

The Governing Body is charged with many specific responsibilities and powers but has general responsibility for oversight of every aspect of the school and its activities. Formally, the Department for Education requires governors to:

• Ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
• Hold the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff.
• Oversee the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

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As we are part of a Multi-Academy Trust, the Watchfield Primary School Local Governing Body is accountable to the Faringdon Learning Trust Board for ensuring that these statutory responsibilities are met.  In carrying out its duties the governing body may lobby organisations or individuals on behalf of the school.  It may also suggest or - in some circumstances - require that the affairs of the school are conducted in a certain way.  We take a keen interest in school performance data but recognise that our school is unique and data is but one measure of a child's performance.   One of our strengths is in the whole school experience at Watchfield where a child's mind, body and spirit benefits from the rich tapestry of cultures, nationalities and experiences that the children in our school bring. Consequently, the governing body has an important job to do in ensuring that the welfare of the school and its culture, values and ethos are maintained.  In summary, the role of governors is one of both challenge and support in a constructive way.  We are always open to feedback and ideas.  If you would like to offer a suggestion, your governors can be contacted by email via: jaclark@faringdonlearningtrust.org

The structure and remit of the FLT Members, Trustees, and its committees including the LGBs is available on the Trust website and can be found here https://faringdonlearningtrust.org/about-us/governance/

~~ Clerk to Governors:  SMoledina@cambrianlt.org ~~

Diana Sheldon (Chair of Governors)

Appointed: July 2020        Term: 4 years

My first connection with the school was when my eldest attended in year 2 during a short posting to Watchfield in 1986!  Obviously, many things have changed over the years including the arrival of the Defence Academy.  Since settling back in Shrivenham in 2011 I have known many children, parents and members of staff at the school. I am conscious of what a wonderful job is done in such a unique environment and everyone I know enjoys their time at Watchfield as well as having a great educational experience.

"Having been a teacher for almost 40 years, in many different schools, I am well aware of the challenges and pressures that face the staff and governors.  I am honoured to have been selected as a governor to have the chance to support all the hard work that goes on at Watchfield school in order that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential in the time they are there."

Yvonne Andrews(Vice Chair of Governors)

Appointed:    Jan 24     Term: 9 months

I previously taught at Watchfield Primary School for many years, leaving my role as Blackbird’s teacher in December 2021 to join the Defence Cyber Academy as a cyber instructor. I was able to bring my teaching experience to the academy whilst learning the relevant cyber knowledge. In 2022, I became the leader of the cyber instructor team and responsible for ensuring the curriculum is delivered correctly. Although I no longer work in the Primary sector, I have retained a keen interest in the education of young children, and particularly the great work of Watchfield Primary School. Therefore, I was delighted to take up the role of community governor of WPS.

Sarah Wilson (Head of School, ex-officio Governor)

Appointed: September 2022

Jude Scutt(Executive Head, ex-officio Governor)

Appointed:    Sep 22    Term: 2 Years

Within my role of Executive Headteacher, I have the opportunity to support the school from a strategic and operational position. I have 15 years’ experience of leadership in a range of context so I can bring a variety of skills and knowledge to support our school to be the best it can be.

Catherine Bulpitt (Trust Appointed Governor)

Appointed: May 23                            Term: 1 year

I have lived in Watchfield for almost 3 years and feel very much part of the local community already.

My background includes a nursing career spanning almost 48 years. I am now semi-retired and looking to retire fully in the not too distant future! Most of my career has been as a community-based nurse in general practice. The latter years being a Nurse Manager/Advanced Nurse Practitioner. I was given the Queen’s Nurse award in 2018. More recently I was an Associate Lecturer for Oxford Brookes University in Swindon until last year and am now a very very part time practice nurse at the local surgery.

I have 3 adult children and am now a nana to 4 gorgeous grandchildren. I was a youth leader (13 - 18 year olds) with the local church. Alongside taking groups to a large Christian youth camp, I led the medical team there too. I love music and am a classical singer. I have been involved with music in both my last church and the church we attend here in Watchfield. I have been a member of a drama group for many years and played various roles alongside being musical director. This year I have joined SADS for their Pantomime.

When my children were young I was the chair of the Playgroup committee and school PTA.

I am the lead governor for SEND. I hope my existing and new skills will help me provide support for staff and children when required.

Oliver Church (Trust Appointed Governor)

Appointed: April 2021     Term: 4 years

I’m a former army officer and now civil servant. I’m a community governor that lives in Shrivenham and keen to support the work of Watchfield School.

Claire Hartley (Staff Governor)

Appointed:  June 2022                      Term: 4 years  

I have been a teacher for a number of years, working in schools in the UK and further afield.  I have taught at Watchfield since 2014, with two years out teaching in the Middle East.  Outside school, I enjoy reading and gardening; I run the choir at St. Andrew’s church in Shrivenham and am passionate about choral music. 

Joanna Ryan (Staff Governor)

Appointed:  June 2022        Term: 4 years

Upon qualifying as a teacher in 2015, Jo took up her first position at Watchfield and she has never looked back. Jo has spent the subsequent seven years teaching across KS2 and has just returned from maternity leave.  She is passionate about reading (both in and out of school!) and is currently enjoying being back at work as well as spending time with her new family. 

"I care deeply about this school and the families that we are privileged to meet and teach here.  I am excited to have the opportunity to work with the other governors to support the school over the coming years."

Wing Commander Gavin Thomas CO of Shrivenham Defence Academy (Ex-officio Governor)

Appointed: September 2022

 Vacancy (Parent Governor) 

 Vacancy (Parent Governor) 

Clerk to the Local Governors - Shaf Moledina

Governors who have resigned

David Robinson (Previous Community Governor) Stepped Down:  August 2022

Steve Dollimore (Previous Community Governor) Stepped Down:  August 2022

Leonie Boyd (Previous Other/Associate Governor) Stepped Down:  July 2022

Ian Wright (Previous Community Governor & Chair) Stepped Down:  June 2022

Gemma Rogan (Previous Staff Governor) Stepped Down:  December 2021

Jody Lewis (Previous Staff Governor) Stepped Down:  August 2021

Cat Hughes (Previous Other Governor) Stepped Down:  August 2021

Duncan Jenkins (Previous Parent Governor) Stepped Down: Mar 21

Mike Butler (Previous Associate Governor) Stepped Down: Mar 21

Andrew Atkinson (Previous Parent Governor) Stepped Down: Mar 21

Robert Hart (Previous Associate Governor) Stepped Down:  Nov 20

David Robinson (Community Governor) Stepped Down:  Sep 20

Emma Wight Boycott (Previous Community Governor) Stepped Down: Jul 20

Katie Brudenell (Previous Community Governor) Stepped Down: Jul 20

Clare Hamilton (Previous Community Governor) Stepped Down: Jul 19

Jayne Russell (Previous Community Governor) Stepped Down: May 19

Rev Phil Burrows (Previous Associate Governor: Defence Academy Chaplain)  Stepped Down: May 19

Jennifer Roberts (Previous Staff Governor)  Stepped down: Aug 19

Alison Saunders (Previous Parent Governor)   Stepped down: Dec 18 

Anda Fitzgerald O'Connor (Previous Community Governor)   Stepped down: Sep 18