Clare Lindley – clindley.stleonards@dbat.org.uk

Chair of Governors & Parent Governor

I have been a Governor at the school since 2009. I became a Governor in order to support the school in providing a happy, safe environment which develops all the pupil to the best of their abilities.

Through working with the staff and in particular the senior management team, I strive to encourage and challenge the school in all aspects of the Curriculum and the Financial running of the school.

I am the Chair of the Governing Board and also sit on the Curriculum and Standards Committee.

Rev. Geoff Sowden

Vice Chair of Governors & Foundation Governor

I am Vicar of St Leonard’s Church, Blunsdon. I seek to help bring the church and school together in our community, and to enable the Governing Body to think through what it means to be a church school.

David Hardcastle

Community Governor

I’ve recently joined the governing body. I have got a background in school improvement and want to help the school build further on its work so that all children do well. Several generations of my family have attended the school.

Erica Milsom

Co-opted Governor

I have been a Governor in Swindon schools over a long period time. My background is in education and I was a teacher in the borough in different roles for most of my working life. Both of our daughters went to school in Blunsdon and I was a Parent Governor at that time. I know the school well and I am looking forward to being a part of a team moving the school forward.

Janis Milsom

Co-opted Governor

I am now retired following a very lengthy and rewarding career in teaching including headship in both Birmingham and Swindon. I have had the opportunity to carry out several School Improvement roles within Swindon, one of which was in a school in Special Measures.

I am now a Governor in four other Swindon Schools which keeps me on my toes and still learning! I can use these links to the advantage of all Stakeholders as a source of good practice, collaboration opportunities for professional development and above all a resource that can impact on teaching and learning.

Having previously been a Governor at St Leonards, my term of office concluded shortly after the last inspection. I am motivated to return to the role of a supportive, but challenging Governor to the benefit of all stakeholders, but especially the pupils.

Hayley Brunton

Parent Governor

I became a parent governor in October 2020. I wanted to become as involved in my children’s education as possible. I wanted to be the voice of the parents, to be the independent voice in ensuring that St Leonards keeps to their high standard of education.

Laura Mathews

Staff Governor

I have been a teacher at St Leonard’s for 5 years and a teacher governor for almost 2 years. I always strive for the school to be the best it can be, and to be a positive, collaborative link between school staff and the governing body.

Anne Donaldson

Clerk to the Governing Body

I was appointed as Clerk from Sept 2020, this is my first role as a clerk however I have 19 years’ experience working in schools as a support member of staff, most recently as a School Business Manager. In addition, at my previous school I served as a staff governor.
I am looking forward to using my previous experience in this new role and aim to learn new skills through networking / training to provide the governing body with the high quality support needed, to ensure they are able to do their roles effectively.

Jane Medlock

Foundation Governor

I am new to the role of governor and feel very privileged to have this link with St. Leonard’s Academy. I have been involved in education for most of my adult life, both at primary and secondary level. I would like to join the staff in making the school a place of safety and growth for all the students, to prepare them to be stable and confident adults and committed members of their communities. As a member of St. Leonard’s church I look forward to supporting and encouraging the school in its links with the church.