Welcome to the Churcham Primary School website from the Governing Body.
The Governing Body works hard to support the Headteacher, teaching staff and pupils with the aim of ensuring that Churcham Primary School is able to provide the best possible education for our children and to prepare them for life in modern Britain. School governors are people who wish to make a positive contribution to children’s education. Together with the head teacher they set the future direction of the school and decide how the school’s budget should be spent. They make decisions collectively on matters such as school policies and the school’s development plan and act as a "critical friend" to the school.
The members that make up the Governing Body are chosen by the local authority, the community and parents. All our Governors have their own careers and responsibilities but they dedicate time to the school when they are able. Some are able to be in school on a regular basis, whilst others bring financial and legal expertise, strategic planning and more practical skills. All are hugely valued!
As well as sharing a common desire to be involved in supporting the school, the Governing Body have statutory duties by which they are legally bound. The Governing Body is ultimately responsible for all matters relating to the school including teaching and learning, safeguarding, health and safety, staffing, premises and ensuring financial accountability and sustainability. The full Governing Body meets once every term. Two committees meet regularly to consider more specific issues of staffing, curriculum and finance. Our committees are Teaching & Learning and Resources.
If you have any concerns or issues that you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact the Chair of Governors, Emma Middlecote, or indeed any of the governors.
Churcham Primary School Governing Body Membership 2023-2024
For full details of governing body membership, responsiblities, attendance and register of interests see below:
pdf Churcham Primary School Governor Information 2023-24
Meet our governors:
Michelle Kelly - Headteacher
I have been a governor of Churcham Primary School since becoming Headteacher in September 2010. Before joining the team at Churcham, I taught in Cheltenham and then worked for Gloucestershire as an English Consultant. During this time, I worked in many schools around the county. I’ve lived in Pershore near Worcestershire for over 20 years with my partner and our pets. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the theatre and spending time ‘catching – up’ with family and friends. I’ve also been Headteacher and a governor of Ashleworth C of E Primary School since September 2013.
Roles: Headteacher, member of Teaching & Learning Committee and Resources Committee
Emma Middlecote – Parent Governor
I became Chair of Governors in 2018. I moved my children to Churcham Primary in 2016 when I had children in Year 4 and Year 2. I currently have three children attending the school (Reception, Year 2 and Year 6) and my eldest has moved on to high school. I became a governor to support the school, staff and children. I currently work part time within an accountancy firm and in my spare time I enjoy spending time and camping with my family.
Roles: Chair of Governors, member of Teaching & Learning Committee, SEND, Pupil Premium and Governor Induction lead
Esther Deakes - Staff Governor
My name is Esther Deackes and I am the staff Governor at Churcham Primary School. I was elected to become a Governor by staff in January 2018. I started teaching at Churcham Primary School as a Newly Qualified Teacher in 2016, teaching in KS2. For my undergraduate degree (at Bristol UWE), I studied ‘Early Childhood Studies’. I then went on to complete my PGCE year at Warwick University, specialising in Maths. I have a passion for ICT and I have been the Computing subject leader for nearly four years, covering and supporting both Churcham and Ashleworth CofE Primary Schools. I am also the current Designated Safeguarding Lead at Churcham Primary school. I live in Cheltenham with my furry best friend – Rusco! In my spare time I enjoy long walks with my dog, swimming and catching-up with friends and family.
Linda Gregory - LA Governor
My name is Linda Gregory and I joined Churcham governing body in September 2019. I have always been passionate about education and consider it a great privilege to have worked with children throughout my life. I was a headteacher at two local schools for seventeen years. Both schools were deemed to be happy and successful. Upon my retirement from headship in 2008 I was appointed as a School Improvement Advisor for Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire. From 2008 – 2016 I worked with/supported numerous schools and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Since January 2019 I have regularly heard KS1 children read. It has been a joy to foster relationships with them and watch them progress and develop a real love of books and reading. The school is very welcoming and its positive ethos, tangible. I enjoy being involved with such a vibrant community and hope to continue to support the Headteacher and staff in providing the best possible education for the children. I am married with two grown up sons. My hobbies include travel, theatre, gardening and reading.
Roles: Vice Chair of Governors, Chair of Teaching & Learning Committee, member of Resources committee, deputy Safeguarding lead
John Cutter - Parent Governor
Roles: Teaching & Learning Committee member, Safeguarding lead
Matt Hart – Parent Governor
I became a Parent Governor at Churcham Primary School in April 2022. Growing up in nearby Minsterworth, I attended Minsterworth Primary School and have fond memories of participating in sport days and other events at Churcham Primary School. I am an Executive Director of a scientific consultancy and have previously worked in both public and private sectors in a variety of roles across the UK. Although I have never worked in education, I have a range of transferable skills and experience that I hope will benefit the school and allow me to make a meaningful contribution from the outset. I am passionate about our community and delighted to have been given the opportunity to support the continued success of Churcham Primary School. In my spare time I enjoy being out and about in the countryside and (as for long as my knees and shoulders allow) coaching and playing for a local rugby team.
Roles: Resources Committee member, Health & Safety lead
Roger Ingham - Co-opted Governor
Roles: Chair of Resources Committee, GDPR lead
Rebecca Albrighton - Parent Governor
I was elected as a parent governor in September 2023. Since my two children joined Churcham Primary School I have been astounded at the individualistic and dedicated educational approach provided at the school.
My professional background is within Physiotherapy. I worked for 17 years within the NHS as well as running my own private Physiotherapy business alongside. My currently employment is in higher education and I lecture on components of the Physiotherapy BSc & MSc programme that focus on Neurological Rehabilitation, Leadership, Innovation and Research.
I am currently the Chairperson of Churcham Primary School Charity & PTFA which was granted charitable status in 2022. With my team of trustees, we have been instrumental in securing funding for curriculum enhancing opportunities and actively continue to seek grants aligned to the strategic direction of the school leadership team. Alongside grant proposals we also organise regular school events throughout the year.
I am delighted to be elected as parent governor and foresee that my skills will assist Churcham Primary School to continue to build on its ever-growing successes and strive to ensure that this ‘hidden gem’ of a school is put firmly on the map.