All schools and academies in England have a Governing Body which is responsible for overseeing many of the strategic decisions of the school. The Headteacher is responsible for day-to-day leadership and running of the school. Governors provide strategic direction and act as a “critical friend”; to support, challenge, ask questions, and ultimately, represent the school community.
The Governing Body at St. Paul’s CofE Primary School are involved with such things as the safeguarding, school budget, resources, infrastructure, academic performance, and, key issues which affect the school. Ultimately the Governing Body hold the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff.
Each Governor has a specific area of responsibility for which they are the Lead Governor. These areas are linked to the School Development Plan and Ofsted Framework.
The Full Governing Body meet four times a year and visit the school throughout the academic year.
School Governors at St. Paul’s CofE Primary School: Their Role and Purpose
Title | Name | Nominating Authority | First Appointed | Term Start | Term End |
Co-Chair of Governors | Mrs Claire Emptage | Governors | 31/08/2014 16:00 | 31/08/2023 16:00 | 30/08/2027 16:00 |
Co-opted governors | Mrs Jodie Bassett | Parents | 31/10/2015 17:00 | 01/11/2023 17:00 | 31/10/2027 17:00 |
Co-opted governors | Mrs Johanna Beck | Parents | 07/04/2019 16:00 | 22/01/2023 16:00 | 22/01/2027 16:00 |
Co-opted governors | Ms Pam Carpenter | Governors | 14/03/2025 16:00 | 14/01/2024 16:00 | 13/01/2028 16:00 |
Parent governors | Mrs Teighan Perry | Parents | 17/02/2022 16:00 | 17/02/2022 16:00 | 16/02/2026 16:00 |
Foundation governors | Rev. Emma Mallord | Church | 28/9/2026 16.00 | 08/02/2015 16:00 | 23/05/2025 00:00 |
Foundation governors | Mr David Spiers | Church | 24/09/2023 16:00 | 24/09/2023 16:00 | 23/09/2027 16:00 |
Headteachers | Mrs Lindsay Eardley | Headteacher | 31/08/2022 16:00 | 01/09/2022 | Ongoing |
Parent governors | Nicola Martin-Jones | Parents | 24/09/2023 16:00 | 24/09/2023 16:00 | 23/09/2027 16:00 |
Parent governors | Mrs Emily Taylor | Parents | 24/09/2023 16:00 | 24/09/2023 16:00 | 23/09/2027 16:00 |
Staff governors | Mr Matt Ridge | Staff | 14/07/2024 16:00 | 31/08/2024 16:00 | 30/08/2028 16:00 |
Parent Governor | Mrs Adele Birch | Parents | 5/03/2026 16.00 | 5/03/2026 16.00 | 5/03/2030 |
Vacancy Foundation Governor |
Teighan Perry – Co-Chair of Governors
I am a Parent Governor, with over 12 years’ experience working in primary education, primarily within Key Stage 2, meaning I bring a strong understanding of day-to-day school life alongside the parental perspective. I currently work as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant and am completing a route to Qualified Teacher Status, which enables me to contribute current and informed insights into teaching, learning, and assessment.
My interests as a governor include curriculum development, inclusion, and ensuring that all pupils are supported to achieve their full potential. I am particularly keen to contribute to curriculum oversight, drawing on both my professional experience and academic study to ask thoughtful, constructive questions that support school improvement.
As a parent, I value open communication between families and the school and believe that strong partnerships are key to children’s success. During my time as a governor, I am committed to representing parents’ views responsibly, supporting the strategic direction of the school, and working collaboratively with school leaders and fellow governors. I am passionate about helping to ensure the school remains a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every child can thrive and shine like stars in the world.
Matt Ridge – Staff Governor
Having been a member of the teaching staff at St Paul’s for five years, I welcomed the opportunity to express interest when a position became available on the governing body. During my time at the school, particularly in my role as Mathematics lead, I have worked closely with governors on a range of priorities. Through this collaboration, I have developed a clear understanding of the vital role the governing body plays in both improving and sustaining the quality of education that St Paul’s provides for its pupils.
I was keen to bring my professional experience, qualifications and school-based knowledge to the governing body in order to strengthen its capacity for strategic direction and robust challenge. As a teacher, I am deeply invested in the success of the school and the wellbeing and outcomes of its pupils. Serving as Staff Governor has allowed me to contribute to decision-making at a strategic level while maintaining a clear and informed link between governance and day-to-day practice in school.
A poignant question underpins my work both as a leader and as a classroom teacher: Is this good enough for our pupils? This reflective approach ensures that decisions are rooted in high expectations, equity and impact. I believe this mindset is equally essential in governance, where thoughtful challenge and informed support can make a meaningful difference to the educational experiences and life chances of the children we serve.
David Spiers – Foundation Governor.
A Foundation Governor is someone who is appointed by a church to which a school is linked. In this case St Paul’s Church, ratified by the Diocese of Coventry, to serve on the schools governing body, with a particular emphasise on maintaining the Christian distinctiveness of the school.
All governors also have an area of the curriculum they are responsible for, mine is history.
I am a former teacher, with over 30 years experience in the Primary sector. I am a governor at St Paul’s C of E Primary School, because I believe it is what God is calling for me to do at this time. Once I retired from teaching, I had no intention to ever walk through a school’s doors again, but God had other ideas and here I am. I have visited the school on a number of occasions since I became a governor in September, and I have always found it to be calm place, where children are happy and enjoy their learning. I went into teaching, because I wanted to help pupils reach their full potential, to be the best part of themselves they can be. Wanting children to ‘Shine Like Stars in the World’ is a brilliant way of encapsulating that.
I want to be part of a place that nurtures, encourages and challenges pupils to shine in whatever they do, and I believe that St Paul’s C of E Primary School is such a place.
Emily Taylor – Parent Governor
I have been a parent governor at St Paul’s C of E Primary School since September 2023, I chose to become a governor because I am passionate about my child’s education and wanted to become more involved to better understand how things work. I also deeply care about children’s mental health and well-being and being a governor allows me to advocate for this within the school system. It is a great opportunity for me to be actively engaged in both my child’s school life and the wider community.
I love the nurturing, family-like environment at St Paul’s C of E Primary School and the diverse range of extracurricular activities that are offered, I strongly believe in fostering a supportive environment where children can thrive and grow.
I feel it is important to encourage the pupils to “shine like stars in the world” because it recognises and celebrates the uniqueness of each child, emphasising the importance of embracing their individuality and allowing them to shine in their own way. Everyone should get a chance to show their sparkle!
Johanna Beck – Co-Opted Governor.
I have been a governor for over five years when my first child started at St Paul’s C of E Primary School shortly followed by 2 other children attending the school. I wanted to become a governor at St Paul’s to have an input in the decisions and choices made that affect where my children and children within the local community go to school. I wanted to bring my expertise from previous positions held and from the school I currently work at to improve, overcome challenges and continue to improve what is offered to our children.
I love how St Paul’s C of E Primary School offers so much to all children and allows some children to take part in things that they would never have the opportunity to do outside of school. I like the fact that St Paul’s is always looking at the next opportunity to improve the school, focussing on both curriculum and extra curriculum activities. In more recent months there has been more focus on staff wellbeing and simple little touches are done to emphasise this, which is great.
St Paul’s provides a happy and safe environment for all its children and needs to carry on with this culture. St Paul’s C of E Primary School I believe allows all its children to achieve to the best of their ability academically but also allows them to develop personally and is helping get them ready for the next challenges that their lives will lead to. Everything that St Paul’s works towards allows every single one of our children to ‘Shine like Stars’, work towards their dreams and teaches them to never give up.
I want all our children to ‘Shine like Stars’ as every single one of them deserve it and no child should be afraid to stand out and show who they really are.
Nicola Martin-Jones – Parent Governor
I have two children, a son ages 12 and a daughter aged 9. I have worked for Coventry City Council for 22 years, in Children’s Services. My role now is as the Performance and Improvement Manager across Early Help Services.
In my spare time I love to walk my dog Lenny- he’s a fluffy Cavapoo. We like to travel and I enjoy cooking, especially with the children.
I took up the role of Governor in September 2023- I wanted to give something back to a school that has been of my live for over 8 years.
Jodie Bassett – Co-opted Governor.
As a co-opted governor at St. Paul’s, I play a crucial role in shaping the school’s direction and policies. This school, with its deep ties to the local church, continues to be an integral part of our vibrant Stockingford community. I’ve witnessed firsthand its incredible impact on local families; through my own children who attend the school as I once did, and my friends children now do. I love how St. Paul’s Church of England school not only provides an education to be proud of, but also serves as a place where opportunities flourish and generations of learners are nurtured to ‘shine like stars in the world’ in their own unique way. As a governor I am privileged to play a part in shaping the future of this school, ensuring that it continues to provide valuable opportunities, knowledge and skills for our children and enabling them all to achieve their full potential.
Pam Carpenter – Co-opted Governor
I have taught throughout the Primary phase from Nursery to Year 6 and held a number of leadership roles across three local authorities. This has included roles such as core subject lead and more strategic leadership across a MAT for Teaching, Learning and Curriculum. During these years, I have had an active governor role which included parent governor whilst her children were primary age.
As Deputy Head Teacher, I became a Thrive Practitioner and Thrive trainer. I am a proud mum of two young adults. I love spending time at the gym, in the outdoors with my dogs and listening to music.
I have worked with members of St. Paul’s C of E Primary School staff in a variety of capacities before joining the governing body. When I first visited the school, it was clear that the staff, children and families are happy and enjoy all the opportunities which are presented to them.
I am delighted to be a part of the journey that St. Paul’s C of E Primary School, to support guide and nurture every member of the school.
Lindsay Eardley – Headteacher of St. Paul’s C of E Primary School.
Since joining the school in September 2022, I have found immense joy in being a part of the St. Paul’s family. It is truly an honour to contribute to the educational journey of our pupils, seeing their growth and blossoming confidence.
At St. Paul’s, we strive for excellence, aiming for all our pupils to Shine like Stars in the world. I, along with the dedicated staff, work collaboratively to create an environment where every individual has the opportunity to shine brightly. Our Christian Values are woven into every aspect of school life, enriching learning, play, and worship experiences.
Our school is exceptional, offering a curriculum that engages and challenges students, a wide array of extracurricular activities, and unwavering support from our pastoral team. We are committed to ensuring that both children and families feel supported and cherished through all facets of life, fostering a culture of happiness and success within our school community.
My passion for education, commitment to the well-being of our students and vision for the school aligns perfectly with our ethos of nurturing confident and thriving individuals. I look forward to the continued growth and success of our school community.
Adele Birch – Parent Governor
As parent governor, I am delighted to be part of the St Paul’s C of E Primary school family.
I have always had a real passion for education, and through my work as a teaching assistant in an SEN school, I have seen first-hand how important it is for children to feel supported, valued and encouraged to be the very best they can be. I hope to bring some of my experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to the role and, most importantly, be able to make a positive contribution to the school, its pupils and their families.
My eldest son is now in Year 1 and my youngest son is in Nursery, so the school has become a very special part of our family’s life. Since my children joined, I have been so impressed by the warm, friendly and welcoming environment the school creates. It is clear how much care and dedication goes into supporting the children, and I wanted to be part of that and help support the school as it continues to grow and develop.
I particularly love the school motto, “Shine like a star” as I feel it captures what we all want for our children — to feel confident, supported and proud of who they are, while having the opportunity to reach their full potential.
I’m really excited to see what the future holds and to be part of the journey as our school, pupils and families continue to learn, grow and shine like a star all together. I look forward to getting to know more of the school community and working alongside the governors, staff and parents to help make a positive difference.
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