Who are the Governors?

What is the role of the Governing Body?

The Governing Body at Western Road Community Primary School works in partnership with the staff to promote high quality education for pupils.  We appoint the head teacher & work closely with them to make decisions that directly affect the education & well-being of all children.

Part of a school's governing body's responsibilities are to:

  • Promote high standards of educational attainment
  • Set an annual budget detailing planned spending
  • Make decisions on matters such as performance, targets, school policies & school development plans
  • Draw up an action plan following inspection reports
  • Appoint staff, ensuring implementation of a range of personnel procedures
  • Ensure health & safety of pupils & staff

 

The Governing Body is a 'critical friend', challenging & supporting the Senior Leadership Team, monitoring the outcome of policies & ensuring accountability

Our school governors are very supportive & actively take part in all areas of the school curriculum by visiting the school & attending regular governor meetings.  If you would like to meet with any governors, please make contact with the school office office@westernroad.e-sussex.sch.uk

  • Ms Hilary Turner

    Chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor

    hilaryturner@westernroad.e-sussex.sch.uk

    Hilary Turner has recently moved to Lewes after retiring from working as an area manager for Suffolk County Music Service. Hilary has also worked as a music teacher in primary and secondary schools and as a Local Authority Music Adviser. She continues to maintain a keen interest in schools, state education and children’s well-being, and works as a volunteer for the NSPCC Schools’ Service and as such is the Safeguarding Governor for the school.

    Hilary hopes to bring her experience of working as a teacher in schools and as a senior officer in a Local Authority Education Department to her new role as co-opted governor at Western Road Community Primary School, and she is looking forward to becoming involved in the wider school community.
    Hilary has two grown-up children now pursuing professional careers in the London area; both of whom benefited from an excellent education in Local Authority maintained schools in the north west.
    Hilary remains a keen and active musician, singing in two local choirs and enjoying attending concerts, ballets and theatre productions, both locally and in London.

  • Ms Holly Atkins

    Vice Chair, Parent Governor

    hollyatkins@westernroad.e-sussex.sch.uk

    I am a parent of two children (one at WRS, one due to start September 2022). We have lived in Lewes since 2013. I was born and brought up in London but have spent a lot of my life in East Sussex as both of my parents and all four of my Grandparents grew up here.

    I am an actor and a communication skills coach and trainer.
    As an actor I’ve worked extensively in television drama for the BBC, ITV and Sky.
    And in theatre, including leading roles at the Royal Court and Shakespeare's Globe.

    As a trainer and coach I’ve worked across industry sectors: In the public sector clients have included NHS, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Cabinet Office, HM treasury, Yorkshire Forward, The Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defence.

    In the private sector clients have included many global law firms and investment banks, the Victoria and Albert Museum, BBC, BP, Tideway, Keller, Siemens, BAFTA.

    As part of the Save Lewes Schools campaign I’ve learnt a lot about the impact of government cuts on schools, and the increasingly tough challenges they face. I have met with and lobbied our MP and East Sussex County Council and as a governor I will continue to lobby hard for an increase in funding for schools. I commit to supporting the Head Teacher of our wonderful school in whatever ways I can, and to helping keep parents abreast of key developments.

  • Mr Tom Jeffery

    Co-Opted Governor

    tomjeffery@westernroad.e-sussex.sch.uk

    I joined the Governing Body in July 2017. I was brought up in Lewes and, returning as an adult, have lived here for the last twenty-three years. My mother, who was a primary school head teacher in East Sussex and also taught at Lewes Prison, went to the County Grammar School on the Western Road site in the 1920s.

    I am a retired civil servant, having worked for many years for the Department for Education and the Department of Health. In my working life, I concentrated on children’s services, the early years and special educational needs. I remain committed to helping children secure the best possible outcomes and life chances. I am currently a Board member of the National Development Team for inclusion, a not-for-profit organisation working with adults and children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

    It is a privilege to work with fellow Governors and with Irèna Wooler and her colleagues. I shall do my best to help Western Road remain a happy and successful school for all our children.

  • Mrs Gabbie Jerrit

    Co-opted Governor

    I am originally from Surrey but have lived in Sussex since 2015. After a brief early career in the Department of Health, I spent ten happy years as a biology teacher in three different secondary schools, with some time in between spent having a family. Unfortunately, after developing kyphosis (a variation of scoliosis), I had to have major spinal surgery and still struggle too much with back pain to return to classroom teaching.

    Instead, I do some online tutoring and also work with adults who have chronic health issues, helping them to learn to effectively manage their conditions. I am also now a parent to two teenagers and, having volunteered at their primary schools and been a Parent Governor, have developed a healthy awareness of the difficult but vital job done by primary teachers. I am interested in learning more about the primary sector and in helping the school to develop areas such as pupils’ mental wellbeing.

    In my spare time, I am an inexpert but keen gardener, an avid reader and a regular walker of my little Shih-Tzu, Toby.

  • Mrs Antonia Jewels

    Parent Governor

    Originally born in Wales and raised in Kent, I moved to Lewes briefly in 1994/95 and returned in to live in 2000. Both of my daughters are or have been pupils at Western Road. My eldest is now at Priory and my youngest is currently in Year 6. Since 2011 when my eldest started at WRS, I have been involved with Artists and Makers, organising the event from 2013 onwards. My overwhelming A&M achievement has been the increase of money raised for WRS (doubled since 2012). Knowing that spending on schools has been falling so dramatically It has been very rewarding knowing I have done my best to contribute.

    I work full time and my background is in Events Management within the Clinical Research field. I work for a large Clinical Research Organisation mainly focused on the strategic events planning for global clinical trials and the physician engagement at those events. I am also an event technology 'geek', specialising in Strategic Meetings Management (SMM) and process efficiency in the events industry.

    In the latter part of 2018, during the attempt to form a Lewes MAT, I became acutely aware of the funding crisis facing our schools and the effect this could have on the ethos of our wonderful school. I passionately believe that children should have a broad and varied education and that while important, education is more than just academic results. I appreciate the importance of strong leadership, partnerships with parents, governors and children. We are a team and I will support our 'team' in any way I am able, using my specific skills.

  • Ms Eleanor Murphy

    Foundation Governor

    Eleanor joined the governing body in October 2018. She knows Lewes well, with family having lived in the town for over forty years. A student at Priory School in the 1980s, Eleanor returned here in late 2013 after almost a decade spent living and working in the Latin American region.

    A qualified teacher of modern languages, Eleanor has taught in secondary and further education institutions, and delivered training for teachers at university level. Prior to teaching, she worked in various senior management positions in third sector organisations focused on educational and international development initiatives in the UK and overseas. She has also worked as a researcher and analyst covering global issues such as climate change, energy and security.

    With wide ranging experience and skills, Eleanor is delighted to draw on these in her role as a Co-opted Governor. She aims to give her time to support continued success at Western Road.

  • Ms Ruth O'Keeffe

    Associate Governor

    I have been connected with Western Road Primary School since the 1990s when all four of my children were pupils here. I was elected as a Parent Governor in 1998 and after my children had moved on to secondary school became a Local Authority Governor. I recently became an Associate Governor after many years as a full member of the Governing Body.

    My background was originally in education; I trained as a teacher in 1986-7 and have experience in a variety of educational settings from Reception to Sixth Form. My training was as a Primary generalist but I also have diplomas in Music and in Special Educational Needs and have been a Music specialist and taught in special schools. I have a degree in Psychology and have taught this at both GCSE and A Level. I also have experience in administrative work to do with Special Educational Needs.

    In 1999 I became a Lewes Town Councillor, in 2003 a Lewes District Councillor, and in 2005 the County Councillor for Lewes Division. I have gained a lot of experience since 1999 in Local Government and am especially keen for residents to be able to be actively involved in the decision making of the local Councils. I do not stand for any political party, representing the residents of the area I serve as an Independent.

  • Mr Luke Palmer

    Co-opted Governor

    I am a qualified Educational Psychotherapist. I work part time as a school counsellor in a secondary school in Brighton and see young people for therapy in my private practice. I also work with both school staff and young people’s housing staff in ‘reflective practice,’ where I assist them in the process of thinking about the emotional implications of their work with vulnerable young people.


    My training as an Educational Psychotherapist has repeatedly emphasised to me how the link between feelings and learning is of fundamental importance. That is, how learning always happens within the context of emotions and therefore how difficult learning can be when the individual is not feeling confident or calm in themselves. This is relevant for better understanding and helping to alleviate the potential complexities of the school life of both pupils and teachers. All members of a school have a vital role in helping everyone in their community to feel properly listened to, valued and respected for their differences.


    Through my work as a therapist and in my personal life, I have learnt also to appreciate how essential empathy, intuition, playfulness and creativity are for general well being and feel that these qualities should be at the very heart of learning.


    I am also a parent of two children, one of whom is currently a pupil of Western Road and have lived in Lewes now for 3 years. I am delighted to be able to contribute to the Lewes community in this role as governor.

  • Mr Roy Watkinson

    Foundation Governor

    I have been a Governor at Western Road since 2010, firstly as a Local Authority appointed Governor becoming a Foundation Governor when the Lewes Cooperative Learning Partnership was established.

    My career has mostly been concerned with environmental protection in the public sector at local (Lewes District and East Sussex) and national level in a number of specialist roles involving both management of people and projects. The last twenty five or so years included a considerable amount of foreign travel, representing the UK and assisting developing countries. Since 2008 I have been running a small independent business and have been able to commit more of my time and energy to assisting with the development of education in schools that I believe is particularly important for both the individual’s future and society as a whole.

    I have lived in Lewes since 1975 and all three of my daughters have attended primary schools in the town, two at Western Road and one at St Pancras. Two of my granddaughters have also attended Western Road.

    I was appointed MBE for my services to waste management in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2008.

  • Mrs Rea Hamilton

    Deputy Headteacher and Year 5 Class Teacher

    reahamilton@westernroad.e-sussex.sch.uk

    I am Deputy Headteacher at Western Road and Year Five Class Teacher. I have been teaching since 2005, and began my career teaching English in Taiwan, and later in Brighton. Since becoming a primary school teacher, I have mainly taught in Upper Key Stage Two, but have also spent several years teaching in Key Stage One.


    My BSc in Geography and early career working in the water industry has left me with a passion for the outdoors and I strive to encourage my classes to be curious about, and engaged with, the natural world around them. My years teaching EFL have instilled a love of language, which I also enjoy sharing. I want all of the children I work with to achieve their potential and acquire all the skills they need to be enthusiastic, curious lifelong learners.


    I believe it is vital that there are strong links between the local community and Western Road School, and my role as Deputy Headteacher and governor has allowed me to further strengthen these links and enrich the educational experiences offered to our children.


    I am also a parent of two young children and have lived in Lewes for just over three years, but have worked locally for over ten years. I enjoy hiking in my spare time, and going for long walks on the Downs and surrounding countryside with my family.

  • Mrs Janine Bishop

    Staff Governor

    I am currently the Year 1 teacher at Western Road and joint Maths lead. I qualified as a teacher at Brighton University in 2009 and began my career as a Reception teacher working at a school in Shoreham. My degree specialism was Early Years and I have worked mainly in Early Years and KS1 in my teaching career.

    I began working at Western Road in December 2017 covering maternity leave as a part time Reception teacher. The role was made permanent in July 2017. I thoroughly enjoy being a part of Western Road and its community. The values of the school are important to me and I believe we all play an important part in ensuring all children at Western road are well-rounded, resilient, courageous, have a voice, are skilled and are aware of and interested in the wider world beyond Lewes.

    I am a parent of two young children, a son in Year 4 and daughter in Year 1 who attend a local academy school. Alongside my husband we run a football coaching session for Newhaven Football club for under 5’s each Saturday morning. As a family we love going for long walks with our dog Gus and have got a kayak so, when the sun is out, we are often paddling on the Cuckmere.

Western Road Community Primary School

Current Governors and Details of Appointments

 September 2021

 

Governor Name

Start  Date

End Date

Type of Governor

Voting Rights

 Positions

Roy Watkinson

15th May 2018

14th May 2022

Foundation

Yes

 

Rea Hamilton

17th Oct 2019

16th Oct 2023

Associate

No

Deputy Head Teacher

Tom Jeffery

27th Sept 2021

26th Sept 2025

Co-opted

Yes

 

Ruth O’Keeffe

19th March 2018

18th March 2022

Associate

No

 

Irena Wooler

5th Sept 2019

4th Sept 2044

Ex Officio

Yes

Head Teacher

Eleanor Murphy

22nd Nov 2021

21st Nov 2025

Foundation

Yes

Also Trustee on the LCLP

Hilary Turner

8th October 2018

7th October 2022

Co-opted

Yes

Chair of Governors

Holly Atkins

11th March 2019

10th March 2023

Parent

Yes

Vice Chair of Governors

Rosie Gloster

26th March 2019

27th March 2023

LA

No

 

Luke Palmer

14th Oct 2019

13th Oct 2023

Co-opted

Yes

 

Sami Howard

25th Nov 2019

24th Nov 2023

Co-opted

Yes

 

Antonia Jewels

25th Nov 2019

24th Nov 2023

Parent

Yes

 

Janine Bishop

25th Jan 2021

24th Jan 2025

Staff

No

 

Gabbie Jerrit

27th Sept 2021

26th Sept 2025

Co-opted

Yes

 

Patrick Mulhern

DBS & other documentation pending

 

Parent

Yes

 

Hamish Gale

7th Oct 2021

6th Oct 2025

Co-opted

Yes

 

Attendance Totals for FGB Meetings – 2020 to 2021 

 

Western Road Community Primary School 

 

Governor  

5th Oct 2020 

23rd Nov 

25th Jan 2021 

15th March 

10th May 

28th June 

Total 

Irena Wooler  

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

6/6 

Roy Watkinson  

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

6/6 

Ruth O’Keeffe  

Apologies 

Apologies 

Apologies 

 

 

 

 

Rosie Gloster  

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

6/6 

Louise Adams  

Y 

Resigned 

 

 

 

 

1/2 

Stephen Docherty  

Apologies 

Y 

Y 

Resigned 

 

 

2/3 

Tom Jeffery  

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

6/6 

Hilary Turner  

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

6/6 

Eleanor Murphy  

Y 

Y 

Y 

Apologies 

Apologies 

Y 

4/6 

Holly Atkins  

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

6/6 

Rea Hamilton  

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

6/6 

Luke Palmer  

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

6/6 

Sami Howard  

Y 

Apologies 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

5/6 

Toby Meanwell  

Y 

Resigned 

 

 

 

 

 

Antonia Jewels  

Y 

Y 

Y 

Apologies 

Y 

Y 

5/6 

 Janine Bishop 

 

 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Apologies 

3/4 

Kerry Bedford 

 

 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

4/4 

Angi Samuels 

 

 

Y 

Resigned 

 

 

 

 Register of Pecuniary or Business Interests  

Western Road Community Primary School 2021/2022 

Governor   

Date Interest/s Declared 

Interest/s 

Roy Watkinson  

13th Sept 2021 

None 

Ruth O’keeffe  

 

Available upon request from the clerk 

Irena Wooler  

27th Sept 2021 

None 

Tom Jeffery  

13th Sept 2021 

I am a board member of the National Development Team for Inclusion.  My wife, Alison Jeffery, is the Director of Children’s Services at East Sussex County Council 

 

Rosie Gloster  

23rd Sept 2021 

None 

Hilary Turner  

13th Sept 2021 

None 

Janine Bishop  

27th Sept 2021 

None 

Eleanor Murphy  

25th Sept 2021 

None 

Holly Atkins  

13th Sept 2021 

None 

Samantha Howard  

27th Sept 2021 

None 

Antonia Jewels  

4th Oct 2021 

None 

Luke Palmer  

27th Sept 2021 

None 

Rea Hamilton  

13th Sept 2021 

None 

 Hamish Gale 

4th Oct 2021 

I am an employee of East Sussex County Council working with children, families and schools.  There has been communication between the Chair of Governors and my line manager regarding avoiding any future conflict of interest that may arise in my role as governor, and this has been confirmed in writing by the Chair. 

Gabbie Jerrit 

8th August 2021 

None