The Board of Governors role is to promote the schools’ long term development by setting a strategic framework for school improvement and oversee its implementation, to set the schools values, aims and objectives; to allocate and control the schools’ budgets; monitor and evaluate the schools’ progress; shape and to act as a ‘critical friend’ to the Headteacher by support and challenge.
Members of the Board of Governors for 2023-2024 are:
Mrs Kate Lewis
Executive Headteacher
"I am the Executive Headteacher of Crowcombe and Stogumber C of E Primary Schools and have been in post since September 2022. I have been in education for over 20 years in various class teacher and leadership roles including being a qualified SENCO. I have a passion for providing a fully inclusive education which celebrates individuals and nurtures strong and caring relationships, embedded through Christian values"
Mrs Janis Dean - Chair
Appointed Co-opted Governor by the Board in December 2019; her current term of office expires in January 2028
"All my working life has been involved in education. My first job was when I was appointed to work in the Education Department of West Bromwich Council; from there I retrained to become a teacher, specialising in early years and foundation settings. Over the years I have had experience of teaching in Key Stages 1 & 2, holding Special Needs Co-ordinator role, and moving into leadership & management with deputy and headship posts.
On retiring I started a consultancy business with my husband, specialising in training support staff and teachers in the learn to learn processes. At this stage I became involved in school governance, supporting a primary school and a pupil referral unit at secondary level.
Four years ago we moved to Somerset, and I have continued my passion for ensuring every child gets the best education chance they can; I am a volunteer reader in my grand-daughter's school, and joined Crowcombe & Stogumber's governing board in 2019"
Mrs Catrin Foley - Vice-Chair
Appointed Co-opted Governor in January 2021; her term of office expires in December 2025
"I became a governor in 2021 and am the link governor for Pupil Premium. I have lived in the South-West since 2009 and moved to West Somerset in 2018. I chose to become a governor in the hope that I could contribute to the on-going development of the schools in a meaningful way.
I currently practice as a solicitor with a specialism in health and welfare matters and am a Director of a law firm. Whilst my work largely involves adults, there are some over-lapping issues which are of relevance to our schools"
Ms Kate McCrimmon
Re-appointed Staff Governor by election in September 2021, her term of office expires in September 2025
" I have worked at Crowcombe VA and Stogumber VC Church of England Primary Schools for seven years; previously volunteering with Crowcombe Pre-School and latterly as Chair of the Pre-school. During my time at the schools I have worked across both schools as Administrator and Finance Officer. I am very proud and excited by my role as staff governor as I feel it provides me with further opportunity to support and work alongside staff and families. I am passionate about improving the education and opportunities for all children across the schools and ensuring that they are able to learn in a safe and inviting environment. This is my second term of office as staff governor, and I am delighted to have recently been elected again"
Dr Chris Leigh
Appointed by the Diocesan Board of Education as a Foundation governor in February 2016; his current term of office expires in February 2025.
"Living in Bicknoller I am retired having worked for the NHS for over 40 years. I worship at St George's Bicknoller and am a Foundation Governor appointed by the Diocese of Bath & Wells to ensure that our Church Schools reflect the principles of the Church of England"
Mrs Sheila Gell
Appointed by the Diocesan Board of Education as a Foundation Governor in February 2022; her term of office expires in February 2026.
"I am a retired PE teacher in the Arts & Science of Movement, and have specialised classroom experience in Biology, other subjects and outdoor pursuits with experience across both primary and secondary schools. I have also taught supply and taught in an international school in Surrey. I also enjoyed teaching life skills and well-being, with fun, fairness and firmness.
I have a keen interest in the Arts.
I attend the church in Bicknoller and am a qualified lay assistant"
Mrs Sian Kenny
Appointed Parent Governor in September 2022; her term of office expires in August 2026
" I am a CIPFA qualified accountant with over 20 years experience in local government finance, and I currently work at Somerset County Council, providing financial advice, guidance and support to areas in the organisation including Children's Services.
I moved to Stogumber in 2018 with my family. I joined the board of governors in 2022 as parent governor. I am chair of the Business & Finance Committee and link governor for the wider curriculum which includes forest school, music, art.
I enjoy being part of a caring community, am the treasure of the Stogumber Ladies Group, and an active member of the schools' PTA, primarily organising the summer fete.
Mr James Pyne
Appointed Co-opted Governor in October 2022; his term of office expires in September 2026
"I live outside the local area and am also a parent governor & SEND link governor at another local school. My child has SEND provisioning and I have a good insight into the education system and how it supports all children.
I wanted to give back to the local community, and governance has been just that. I applied for a governor vacancy at Crowcombe & Stogumber, with the aim of continuing the amazing work of the schools, now under Mrs Lewis' tenure, having seen her previous hard work at her former school.
My background is in aviation, with 20 years of expertise in training and management including running my own business; the latter has proved surprisingly useful in the varied role of a governor - I've been surprised by some of the overlap!"
Mrs Michelle Beer
Appointed Parent Governor in November 2023; her term of office expires in October 2027
I am a solicitor with over eight years post-qualification experience, specialising in risk and regulatory compliance work. I sit on the Management Board of a mid-sized law firm assisting with the strategic and operational side of the business as well as providing internal guidance to manage risk and promote compliance.
I moved to West Somerset in 2021and chose to become a governor in the hope that I can help the schools in my areas of specialism.
Mrs Alexis Tisshaw
Appointed Clerk by Somerset County Council in September 2006.
The Board of Governors holds eight Full Board of Governor meetings per
academic year, supported by the following main Committee:
Finance & Resources Committee – chaired by Mrs Kenny
Ethos Committee - chaired in rotation by committee members
and the following sub-committees and panels when necessary:
Church School Distinctiveness panel
Discipline Panel
Complaints Panel
Pay Committee
Performance Management Committee
Appeals Committee (from Pay)
Appointments & Dismissal (of teachers) Panel
The following people have served on the Board of Governors
during the preceding academic year:
Mrs Gail Webster (resigned August 2023)
Mrs Van Wyk (resigned August 2023)
Board of Governors 2023-24 Business Interests: