The school's Governing Board is made up of parent, staff, local authority and community / Foundation representatives. They are deeply involved in the school and may be a point of contact if you have any queries. In the first instance, please address any correspondence to Governors to the Clerk to the Governing Board, by letter addressed to the Clerk to the Governors via the school, or by email to: clerk@elmleycastle.worcs.sch.uk. 

The Governing Board focusses on the following three strategic functions which, overall, are designed to contribute to improving outcomes for the school children:

a. Ensuring clarity in the school's vision, ethos and strategic direction

b. Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils and the seeking of assurance on the effective performance management of staff

c. Overseeing the financial performance of the school, making sure its limited resources are well spent 

The full Governing Board currently meets six times per academic year. Much of the work of the Governing Board is undertaken within its two main sub-committees; the Curriculum and Standards Committee which focusses on quality of teaching and related performance and the Business Management Committee, which deals with finance, premises and health and safety matters. Governors also visit the school on a regular basis to observe and monitor school activities in fulfilment of their strategic functions.

All Governors are subject to appropriate vetting procedures through the national Disclosure and Barring Service.

Approved minutes of the Governing Board and Committee meetings are available on request from the school office or by contacting the clerk via email, address as above.

The school's Instrument of Government determines the constitution of the Governing Board and other matters relating to the school. The formal document can be accessed by clicking the link at the bottom of this page. Other information relating to the Governing Board, including the term of office of each Governor, any declaration of interests and meeting attendance, are also published at the bottom of this page.

As a school we recognise that a diversity of thought, voices and perspectives is essential to good governance and the effective running of any organisation. We regularly collect diversity information from our governors and, depending on current data, can use this to:

➢ target recruitment to address gaps in experience and diversity

➢ develop and adapt board practices to ensure full participation

➢ prioritise training and awareness-raising in identified areas

➢ address potential ‘blind spots’ through seeking wider advice and perspectives on current and upcoming opportunities, challenges and risks

However, we are unable to publish this information as it would mean that individual members of our governing body are identifiable.

Governors may be contacted by letter addressed to the Clerk to the Governors via the school, or by email to: clerk@elmleycastle.worcs.sch.uk

Governors:

 

Emma Robinson, Co-Chair.

Parent Governor

Curriculum and Standards Committee

I have lived in the village since 2017 and became a Parent Governor in 2021. I am currently co-chair, and I champion the issue of special educational needs within my role as SEND and Inclusion governor. I have oversight of the school's provision and arrangements for meeting the needs of pupils with special educational needs. I feel that it is vital for every pupil to be given the opportunity to flourish, to be included and to reach their full potential.

I am mum to 2 sons who both attend the school, and I have been a GP for over 10 years. With any spare time, I can be found walking our dog called Cosmo, gardening or looking after our 4 sheep and 11 hens.

 

 

 

Paul Cornish, Co Chair. 

Foundation Governor

Business Management Committee

I am a local resident and parent of three young children, two of whom attend Elmley Castle First School. As a committed Christian, I am a member of Woodgreen Evangelical Church, Worcester.

I have taught for the past 22 years, holding a PGCE Secondary Geography and MA in Geography Education from the Institute of Education, UCL. I have wide educational experience, having taught in the Private, International, Grammar and Comprehensive sectors from KS1 through to KS5. For 8 years, I was a DSL and Deputy Headteacher in an Inner London Secondary School, while currently I am teaching geography in a local secondary school.
 

Rev. Katryn Leclezio

Ex-officio Foundation Governor

Since 25 July 2021, I have been Priest-in-Charge of two Parishes on the East side of Bredon Hill.  Part of this responsibility is being an ex-officio governor in two Church Schools.  One of my joys is to participate in worship with the school on a regular basis and to support the Head Teacher.  What I offer is an ear for the School’s Christian ethos and distinctiveness and input into the religious education curriculum.
 

 

Sally Roberts

Co-Opted Governor

Curriculum and Standards Committee

I live in the village with my husband and our whippet, Daisy. My three children all attended Elmley Castle First School, and I now have two grandchildren. After a 40-year career in primary education, including many happy years teaching at Elmley Castle, I am delighted to continue supporting the school and community as a governor.

I am Chair of the Curriculum and Standards Committee, helping to monitor educational provision and standards across the school. I am also an active member of the local church, singing in the Link Choir and helping to organise Open the Book. In my spare time, I enjoy singing, walking, reading, and spending time with my grandchildren.

 

 

Kitty Mirza (photo to follow)

Local Authority Appointed Governor

Business Management Committee

As a local resident since 2012 and a parent of two children at Elmley, I have a strong personal connection to the school and our community. I’m keen to support the school in providing the best possible opportunities for every child.

I have 20 years’ experience in finance and bring expertise in financial management, organisation and planning to my role as a governor. Outside work, I’m involved with the local Scouts committee and enjoy gardening, painting and walks on Bredon Hill.

 

 

 

Ollie Seward 

Parent Governor 

Business Management Committee

A dedicated Elmley resident and parent of two pupils at Elmley Castle First School, I am committed to supporting the school’s continued success and development. 

I bring strong analytical skills, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach to governance, ensuring effective oversight and constructive challenge. I am passionate about contributing both professionally and personally to the wellbeing and educational outcomes of all pupils at Elmley Castle First School.

 

 

 

Sue Johnston

Foundation Governor

Curriculum and Standards Committee, link governor for safeguarding

I have lived in Bricklehampton for over 30 years and spent much of that time teaching at Elmley Castle C.E. First School. Having retired from teaching, I am delighted to continue supporting the school and its community as a Foundation Governor.

As a Church of England school, Elmley Castle's Christian values are at the heart of everything it does. These values help to create a nurturing environment where children and staff can learn, grow and thrive together, which is something I greatly value.

In my role as Safeguarding Governor and as a member of the Curriculum and Standards Committee, I help to ensure that the school provides a safe, inclusive and supportive environment. I am passionate about helping every child to believe in themselves, show kindness and compassion towards others, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Outside of my governor role, I enjoy walking on Bredon Hill and making the most of retirement, while maintaining the special connection I have with Elmley Castle School and the many families, past and present, who are part of its community.

 

 

Olivia McCarthy

Parent Governor 

Business Management Committee

Elmley has been a very special and important part of our family life during our nearly 8 years at school. As well as being a parent, I have been a staff member and I am now the chairperson of the PTA. I believe the experience gained from these roles will benefit my abilities as a Parent Governor greatly in many different capacities, from being a voice for parents to financial matters. 
It is said that children learn more during their primary years than they do at any other time. I will make it my priority to ensure these years are inspiring, creative and rewarding but most importantly, filled with happy memories. 

 

 

 

Staff Governor - Vacancy

 

 

 

 

Parent Governor  - Vacancy

 

 

 

Gilli Appleby

Clerk to Governors
I have been Clerk to the Governors since January 2026, providing administrative, organisational and governance support to the Governing Board and helping to ensure it operates within the appropriate legal and regulatory framework.

Having grown up locally, I returned to the area ten years ago. I bring over 30 years of senior management experience from the NHS, the Australian healthcare system and the charitable sector.

As Clerk, I act as a key link between the Governing Board and the wider school community. If you would like to contact the Governors, please do so in the first instance through the School Office.