Governors

Governing Body of Beacon Rise Primary School 

Name Post Appointed Expiry Pecuniary Interest Declaration
Ben Pearse Clerk     Staff pay interest
Rachel Leonard Co-opted Governor 23/01/2022 22/01/2026 Staff pay interest
Kirsty Chambers Co-opted Governor 27/02/2021 26/02/2025 Staff pay interest
Annette Box – Chair of Governors Co-opted Governor 03/09/2022 02/09/2026  
Guy Harper Co-opted Governor 14/06/2022 13/06/2026 Related directly to 1 child
Leanne Newman – Chair of Learning Committee Local Authority Governor 11/10/2023 10/10/2027 Works at Little Oaks Nursery
Christopher Thomas Principal 01/04/2007 31/03/2106 Staff pay interest
Sumaiyya Chowdhury Staff Elected Governor 11/10/2023 10/10/2027 Staff pay interest
Alison Parr Parent Elected Governor 20/03/2020 19/03/2024 Directly related to 2 children
Emma Tubb Co-opted Governor 20/01/2022 19/01/2026 Directly related to 1 child, regional manager for Trutex Uniform
Rev’d Beverley Charles Co-opted Governor 01/09/2022 31/08/2026 Supports the school through voluntary and community work
Robin Dunford Co-opted Governor 16/06/2022 15/06/2026 Supports the school through voluntary and community work
Sarah Stevens – Chair of People & Premises Committee Parent Elected Governor 16/06/2022 15/06/2026 Directly related to 2 children
Adam Sheldon Co-opted Governor 26/01/2023 25/01/2027 Directly related to 1 child
Charlotte Harris Co-opted Governor 26/01/2023 25/01/2027 Directly related to 3 children
Louise Hansom Co-opted Governor 26/01/2023 25/01/2027 Directly related to 3 children
Robert Morgan Co-opted Governor 11/10/2023 10/10/2027 Directly related to 1 child

All communications should be addressed to the Clerk to the Governors, Ben Pearse , contact email ben.pearse@beaconrise.org.uk

Governor attendance

Please note: Not all Governors are required at all meetings.  Some Governors joined during an academic year, therefore the maximum number of meetings will be reduced

DOWNLOADS:

Governor Attendance at Meetings information 2023-24

Governor Attendance at Meetings information 2022-23

Beacon Rise Primary Instrument of Governance

Statutory Information

A co-opted governor is someone who has been appointed by the existing Governing Board. This is an individual from the community who has the skills and experience which the Governing Board has deemed they require. They are nominated and then elected into the Board within a committee meeting, following a process which is minuted for record.

Full Governing Body meetings occur three times a school year and involve the entire Governing Board

People & Premises committee meetings occur three times a school year and every member of the Governing Board sits on this committee. These meetings include oversight of staffing, health & safety, premises, maintenance, safeguarding, procurement, finance, data protection and wellbeing through the monitoring of the strategic plan and School Development Plan.

Learning committee meetings occur three times a school year and every member of the Governing Board sits on this committee. These meetings include oversight of the following through the monitoring of the strategic plan and SDP:

  • Guiding the Governing Body on matters relating to the curriculum, it’s implementation, delivery and impact
  • Monitoring data trends and performance, ensuring effective prioritisation of SDP, in line with School strategy
  • Reviewing the school’s curriculum policy (statement of aims and vision) and advising the Governing Body on this and other policy documents relating to the curriculum
  • In conjunction with staff, understanding how the curriculum is taught, evaluated and monitored
  • Reviewing reports on the implementation of the school’s individual subject policies
  • Reviewing the impact of the Pupil Premium Grants & Sports Grant
  • Assisting with ensuring that the requirements of pupils with additional and special educational needs are met, including those identified as gifted and talented

The Leadership committee meets six times a school year and consists of the Principal, Deputy Head, Chair of Governors and the Chairs of the People & Premises and Learning committees. Their key responsibilities are to have oversight of the above as well as ensuring that the Governing Board has appropriate training, is actively contributing relevant skills, is focused on its core functions and is working effectively.

Who we are

Rachel Leonard
Rachel LeonardCo-opted Governor

Rachel Leonard, Assistant Head Teacher, was co-opted onto Governors in 2014. Rachel joined Beacon Rise in 2009 as a year 6 teacher and is extremely proud to be part of the teaching team when the school was awarded its Outstanding status in 2012. Since then she has enjoyed working with its fantastic community to ensure the school keeps looking forward and improving. 

Rachel took on additional leadership responsibilities in September 2012 – the Key Stage 2 Leader – and in 2013 as an Assistant Headteacher. Part of her responsibilities include maths leadership, general curriculum provision, lunchtimes, and NQT and trainee teacher provision.

Prior to teaching, Rachel was involved in project management for a Local Authority. 

Kirsty Chambers
Kirsty ChambersCo-opted Governor

Kirsty Chambers has worked at Beacon Rise for 20 years starting out as an NQT and now as Head of School.

Prior to working in school, she worked with children with special educational needs across a range of settings.  This led to becoming SEN Leader, ensuring all pupils have a positive and inclusive start to their school life.

In Kirsty’s own words “Beacon Rise is a great place to be and I feel lucky to be part of it”.

Annette Box
Annette BoxChair of Governors

Annette Box is the SEND Governor, Chair of the Governing Body, Chair of the People & Premises Committee  and was co-opted to the school’s Governing Board in September 2018. Annette is the daughter of one of the oldest former pupils of Beacon Rise, Mr Robert (Bob) Barrett, who had the honour of opening Fern Hill when it was newly built.

In Annette’s own words “Throughout my career it has been my pleasure to work with children and young people with additional needs in a wide range of different provisions. I am very proud to be part of such a happy, vibrant and dedicated school community who put childrens’ achievements at the very heart of all they do. I consider it a privilege to champion and contribute to the outstanding education the children of Beacon Rise receive”.

Guy Harper
Guy HarperCo-opted Governor

Guy Harper: is the Vice Chair of Governors and has been part of the governing body for several  years, since his twin boys, started at the school in 2015. 

Guy works in finance as a Chartered Financial Planner for an IFA. We are pleased that we have the opportunity to use his experience to support the school and its pupils.

In Guy’s own words “It is a privilege to already have children at Beacon Rise and am proud that my daughter will begin there in September. I look forward to continuing to work with the governing body, who are committed to improving standards and outcomes for all children”.

Leanne Newman
Leanne NewmanCo-opted Governor

Leanne Newman was co-opted to the Governing Board in September 2018. Leanne is Chair for the Learning Committee and link governor for Vulnerable Pupils.

Leanne has worked in Early Years Education for 20 years, starting as a Nursery Practitioner and now manages a local nursery setting. Recently completing her degree in Early Years Education helps ensure quality education and care to children, before they move on to schools such as Beacon Rise.

In Leanne’s own words “I attended Beacon Rise as a child and my daughter is currently at the school. I already know that some of her fondest childhood memories will be from her time at Beacon Rise, as are mine. I feel honoured to be on the governing board, observing and celebrating how the teaching staff champion the voice, abilities and potential of all children. With a staff who are so dedicated to success and fun, there are no limits to what the children can achieve”.

Christopher Thomas
Christopher ThomasHead Teacher

Chris Thomas, Principal, has been at Beacon Rise since 2007, supporting the school from Requires Improvement to Outstanding in three years.

In Chris’ own words “I am proud of all that Beacon Rise has achieved and am excited for what we will achieve in the future. I also lead the South Gloucestershire Learning Alliance of 70+ schools and am honoured to have been nominated for TES Headteacher of the Year in 2016”. 

Sumaiyya Chowdhury
Sumaiyya ChowdhuryStaff Governor

Sumaiyya Chowdhury’s relationship with Beacon Rise started in 2009 when her eldest son started at the school. She has supported the school as a reading buddy and is now working as a teaching partner.

In Sumaiyya’s own words “Beacon Rise was the perfect foundation for my children; where educational excellence is embedded in a fun, nurturing environment. I feel privileged as a member of staff, and now staff governor, to be part of this close-knit school community, who together thrive to ensure all our children feel supported, valued and achieve their full potential.

Alison Parr
Alison ParrParent Governor

Alison Parr: After 10 years working in a laboratory, Alison retrained as a Chemistry teacher.  She is now a Chemistry and Learning Support Teacher at a Senior School in Bath.  Her two sons attend Beacon Rise.

In Alison’s own words “I went to Beacon Rise myself many years ago.  Since I have had my own children I have been determined that they should also attend Beacon Rise as it has the best provision of education and extra curricular activities in the area. I have been really impressed with the excellent and supportive teachers my son has had and  I have joined the governors to help maintain this high standard for my own boys, other children at the school and those who will attend in the future.” 

Emma Tubb
Emma TubbParent Governor

Emma Tubb joined the board as a parent Governor in January 2022.  She has a son in reception at Beacon Rise.  Emma has a background of working in sales within Education so has a good understanding of how schools work.

In her own words “it is nice to be part of something that will impact my son and his peers future, it feels great to give something back to the local community.  My son started school in the pandemic, the school made the transition from nursery to school really easy for him.  The school is very well known for being excellent, so to be involved feels fantastic.” 

Robin Dunford
Robin DunfordCo-opted Governor

Robin Dunford: My association with Beacon Rise School began in 1986 when my son and later my daughter attended the school. The inspirational teaching and nurturing they received through primary school gave them both an excellent academic foundation.

Whilst my children were at Beacon Rise, I served as a Parent Governor and was an active member of the PTA.

In 2012 I retired after forty-two years as a local authority Social Worker, having worked in a variety of fields including Children and Young Person’s Services.

Then, in 2013 I renewed my relationship with Beacon Rise by volunteering as a Reading Buddy, supporting mainly Year 6 children with their reading needs. It has once again been a great pleasure and privilege to be a valued member of the school community and I now look forward to supporting and promoting the consistently high standards of teaching and care of children by joining the team of school governors.

Sarah Stevens
Sarah StevensParent Governor

Sarah Stevens joined the board September 2022 as Parent Governor; she is a Specialist NHS Physiotherapist and has two children at Beacon Rise Primary School.

In Sarah’s own words: “ My children gain so much from being part of Beacon Rise Primary School; it’s a truly fantastic school in an amazing setting. As a parent I feel extremely privileged that my children are able to access such incredible education so I was thrilled to be elected onto the Board Of Governors – it’s great to be able to give something back in return. I am always so impressed with the dedication, care and support of the whole Beacon Rise Team who always strive for excellence and go ‘above and beyond’. As Parent Governor I am excited to be supporting and celebrating the outstanding achievements of the school.”

Louise Hansom
Louise Hansom Co-opted Governor

Louise Hansom was co-opted to the Governing Board in January 2023. Louise was Chair of a local pre-school committee for four years, where she now sits as a Trustee.

In Louise’s own words “I wanted to become a governor because I believe in the importance of education and want every child at the school to meet their potential. I have four children, three of whom are at Beacon Rise. My oldest daughter, who has moved on to secondary school, really enjoyed her journey through primary thanks to the support and encouragement of the staff at Beacon Rise. The nurturing and holistic approach has greatly benefitted her. As a governor I want to help support the high standard of learning and positive day to day experience the children receive”.

Adam Sheldon
Adam SheldonCo-opted Governor

Adam Sheldon joined was co-opted to the board in January 2023 with a daughter in Reception currently at Beacon Rise.

In Adam’s own words “I worked in financial services since graduating from university, chiefly in the mortgage and loan industry.  My career then took a sharp turn in 2010 when I took the opportunity to become a School Business Manager.  I have now been doing this role for 13 years and love the variety and challenge of working in schools, but first and foremost I hope that I have been able to contribute to providing an excellent start to our young people’s lives.”

Charlotte Harris
Charlotte HarrisCo-opted Governor

Charlotte Harris was co-opted to the board in January in 2023.

In Charlottes own words “I feel really excited to have the opportunity to join the governing board. I was a pupil at the school many years ago and now a parent to my three daughters at the school. My children have gained so much from the fantastic teachers and staff and thoroughly enjoy coming to school every day where they are supported and receive a high level of learning whilst having fun.

As a Governor I am looking forward to help maintain the high standards in all areas of the school for all children in the future.”

Beverley Charles
Beverley CharlesCo-opted Governor

Rev Beverley was co-opted to the board in October 2022. 

Beverley is our local vicar, across four churches in Kingswood and Hanham and also a Director of We are BS15 CIC which works to build community spirit, reduce isolation and encourage people to work together to support each other. 

Prior to ordination, Beverley worked in strategic planning and change management at the Environment Agency and is a qualified accountant. 

In her own words “Beacon Rise is a very special community, where commitment to the highest levels of learning combine with a culture that nurtures and encourages every child and staff member. I love coming to school for assemblies and supporting school visits to our churches. 

I look forward to helping the school strengthen connections with the local community,  building on all the good work they already do”

Ben Pearse
Ben PearseClerk

Ben Pearse: Ben joined Beacon Rise in November 2022 as their School Business Leader and also as Clerk to the governing board.

In Ben’s own words, “I am thoroughly enjoying being part of such a passionate and caring team here at the school. I am lucky also to be working as clerk and helping to support the wonderful work that the governors do.”