Our Governors

What Do School Governors Do?

The role of a Preshute governor

The role of the Governors are:

(a) To set the strategic direction for the school by

1. Setting suitable aims and objectives
2. Approving policies, targets and priorities
3. Monitoring and reviewing aims and objectives and whether policies, targets and priorities are being achieved.

(b) To offer support and constructive advice to the Head and Senior Leadership Team where needed, but also to challenge, ask questions and seek information in the interests of arriving at the best decisions and solutions for the pupils of Preshute Primary School.

Governors Scheme of delegation 2024-25

Who we are

The Governors comprise parents, staff and people from the local community. As well as the expertise that they bring from life and employment they will undertake a variety of training and development opportunities specifically related to the school. Governors also attend external meetings and conferences.

Susan Joslin

Chair of Governors

Susan Joslin

Term of Office: 17/5/2022- 16/05/26
I have lived in Barton Park since 1991, when I moved to Marlborough with my family. I retrained as a teacher when my own children were at primary school, and have taught children throughout the primary age-range. I took early retirement from my job as Joint Headteacher of a Swindon primary school, and since then have been a volunteer adviser for Citizens' Advice, as well as working with groups of children in my old school.
Children deserve the very best we can give them, and that is what the staff and governors of Preshute are striving to provide: a caring school with a wonderful ethos, where children receive a great education and enjoy so many important experiences along the way. I hope to contribute to my local community by supporting the school staff as they put the school motto of Live life, love learningÂinto practice.
Claire Hann-Perkins

Headteacher

Claire Hann-Perkins

Ex-Officio Staff
Term of Office: 5/11/2019- 25/12/2050
I have been a teacher now for over 20 years. I have taught across the whole of the primary phase. I have spent many years leading a variety of curriculum subjects including; PE, Mathematics, AGT, Computing. I spent was a leading teacher for the local authority for both English and Maths.
Paul Matthews

Co-Opted Governor

Paul Matthews

Term of Office: 28/3/2018 -26/03/2026
I am a co-opted governor with a focus on Health and Safety. My children had a very happy time at Preshute. Early retirement is allowing me the privilege and flexibility to put a little back.
Outside of family and looking after an energetic labrador, I enjoy gliding and mountain biking.
Simon Baldock

Associate Governor

Simon Baldock

Term of office: 30/11/2022 - 29/11/2025
Simon was previously a Parent Governor throughout his children's time at Preshute, with particular interest in Premises and Finance. Sometimes referred to as "Governor for Drains and Gutters", he had hands on involvement with the Buildings that continued after he left the Governing Body. In 2018 Simon was co-opted back on to the Governing Body specifically to investigate options to improve the School Buildings and Grounds. This was intended to be a short appointment but the challenge has proved to be even more interesting than expected. Our latest proposal looks promising so we look forward to discussion and progress in 2021.
Michael Scheepers

Co-Opted Governor

Michael Scheepers

Term of Office: 3/12/2019 - 10/07/2026
A relative newcomer to the area, I moved to Manton from abroad last year with my family, once it was confirmed my children could attend Preshute Primary. The British side of my family has strong ties to the Marlborough area, so, in a certain sense, it felt very much like coming home after many years of frequent visits. I grew up in the southern part of the Netherlands, and moved abroad soon after my studies, living in Italy and Switzerland for the last 20 odd years.
I'm currently employed by a leading cookware company, and whilst my role necessitates very frequent travel, I believe strongly in contributing to the community in which you live. I was co-opted as a Parent Governor in December 2019 and look forward to helping plot the schools future path together with the amazing school staff and other Governors.
Mark Colbourne

Parent Governor

Mark Colbourne

Term of Office: 11/11/2020 - 23/10/2028
I moved with my family to the Marlborough area in Summer 2019. I am currently serving as a Commissioned Officer in the British Army and have been for over 20 years. Â My area of expertise is in Logistics, though I have a strong background in leadership, management and strategic planning. Â I am passionate about people, mentoring and personal development believe strongly in supporting the local community. Â I joined the Governing body as a Parent Governor in December 2020 and currently have one child at Preshute Primary School.
Reverend Pete Sainsbury

Foundation Governor & Wellbeing

Reverend Pete Sainsbury

Ex- Officio
Term of Office: 2/11/2020- 1/11/2028
Pete variously worked in IT, music and youthwork before training for ordination at Ridley Hall, Cambridge. He also has a master's degree from Kings College London. Previously, Pete's been a university chaplain and an inner-city vicar in Birmingham. He loves living in North Wiltshire.
Mel Bailey

Clerk to Governors

Mel Bailey
Gillian Macdonald

Local Authority Governor

Gillian Macdonald

Term of office: 30/11/2022 - 29/11/2026
I spent my career teaching in a wide variety of schools in this country and Service Schools in Germany. I have lived in Marlborough since 2007 and retired as Deputy Head of a local primary school in 2016. In retirement, I have served on a school governing body, the Marlborough Literature Festival Committee and a local Parish Pastoral Council. With a grandchild growing up in the town I have a good understanding of the opportunities on offer to our young people. I am delighted to join Preshute School Governors and look forward to taking a full part in school life.
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Helen Chambers

Foundation Governor

Helen Chambers

Term of office: 10/04/2024 - 09/04/2028
I have recently retired as a Primary School teacher. My time has been spent in a variety of Wiltshire town and village schools of varying sizes and my roles have included being a deputy headteacher and teacher trainer.
I have been an active member of our local church council committee and parochial church council representative on a recruitment panel. I continue to support my village church by playing the organ for services and also in fundraising activities.
Lindsay Al-Kaisy

Parent Governor

Lindsay Al-Kaisy

Term of office: 24/10/24 – 23/10/2028
We moved to Marlborough 8 years ago. My eldest daughter attended Preshute and is now enjoying secondary school life at St John’s. Her little sister is currently in year one at Preshute.
My career background is in Human Resources; I have 25 years of HR generalist experience and specialise in helping management teams and organisations work towards a fair and rewarding culture where people love to work.
Since September 2021, I have been working in Education; I develop the HR strategy for a multi-academy Trust; which includes seven primary schools.
I look forward to contributing to effective school governance at Preshute as a parent-governor, ensuring the educational experience for all children who attend is the very best it can be.
David Livingstone

Co-Opted Governor

David Livingstone

Term of office: 25/09/2024 - 24/09/2028
I am a retired teacher, having worked in both senior and primary schools in the independent sector. I taught A-Level geography for many years then I moved to primary education as headteacher. I was also a school inspector and, after retirement, a Link Tutor at St Mary’s University for primary-phase teacher training. Throughout my career I have been involved with hockey coaching (at school, county and regional level) and outdoor pursuits (including as a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Gold Assessor). I still enjoy walking and cycling through the lovely Wiltshire countryside.
I retired locally and enjoy volunteering in the Avebury Manor gardens, orienteering with North Wiltshire Orienteers and being a member of two local art groups.
Ella Palin

Staff Governor

Ella Palin

Term of office: 23/01/2025 - 22/01/2029

Preshute Governors 2024-2025.pdf

Training for governors

Training completed by governors is diverse to ensure the governing body has a wide range of experience to bring to its role. This can include participating in a Leadership Development Programme and attending training sessions covering:

Safeguarding
School Finances
Supporting Disadvantaged Learners
Running Meetings
Preparing for Inspection
Data Analysis

Additionally, one of the Governors has been designated as a National Leader of Governance and supports the Governing Bodies of other schools.

Further information

If you need any information about our school governing body or wish to contact a school governor, please contact the school office (admin@preshute.wilts.sch.uk; telephone 01672 512754) or our Chair of Governors , Susan Joslin - susanj@preshute.wilts.sch.uk