What are Governors?

The Governing Body welcomes you to the Ashleworth Church of England Primary School website.

The Governing Body works hard to support the Headteacher, teaching staff and pupils with the aim of ensuring that Ashleworth Church of England Primary School is able to provide the best possible education for our children and to prepare them for life in modern Britain.

The members that make up the Governing Body are chosen by the local authority, the community, staff 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 half term. Two committees (Teaching & Learning and Resources) meet to consider more specific areas of curriculum, finance, staffing and wellbeing.

We are very proud of our developing relationship with Churcham Primary School, through our Executive Headteacher and regular Partnership meetings, and look forward to expanding this further.

If you have any concerns or issues that you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact the Chair of Governors, Rachel Hope, or indeed any of the governors listed below:

How do Governors help children?

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. Governing bodies make decisions collectively on matters such as school policies and the school’s development plan and act as a "critical friend" to the school.

It is important that governors have all the information they need to properly fulfil their role. We therefore offer opportunities to attend Local Authority training courses, arrange training sessions for all governors each year and purchase an annual subscription for governors to access online training

pdf Governors' Allowances Policy

pdf Governor Code of Conduct

pdf Governor Visits Policy & Protocol

Categories of Governors:

Parent Governor - Elected by parents and carers of children at the school

Staff Governor - Chosen by election from the teaching and support staff at the school

Co-opted Governor - Appointed by the Governing Body

Local Authority Governor - Nominated by the Local Authority and Appointed by the Governing Body

Foundation Governor - Appointed by the Diocese of Gloucester

Governor Bios:

Rachel Hope - Chair of Governors - I have been a governor since 2014 and Chair of Governors since 2020. My child attended the school in her primary years and I became involved in governance to promote a sustainable future for the school. I am a professional gardener by trade and my hobbies include gardening, reading, walking and nature rambles. 

Michelle Kelly - I have been a governor of Ashleworth C of E Primary School since becoming Headteacher in September 2013. The school works in partnership with Churcham Primary where I am also Headteacher and a governor. Before joining the team at Ashleworth, 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.

Thomas Boore. O.B.E.  B.A. (Open) - My wife, Sylvia and myself have lived in Ashleworth for almost fifty years and I am privileged to join a team of governors at our local school. I am hopeful that my business, sport and church links will enable me to make some small contribution to the wellbeing and future of the school, its staff and pupils.

Bridgette Nulty - After more than 2 years working part-time at Ashleworth CE Primary School, I was elected to join the governing body as Staff Governor in 2018. I have been a Science teacher for more than 25 years, employed at locations around the UK, and on military garrisons overseas. I have been privileged to teach across a wide range of ages and abilities, delivering the full spectrum of National Curriculum subjects. I hope to support both pupils and my colleagues by using this wealth of experience to good effect as the governors strive to ensure that our school is the best it can be. My hobbies include volunteering with St John Ambulance as an Advanced First Aider, photography, and gardening. 

Carole Bowe - I moved to Ashleworth in 1991 from London where I began my career as a community children's librarian in the East End and continued to work in various libraries for 10 years.  I specialised in childrens librarianship and have always been passionate about children's literacy and encouraging a love of reading.  I worked in Gloucester County Council Library Service as a Development Officer until May 2020 when I retired.  My previous roles included Librarian in HMP Gloucester for 18 years which was a challenging but rewarding position. 

Both my children went to Ashleworth CE Primary School and went on to obtain good university degrees, so I know first hand the importance of a good primary education.  My hobbies and interests include photography, gardening, cycling and social media. 

Maxine Le Cappelain - I joined the Governing Body as a Parent Governor in 2021 following my son joining the school due to a family relocation. I have worked in education in various roles and I hope my experience in this area will support the school and its pupils. I have recently left the world of education to work in the family business in the engineering world, giving me an all new set of skills. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family (dance parties are a particular favourite!) and I also swim, cycle and take part in ballet and yoga classes. 

Adam Rush - My name is Adam, and I have been a parent governor on the board at Ashleworth School since the end of the 2020 / 2021 academic year. My daughter is in Year 5 having joined the school in Year 2. I am also a teacher, having taught in both the state and independent sector for nearly 17 years. Outside of teaching I run a small tutoring company which tends to keep me very busy most evenings and at the weekend. When I do have a little ‘down-time’ I enjoy spending it with my family, walking on the Malvern hills or reading.

If you are interested or would like to find out more about becoming a Governor, please contact the school for more information.

Ashleworth CE Primary School Governing Body 2021-2022:

Last updated: 23/05/2022

Governors who left in the previous 12 months: