Governor Profiles
Governor Profiles (ID 1249)
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Neil EleyChair of Governors
Neil Eley
I was a Deputy Headteacher in a Bristol Secondary school for 15 years before retiring. I have been a Governor in Gloucestershire Schools for 8 years. I am also an additional Governor at Coney Hill and Finlay Federation. For the last 18 months I have been training Governors for the LA.
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Sarah BroadbentExecutive Headteacher
Sarah Broadbent
I was appointed as Executive Headteacher in September 2023 and am an Ex-Officio Governor by virtue of office. I am a truly passionate practitioner who has a vested interest in providing the very best possible education for as many pupils as possible within the local authority, given my three children are educated within Gloucestershire. My career, all within the education sector, has given me vast experience of teaching across a range of settings from the Early Years (EYFS) to Year 7. I have a broad range of leadership experience, from subject co-ordination early on in my career, before multiple years of Senior Leadership, strategically leading SEND, Inclusion, and Safeguarding across a Federation of schools. In more recent years, I have experience of Deputy Headship before becoming Headteacher in a large, two-form, Church of England Primary School in Gloucester. Most recently, I have achieved my National Qualification of Executive Leadership (NPQEL) and am therefore thrilled that I can utilise the k
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Peter StrachanFoundation Governor
Peter Strachan
I am a Foundation Governor and I sit on the Nailsworth School Committee. I joined the school just after Mr Southcott was appointed and have enjoyed watching the school going from strength to strength in that time. I was a photographer in London before we moved down to Nailsworth and worked in advertising and publishing but don't overly miss it! I have a wife, Juliet and two grown children, James and Megan. James is in his final PhD year and Megan is trying to establish herself in the performing arts world. Both are very much at the other end of the educational spectrum, but I have seen how important a good Primary school start is.
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Caroline BlandEx-Officio
Caroline Bland
I am Ex-officio Governor and sit on the Nailsworth School Committee. I have been Vicar of the Nailsworth Benefice since the end of January 2019. Prior to being a priest, with a passion for good education for every child, I worked in education, initially supporting children with special educational needs and then as a primary school teacher. As vicar, it is a privilege to have an active role in supporting the Christian ethos of the school and developing school and church links.
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Dane VinceAssociate Member
Dane Vince
I have lived in Stroud and the Nailsworth area on and off, for almost 20 years, working in a variety of roles and industries, and sit on the Resources Committee. I currently work at Forest Green Rovers FC and over the years I have enjoyed working closely with Nailsworth Primary School to the benefit of the school and the community as a whole. I thought the opportunity to join the governing body was a fab chance to use my wide range of experience, to help Nailsworth Primary School to continue to be one of the best (if not the best! ?) schools in the region.
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Emily WalshParent Governor
Emily Walsh
I've worked in education and more recently social care all my life. I live locally and with 2 children at Nailsworth Primary I am passionate about the school and the community. My particular areas of interest are around inclusion, SEND and ensuring that those most vulnerable have the same opportunities to thrive in their education and wider life experiences.
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Ria PatelCo-Opted Governor
Ria Patel
As a parent of a child who has recently joined Nailsworth Primary School, I have been struck by its warm and supportive community. Seeing my daughter settle has deepened my appreciation for the school's focus on community spirit, and I am pleased to be able to contribute further as a parent Governor. I bring over 20 years of experience teaching English and working as a Senior Leader in Gloucestershire, with responsibilities for Teaching and Learning, Self Evaluation, Staff Development, Deputy Safeguarding Lead and Sixth Form. These roles have equipped me to help schools navigate challenges and achieve excellence. I believe education should inspire creativity, a love of learning and ambition, laying the foundation for future success and that each pupil should reach their full potential. It is a privilege to support Nailsworth Primary School's strategic direction and give back to its wonderful community.
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Anona BayrossGovernor
Anona Bayross
I am a co-opted governor and sit on the Upton St Leonards school committee. I live locally to USL school, and my daughter soon starts in reception. My background is in government administration; I work in strategy in a central government department, and have previously worked for an education arm's length body. I am passionate about every child having the chances and support to succeed, and about the strong links that our schools have with our local communities - and the rich opportunities these bring. -
Georgie BaishStaff Governor
Georgie Baish
Georgie is a teacher and Phase Lead at Upton St Leonards school
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Terry SmithCo-Opted Governor
Terry Smith
I am a co-opted Governor and, as Vice Chair, sit on both the Upton St Leonards and Nailsworth School Committees. I am retired, after a career in public sector finance (local government and the NHS) in Gloucestershire. My two children attended USL primary school and my wife, having worked there as a TA and a Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant, still listens to children read. -
Rebecca ClementParent Governor
Rebecca Clement
Parent Governor at Upton St Leonards school
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Stuart BircherCo-Opted Governor
Stuart Bircher
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Rob GleedAssociate Member
Rob Gleed
I am Rob Gleed, a Co-opted Governor for the Heartwood Federation. I previously served as a Governor for Upton St. Leonards for a couple of years prior to the federation's formation. I initially became a governor when my two children attended Upton St. Leonards, and I am very proud of the education they receive there. I am consistently impressed by the children's learning and attitudes, as well as the commitment and dedication of all the staff.As a governor, I believe my role is to support, praise, and constructively challenge the school in all its endeavours. Professionally, I work as an analyst in the public sector, which has provided me with valuable skills that I feel are a benefit to the governing body. While I do not have a career background in education, it remains a significant part of my life, as my wife teaches locally. -
Anna PackmanCo-opted Governor
Anna Packman
I have been a teacher since 2003, with particular passion and expertise in the Early Years. Currently, I work in Minchinhampton, at Beaudesert Park School, as the Head of Pre-Prep and Director of Teaching and Learning. Prior to this I have held posts as a headteacher, senior leader and teacher at schools in China and London. I now live in Nailsworth with my daughter and husband, our Whippet, Milly, our hamsters and our quails!
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Jon Wasunna-SmithFoundation Governor
Jon Wasunna-Smith
I serve as the Substitute Ex Officio Foundation Governor for Upton St Leonards - essentially, I represent the church on the Governing Board. Although I'm new to the role of Governor, I've been actively involved in children's and youth ministry for over 25 years. During the week, I work as a safety case engineer in the power industry, and I enjoy spending my free time with my wife and children.
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Claire EcclesAssociate Member
Claire Eccles
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Sarah MilburnAssociate Member
Sarah Milburn
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Imogen BradleyAssociate Member
Imogen Bradley
I have been a Class Teacher at Nailsworth since 2021 and I currently teach Year 6. I also lead the subject areas of Reading and Art. I am passionate about helping our pupils achieve the best possible outcomes in all areas through Heartwood's vision. I am also fully committed to ensuring we equip our pupils with: the skills and knowledge they need to thrive; a curiosity about the world around them; creativity and enthusiasm and above all love of learning.
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Helen WilkesAssociate Member
Helen Wilkes

Heartwood
Federation