Meet the Local Governing Committee

https://www.get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/143021#school-governance

Caroline Chambers – Co- Chair and Foundation (14/3/22- 13/3/26)

Caroline joined the governing board in 2018 and has one child studying at St John’s and one in secondary school . She became a governor to help ensure that St John’s provides a strong educational foundation for its pupils so that all children develop a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

As the former communications director for a Bristol-based multi-academy trust, Caroline applies her experience to help maintain the school’s vibrant, well-regarded identity and strengthen connections with the wider St John’s community.

In Caroline’s own words: “We all want our children to be happy in school, to make lasting friendships and to have brilliant teachers who inspire every pupil to aim high and make the most of every opportunity. As a governor, my aim is to help ensure that St John’s provides the best possible environment for both teaching and learning.”

Heather Hale – Foundation (30/3/21-29/3/25)

Heather is an active member of a Church and works in the Energy Industry. She is passionate about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) subjects and increasing diversity. Heather is passionate about ensuring a balanced curriculum in school, open and accessible to all, to ensure each child can reach their highest potential and be curious and make new discoveries on their learning journey.

Heather became a governor to support the school to retain its strong vision & values, whilst providing the best possible learning environments and delivering an outstanding education.

Heather is also passionate about Scouting as a national volunteer and is keen to see the integration of outdoor learning and environmental experiences into school life and education. Heather believes that Children thrive when they feel safe & loved, enabled to learn and discover their world with an open and curious attitude, as St John’s is providing.

Sarah Lewis – Co Chair and Foundation (25/6/24-24/6/28)

Sarah joined the Board of Governors in 2024 as a Foundation Governor. She has worked in education for over twenty years and has been guided by the belief that all children, regardless of background, deserve the very best education that we can provide to enable them to fulfil their potential.

She is an active member of St John’s Church in Clevedon, heading up the Community and Outreach Committee which looks to build links between the church and wider community.

Elyse Wilson-Frier – Foundation (27/11/18-15/7/27)

Elyse joined the St John’s board of governors in 2018. Not only is her daughter a current pupil, Elyse is also a member of the St John’s Church congregation and she welcomes the opportunity to help ensure that the Christian character and ethos of the school are present in many aspects of school life.

As a business information manager for an international software company, Elyse’s expertise in analysing data and helping to identify solutions, is an asset to the board.

In Elyse’s own words: “It is our responsibility to ensure that St John’s maintains high standards in both teaching and learning and that pupils not only enjoy their time in primary school, but that they have access to a high-quality education.”

Father Brendan – Foundation (31/1/21- 30/1/25)

Father Brendan is the parish priest at St John’s, our school church. Before coming to St John’s, he was Senior Provost of Woodard, and one of three executives directing the life of a large educational charity. He is passionate about Christian education. Father Brendan is also Vice-Chair of the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust, a large primary multi-academy trust. He hopes to bring all this experience to his role at St John’s.

Jessica Bacon – Parent elected (24/3/22- 23/3/26)

Jess has 1 child remaining at St John’s, and another who is now at secondary school.

Jess is a policy manager at the Office for Students (the regulator for higher education in England), with a role in monitoring universities and colleges and the standard of education they provide. Jess believes in the power of education to improve people’s lives at all ages and hopes to be able to use her employment experience in making an impact in the local governing committee for St John’s.

Jess said “both my children have loved their time at St John’s and I’ve always been impressed with the friendly and inclusive ethos at the school. I think schools in England today are facing many challenges with reduced funding, and dealing with the impact of the pandemic, and I hope to be able to be able to contribute to maintaining the school’s excellence, despite these challenges, in my role as parent governor”.