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Heather Cookson – Chair of Governors

I joined the Highweek Governors Board in Nov 2019 as a parent governor and was then elected as the Chair of Governors in Mar 2025. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time on the board as it means I get to see and, in a small way, to help Highweek Primary School blossom and grow.

 

My children have both attended Highweek and I can confidently say that the school has gone from strength to strength over the years. I’m fully invested in supporting Highweek and all our fantastic, enthusiastic children in achieving their highest potential and enjoying their time at our school. 

Phil Bullivant – Health & Safety

Phil is a qualified engineer, an experienced Managing Director and also is a councillor elected to both Newton Abbot town council and Teignbridge District Council,

He is chair of a number of council committees and brings experience of local government and supports our school in the community.

He supports fully our aims and objectives and is committed to ensuring our children receive the best education possible for them to achieve their maximum potential.

Laura Roel 

I joined Highweek Community Primary and Nursery School in January 2025 and became a governor in September 2025. As EYFS Lead teacher, I have 29 years’ experience in education, specialising in Early Years. I have previously served on another governing body for 14 years. I’m passionate about the arts and enjoy bringing dance and singing into children’s learning.

Claire Redwood 

I am a mum of two children and have worked in education for over 30 years. My career began as a class teacher and has since developed through a range of leadership roles, giving me the opportunity to support multiple schools across Devon. This experience has deepened my passion for helping schools thrive and ensuring every child reaches their full potential. I am now proud to serve as Headteacher at Highweek, where I continue to champion high standards, collaboration, and a nurturing learning environment.

Jane Collings

Jane is passionate that all children and young people gain the best education, opportunities and life chances as possible to enable them to reach their potential. She has worked in learning, development and governance across a wide range of education sectors and in the ‘not for profit’ sector.  She is committed to an inclusive education for all and believes schools should inspire a ‘love of learning’ from an early age. 

Peter Osbourne – Clerk to Governors 

I am the Clerk to the Governing Body.  I ensure that the governing body operates properly within legal frameworks, prepare and present vital data and provide professional support to the Chair, Headteacher and the wider governing body.

I am typically the first point of contact when you wish to contact a governor.

Ewa Ziubryniewicz

Information to follow

Bart Ziubryniewicz

Information to follow

Adam Winsor - SEND 

Adam is a qualified and experienced youth worker, dad to a child attending Highweek and attended Highweek himself. He is passionate about supporting children and young people as they navigate an ever-changing world, creating positive change, and ensuring that all children and young people have access to the best opportunities to unlock their full potential.

🎓 Main Roles of a Primary School Governor
 

  • Setting the School’s Vision and Strategy: Governors help define the school’s long-term goals and ensure its values and ethos are upheld.

 

  • Holding School Leadership Accountable: They support and challenge the headteacher and senior staff by monitoring educational performance and asking strategic questions.

 

  • Overseeing Financial Performance: Governors ensure that the school budget is used wisely and delivers value for money. They may approve spending plans and review financial reports.

 

  • Ensuring Safeguarding and Legal Compliance: They make sure policies are in place to protect pupils’ welfare, health and safety, and that the school complies with legal responsibilities.

 

  • Engaging with Stakeholders: Governors may liaise with parents, staff, and the wider community to understand needs and represent different perspectives.

 

  • Appointing Senior Staff: In many schools, governors help recruit headteachers and deputy roles.

 

  • The Governing Body is made up of:
    • parents governors (elected by parents)
    • staff governors (elected by school staff)
    • local authority governor (appointed by the local authority)
    • co-opted governors (appointed by the governing body​​)

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All Governors can be contacted via the School Office or emailed at: clerk@highweekprimary.co.uk

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Why be a Governor?
 

🎯 Make a Real Difference

Governors help ensure that all children receive the best possible education.

You influence key decisions on things like school performance, safeguarding, and the curriculum.

You support the headteacher and staff to raise standards and improve outcomes for pupils.
 

💼 Professional and Personal Development

You gain experience in areas like budgeting, HR, and performance evaluation.

It can enhance your CV and broaden your professional network.

Many employers view it as valuable community service and leadership training.
 

🤝 Community Involvement

It’s a chance to give back to your community in a meaningful way.

You work with parents, teachers, local authorities, and other stakeholders.

It’s particularly impactful if you live locally or have children in education.

 

Become a Governor

School governors are drawn from all walks of life, with each bringing his or her unique skills and experience to the role of school leadership – local people serving the schools and young people in their local communities.

You do not have to be a working professional, just someone who wants to be involved and make a difference to the lives and education potential to our pupils.

 

Being a governor is an important role within our school community.  The role is to work with other governors and the Headteacher to determine how the school develops and progresses in the coming years.  No experience is required as training is available covering basic governance to more specific functions such as finance and budgeting.

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As volunteers, school governors carry out one of the most important and satisfying jobs in the education sector. Governors can gain a range of knowledge, skills and understanding through fulfilling the role.​

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You will need to be:

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  • Enthusiastic and willing to learn

  • Committed to supporting children and young people to learn to their potential

  • 18 years or over

  • Happy to work in a team to support the school and our pupils

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What commitment will I have to give?

  • ​The Full Governing Body meets twice each term. 

  • Each Governor is assigned a focus area. These are: School Improvement & Effectiveness; Curriculum; Personnel; Finance; Safeguarding; SEND; Health & Safety and Community, Diversion & Inclusion.

  • Read the papers you receive to prepare for meetings

  • Participate in school visits in the role of the Governor

 

What can I expect in return?

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  • Excellent training and mentoring support from Governors.

  • True satisfaction of being a member of a team within the school, working together to make a difference to the lives of young people in your area.

 

If you or someone you know feel they can give the time and commitment to our school, we would very much like to hear from you.

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