Mersham Primary School

MERSHAM SCHOOL GOVERNING BODY 2018 – 2019

The governors of the school meet at least once a term. They are a group of people drawn from the community, the school and the parents. The Headteacher is responsible to the governors for the leadership and management, behaviour and safety, teaching and learning, curriculum and safeguarding aspects of the school. 

Chair of Governors:  Lesley Caldwell 

To Mar 2020

Declared business interests: None

Lead responsibilities: Safeguarding

“My passion is good quality education and enabling all students to reach their personal best.

I have a long history of being involved in pastoral care and learning support for learning difficulties. In my last role as Assistant Principal at North West Kent College I was responsible for the strategic direction and delivery of Student Services, Additional Learning Support and Admissions functions over two main campuses, Dartford and Gravesend. I was also the designated person for the College Safeguarding responsibility.”

Headteacher Cheryl Chalkley

Declared business interests: none

Teacher Leah Sexton

To June 2020

Declared business interests: none

Parent Laurence Stock

To April 2021

Declared business interests: none

“With my daughter already attending Mersham Primary, and her younger brother likely to follow in her footsteps, I have a vested interest in making the school the best it can be. I have extensive corporate experience, having been part of Leadership teams for several national businesses, managing large teams and taking a strategic view to organisational development. Much of my career has been spent winning new business, and I hope to use these skills to attract additional funding for the school, and to maximise the use of its current resources.”

Parent Barney O’Kelly

To November 2022

Declared business interests: none

I have four children at Mersham School in years five, two, one and reception so have a strong personal stake in making the school the best it can possibly be. My wife grew up in Mersham and was a pupil at the school. We also married in Mersham Church and have a longstanding relationship with the community.

I believe that every child, regardless of ability or individual needs, should have the best education and supportive school environment possible. I hope I can use my professional skills – having spent 20 years working in public relations and marketing roles in large, international businesses – to help the school become a place of learning in which the staff, children and parents have immense pride.

Foundation Governor Richard Lavender

To May 2021

Declared business interests: none

Co-opted Alan Norley

To Nov 2019

Declared business interests: Managing Director of Transformation Through Education Ltd Director, Ospringe Children’s Centre Ltd

“I’ve worked in Education for 45 years – in teaching and managing schools; inspecting; advising; training teachers and headteachers. I am a National Leader of Governance and am Chair of Governors at both Challock and Ospringe primary schools. I care passionately about education and all young people having the opportunity and support to achieve their potential.”

Co-opted Roger Spicer

To Nov 2019

Declared business interests: None 

“I am an insurance broker in the City of London and outside of work – when I am not helping at Mersham – I am Vice Chair of Governors at Challock Primary School. In my free time, I coach rugby at Ashford Rugby Club, and I also watch a lot of sport on television.”

Co-opted and Foundation Governor Mick Taylor

To Nov 2019

Declared business interests: None 

“I retired in 2012 after 40 years of teaching in Surrey, Kent and East London. I taught PE and Maths to secondary aged pupils, including GCSE and A level. For the last 20 years I was a senior manager, which included posts as Assistant Headteacher, Senior Deputy Headteacher and Acting Headteacher. Currently I am also a governor at Brabourne C of E Primary School.”

Local Authority Governor  Sarah Dove

To Nov 2022

Declared business interests: Company Director of Phoenix Education Consultancy

“I have worked in education for other 15 years with a strong interest in inclusive education and Special Educational Needs.  I have had extensive experience in improving the quality of teaching and learning, coaching of senior educational staff and improving the outcomes of the most vulnerable students. “

Attendance and Pecuniary Interests: 2017 – 2018

GOVERNOR ATTENDANCE RECORD SEPTEMBER 2016 – JULY 2017

FGB ATTENDANCE RECORD

FINANCE COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE RECORD

PUPIL PROGRESS MONITORING (PPM) ATTENDANCE RECORD