The Governing Body plays an important role in the life and strategic leadership of Whitchurch Primary School. Our governors are volunteers who bring a wide range of skills, knowledge and experience to the school and work in partnership with school leaders and the Lighthouse Schools Partnership (LSP).

Governors act as a supportive and challenging critical friend, helping to ensure that the school continues to provide the very best education and opportunities for every pupil.

What Do Our Governors Do?

Our governors have three key responsibilities:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
• Holding school leaders to account for the educational performance and wellbeing of pupils
• Overseeing financial performance and ensuring resources are used effectively

Governors meet regularly throughout the year and also visit school to develop their understanding of different aspects of school life. Individual governors take responsibility for key areas such as safeguarding, SEND, disadvantaged pupils, finance and health and safety.

Above all, our governors share our commitment to creating a happy, safe, inclusive and ambitious school in which every pupil has the opportunity to achieve their best.

Our Governors

The current Governing Body includes parent, staff and co-opted governors, alongside the Headteacher and Clerk to Governors.

Jo Smith – Chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor; Safeguarding, Pupil Premium and Disadvantaged Pupils
Giuliano Carloni – Vice Chair, Parent Governor; Health & Safety and Online Safety
Miss Holly Cefai – Headteacher
Claire Kinsey – Co-opted Governor; SEND
Erin Walton – Parent Governor; Finance
Abigail Fudge – Staff Governor
Rachel Macfarlane – Clerk to Governors
Vacancy – Co-opted Governor

Parent governors are elected by parents and carers, staff governors are elected by school staff, and co-opted governors are appointed for the skills and experience they can bring to the Governing Body.

To contact our governors, please contact the school office or email the Chair of Governors at jo.smith@whitchurchprimary.co.uk.

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Meet Our Governors

Miss Holly Cefai – Headteacher

I am incredibly proud to be Headteacher of Whitchurch Primary School and passionate about the difference that an excellent primary education can make to a child's life. I believe every child deserves to feel happy, safe and valued at school, while benefiting from high expectations, excellent teaching and opportunities that enable them to discover their strengths and achieve their very best.

For me, successful schools are built on strong relationships and a genuine partnership between pupils, staff, families, governors and the wider community. I am committed to creating a culture in which children love coming to school, staff are supported and equipped to excel in their roles, and we continually reflect on how we can make our school even better.

It is a privilege to lead Whitchurch and to work alongside our Trust and Governing Body as we continue to develop an ambitious, inclusive and exciting education for every child.

Every pupil. Every day. Achieving Our Best Together.

Jo Smith – Chair of Governors

I joined the Governing Body in Spring 2023 and am delighted to support Whitchurch as Chair of Governors, with particular responsibility for safeguarding, pupil premium and disadvantaged pupils.

Before becoming a co-opted governor, I taught in primary schools in Marlborough, Bristol and Backwell and was Deputy Headteacher at Flax Bourton. I now work as a private tutor and also support school through the Open the Book assembly team and by hearing children read.

Outside education, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, visiting Cornwall, playing and teaching the piano and running.

Giuliano Carloni – Vice Chair

I have lived in Whitchurch for several years and have a son who attends Whitchurch Primary School. I became a governor because I wanted to use my professional experience to support the school and contribute to the community.

My background as an oceanographer and in health, environment and safety within the offshore industry provides experience that supports my governor responsibilities, particularly in relation to health and safety and online safety. I am delighted to contribute to the continued development of Whitchurch Primary School.

Abigail Fudge – Staff Governor

I am a teacher at Whitchurch Primary School and have worked here since beginning my teaching career. Alongside my teaching role, I have responsibility for PE and Computing.

I have taught across Key Stage One and particularly enjoy seeing how much children grow and develop during their early years at Whitchurch. As Staff Governor, I am pleased to contribute my experience of teaching and learning to the work of the Governing Body.

Outside school, I enjoy reading and musical theatre.

Claire Kinsey – Co-opted Governor

I am the Church Minister in charge at Bristol South Salvation Army, where I work with children, families and vulnerable adults across our local community.

My professional experience includes youth and community work, supporting families and working closely with schools and community organisations. I have particular experience and interest in SEND and inclusion, alongside qualifications in Youth Work and Youth Ministry, Psychology, Sociology and Understanding Autism.

As a parent with experience of SEND, I am passionate about ensuring all children are included, supported and given opportunities to thrive. I am delighted to bring this experience to my role as SEND Governor at Whitchurch.

Erin Walton – Parent Governor

I live in Whitchurch with my husband and two primary-aged daughters. Professionally, I work as a Technical Programme Manager in Product and Technology, where my role involves solving complex problems and managing large projects.

I am passionate about STEM and enjoy finding opportunities to encourage children's interest in science and technology. Outside work, I captain a local softball team, enjoy sport and am a keen fan of live music.

I am delighted to be part of the Whitchurch Primary School community and to support the school's continued development.

Find Out More

Further information about governance across the Lighthouse Schools Partnership, including its governance structure and responsibilities, is available on the LSP Governance pages.

Achieving Our Best Together