Meet Our Governors

Our governors are volunteers from our school community who bring diverse skills and experience to support Sefton Park Schools. They work alongside school leadership to set strategic direction, monitor performance, and ensure we deliver the best possible education for every child.

Below you'll find information about each of our current governors, including their roles, the committees they serve on, and their terms as governor.

Corrie Bell

Chair of Governing Body, Safeguarding Governor, and Co-opted Governor
Care, Curriculum and Standards Committee
Term: 12 February 2023 to 11 February 2027

Sally Dore

Vice Chair and Co-opted Governor
Finance and Resources Committee
Term: 7 July 2023 to 6 July 2027

Sally became a Sefton Park governor 25 years ago when her older child started school. Sefton Park's dedication to delivering a child-led approach while achieving high standards led her to stay and support this valuable educational beacon in Bristol. She has served as Chair for two periods and brings extensive experience in governance and public engagement. She is also Chair of the Society of Bookbinders.

Claire Kearney

Vice Chair and Parent Governor
Finance and Resources Committee
Term: 1 December 2023 to 30 November 2027

Claire was elected as a parent governor in 2023 with two children in the school. She works for Better Society Capital, focusing on growing the social investment market in the UK. Before Bristol, Claire served on the boards of a Children's Charity and Social Value UK. She is passionate about supporting the Sefton team in delivering enriching education to all children.

Alex Powell

Headteacher
Care, Curriculum and Standards Committee
Finance and Resources Committee

Emily Shuker

Deputy Headteacher and Co-opted Governor
Care, Curriculum and Standards Committee
Finance and Resources Committee
Term: 18 October 2023 to 17 October 2027

Emily has worked in education for over 20 years across London, Coventry and Bristol. She is passionate about nurturing a love of learning for all children and creating inclusive environments where every child can thrive. Emily has two young children and is settled in South Bristol with her family.

Amy Lewis

SEND Governor and Co-opted Governor
Chair of Care, Curriculum and Standards Committee
Term: 7 October 2024 to 6 October 2028

Carrie Spittlehouse

Local Authority Governor
Chair of Finance and Resources Committee
Term: 29 September 2024 to 28 September 2028

Carrie brings 15 years of school experience as a qualified accountant. She currently works as a Business Manager at a Bristol Academy and uses her knowledge to support Sefton Park's financial management and strategic planning.

Ben Crowley

Staff Governor
Care, Curriculum and Standards Committee
Term: 12 January 2023 to 11 January 2027

Andy Lillie

Co-opted Governor
Finance and Resources Committee
Term: 6 December 2023 to 5 December 2027

Helen Martin

Co-opted Governor
Finance and Resources Committee
Term: 26 March 2024 to 25 March 2028

Helen has a daughter in the infant school with another due to join soon. She has worked with children for many years as a volunteer in schools and in outdoor settings. She leads a local community energy cooperative, bringing skills in strategic direction, people management, and community engagement to her role as governor.

Professor Jane Wheelock

Health and Safety Governor and Co-opted Governor
Care, Curriculum and Standards Committee
Term: 3 October 2023 to 2 October 2027

Jane is an Emerita Professor of Socio-economics at Newcastle University with over 30 years of experience in social policy research. Before her PhD, she taught in secondary schools in England, Scotland and Malawi. She volunteers as a school governor to utilise her professional skills while complementing her role as a grandmother.

Rachel Wills

Co-opted Governor
Finance and Resources Committee
Term: 7 Oct 2024–6 Oct 2028

Edward Aplin

Co-opted Governor
Care, Curriculum and Standards Committee
Term: 23 October 2025 to 22 October 2029

James Clarke

Safeguarding Governor and Co-opted Governor
Care, Curriculum and Standards Committee
Term: 14 October 2025 to 12 October 2029

Ben Cooper

Co-opted Governor
Care, Curriculum and Standards Committee
Term: 23 October 2025 to 22 October 2029

Robert Szalai

Parent Governor
Care, Curriculum and Standards Committee
Term: 24 November 2025 to 23 November 2029