Mersham Primary School

MERSHAM SCHOOL GOVERNING BODY 2020-2021

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 15-03-24

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.”

Vice Chair and Foundation Governor Laurence Stock

To 31-01-25

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.”

Headteacher Cheryl Chalkley

Declared business interests: none

Staff Governor Leah Sexton

To 17-05-24

Declared business interests: none

Parent Governor 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 and Lead Health and Safety Governor Richard Lavender

To May 2021

“Having been a pupil at Mersham Primary School and Ashford North School for Boys, I joined the Royal Air Force in 1957 as an Aircraft Engineer, served for twenty five years in many theatres across the globe before retiring to join the family construction business as its Financial Director. After eleven successful years with the company I decided the challenge and opportunity of the newly formed Eurotunnel Group was too much to resist. Hence in 1993 I joined Eurotunnel in the Train Crew Department, followed by positions in the Rail Control Centre, and then served as the Folkestone Terminal Manager before becoming the Property and Facilities Manager UK and finally Director of Property Services in UK and France.

After retiring from Eurotunnel I started my own Property & Safety Consultancy and remained an active Non-Executive Board Director of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. I am currently Chairman of the Board and sit on many business stakeholder groups throughout Kent. I have spent the last eight years introducing Young Chamber into schools across Kent hoping to improve employability skills for school leavers.

I have been a Governor at Mersham Primary School for the past two years and now begin to understand the complexity of our education system.

My interests are my family, and living life to the full and making the most of every day.”

Declared business interests: none

Local Authority Governor and Lead SEND 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. “

Governor Mrs Charlotte Francis-Finch

To 15-03-24

Declared business interests: No business interests declared

“I am an experienced teacher and qualified SENCo and have worked in a wide variety of educational settings, both mainstream and specialist, in all primary year groups; my roles within schools have included: class teacher; Head of Key Stage 1 and Early Years; SENCo, and School Governor. I have also worked as a Provision and Evaluation Officer for Kent County Council and as a specialist SEN teacher.

I am currently working as a SEND consultant for South East SENCo Support, an organisation that my business partner and I have co-founded, that provides specialist SEND support and advice to educational settings and families.

Small village schools hold a very special place in my heart and so I feel very privileged to be part of such a wonderful family community.”

Governor Mr James Senior

To 15-03-24

Declared business interests: No business interests declared

MERSHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL

GOVERNOR ATTENDANCE RECORD SEPTEMBER 2019 – JULY 2020