Governors
Governing Body of Beacon Rise Primary School
| Name | Post | Appointed | Expiry | Pecuniary Interest Declaration |
| Ben Pearse | Clerk | Staff pay interest | ||
| Kirsty Chambers | Co-opted Governor | 13/03/2025 | 12/03/2029 | Staff pay interest |
| Annette Box – Chair of Governors | Co-opted Governor | 18/06/2026 | 17/06/2030 | |
| Sam Sayers | Co-opted Governor | 02/08/2024 | 01/08/2028 | Staff pay interest |
| Leanne Newman | 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 |
| Matthew Crucefix | Parent Elected Governor | 19/03/2024 | 19/03/2028 | Directly related to 2 children |
| Sarah Jefferies | Parent Elected Governor | 26/06/2026 | 25/06/2030 | Directly related to 2 children |
| Alison Parr | Co-opted Governor | 26/01/2024 | 26/01/2028 | Directly related to 2 children |
| Rev’d Beverley Charles | Co-opted Governor | 14/05/2026 | 13/05/2030 | Supports the school through voluntary and community work |
| Robin Dunford | Co-opted Governor | 14/05/2026 | 13/05/2030 | Supports the school through voluntary and community work |
| Sarah Stevens – Co-Vice Chair | Co-opted Governor | 14/05/2026 | 13/05/2030 | Directly related to 2 children |
| Robert Morgan – Co-Vice Chair | Co-opted Governor | 11/10/2023 | 10/10/2027 | Directly related to 1 child |
| Lily Cairns | Co-opted Governor | 02/08/2024 | 01/08/2028 | Staff pay interest |
| Andy Millar | Co-opted Governor | 29/01/2026 | 28/01/2030 | Directly related to 2 children |
| Angelo Moore | Co-opted Governor | 29/01/2026 | 28/01/2030 | Directly related to 1 childt |
| Helen Merrett | Co-opted Governor | 29/01/2026 | 28/01/2030 | 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 2024-25
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 six times a school year and involve the entire Governing Board. 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. They also involve the following:
- 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, Head of School and two Co-Vice Chairs. 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
Kirsty Chambers has worked at Beacon Rise for over 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 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”.
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”.
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’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: After 10 years working in a laboratory, Alison retrained as a teacher. She is now Acting Head of Learning Support at a Senior School in Bath. She has two sons, the youngest of whom is in Year 5 at Beacon Rise. The eldest is now in year 7 .
In Alison’s own words “I went to Beacon Rise myself many years ago. When I had my own children I was 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 sons have had and I 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.”
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 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.”
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”
Robert Morgan has been a co-opted governor at Beacon Rise since September 2023. He has a daughter who attends the school and will have a son starting soon. Rob has been a teacher since 2007, working in both mainstream and special schools.
In Rob’s own words: “I am delighted to be part of the governing body at Beacon Rise. My daughter has had an incredible experience so far and I hope to support the school in anyway I can, including through my work as a governor. Since joining I have only been further convinced that Beacon Rise is an amazing place for young people, and that the commitment, skill and dedication of the staff is exceptional.”
Matt Crucefix: Matt joined the board in March 2024 as a Parent Governor, he is a Director of Development for a Housing Association and has two children at Beacon Rise Primary School.
“In the four years in which I have had children attending Beacon Rise I have been routinely amazed by the commitment and passion shown by the BR team. Our first year at the school was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic yet the commitment and tireless effort from the school staff and teachers never wavered and shone, even remotely through online lessons. The dedication to achieve outstanding standards whilst also maintaining ethics, understanding of individual needs and a clear desire to have fun is admirable. I am pleased to have been elected as a parent governor. I hope that my skills and experience I have gained during my career will contribute to ensuring Beacon Rise maintains such outstanding standards all whilst still smiling and having fun.”
Lily Cairns: Lily joined Beacon Rise in 2024 as an assistant headteacher and as a co-opted governor to the board.
In Lily’s own words, “It is a pleasure to be working at Beacon Rise as a member of such an enthusiastic and dedicated team of staff. It is an incredible school that offers children so many wonderful opportunities beyond the classroom, enabling them to have a wide range of experiences during their primary years. The children are happy and thriving and I am excited to support the school in continuing to provide an outstanding education for all of the children here.”
Sam Sayers was co-opted onto the governing board September 2024.
In Sam’s own words: Starting my teaching career in London, I have enjoyed various roles such as Head of Sport, Science Lead and Key Stage Leader. I am passionate about all children being given the platform to progress both academically and in the round, whilst enjoying their education to the maximum. I have loved working at Beacon Rise and have felt thoroughly welcomed by the community since moving to the school. In my new role as Assistant Headteacher and Governor, I look forward to helping the school to advance its already ‘Outstanding’ educational provision.
Angelo Moore was co-opted onto the governing board February 2026.
My son is currently in Year 1, and I have been genuinely astounded by the progress he has made during his time at Beacon Rise. The school’s commitment, dedication, and strong, nurturing culture are what first drew me to the governor role. I am particularly inspired by the school’s determination to meet the needs of every pupil—recognising that academic achievement is only possible when the whole child is supported.
I am passionate about education and have spent the past 15 years working in the Further Education sector, delivering apprenticeships across a wide range of industries. In my current role, I oversee apprenticeships for a local NHS Group, supporting learners aged 16 to 64 with diverse backgrounds, abilities, and needs. This work has shown me the transformative power of education at every stage of life, and I find it incredibly rewarding to help learners of all ages thrive.
I hope to bring this experience, along with my enthusiasm for inclusive and high‑quality education, to the governing body and contribute positively to the continued success of Beacon Rise.
Helen Merrett was co-opted onto the board in 2026. Helen is a solicitor, her daughter is currently at Beacon Rise and her son also attended the school.
“Having known Beacon Rise for the past ten years through both of my children, I am delighted to now serve as a governor. I have always admired the dedication of the staff and the positive, nurturing atmosphere they create for our children. In my work life, I see the importance of strong foundations and Beacon Rise provides exactly that, where children are encouraged, challenged and celebrated. I believe that every child should feel able to grow in confidence and enjoy their learning, particularly those who may need a little extra support along the way. It is a privilege to play a part in helping the school continue to thrive.”
Andy Millar was co‑opted onto the Board in February 2026.
He specialises in Architecture and Civil Engineering, with a particular focus on transport infrastructure and railways. Andy has two daughters at the school.
“It has now been over five years since my eldest daughter started at Beacon Rise, during the challenging period of Covid. From the very beginning, the dedication and professionalism of the teachers and staff has been clear to see. The school is a community in its own right, full of energy and enthusiasm, and that spirit is infectious.
I want to play my part in that. As a School Governor, I feel I can give something back by contributing my professional experience in the built environment and infrastructure. My girls have benefited enormously from the positive, nurturing environment at Beacon Rise, and it feels only right to help build on those strong foundations for many years to come.”
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.”
