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Meet Our Governors

What are "Governors" and what do they do?

At Longstone CE (VA) Primary School, the Governing Board plays an important strategic role in shaping the future of the school — ensuring every child is nurtured, inspired, and able to shine.

Governors are volunteers drawn from the school’s community: parents, staff, local residents, and church representatives. Together, we bring a range of skills and experiences, but share a common goal — to help the school thrive.

What we do:

  • Help set the school’s long-term vision and strategic direction

  • Hold the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of pupils and staff

  • Oversee financial decisions and ensure public money is well spent

  • Ensure the voices of pupils, staff, parents and the wider community are heard

We do not get involved in the day-to-day management and running of the school — that’s the role of the Headteacher and staff team.

When do we meet?

The Full Governing Board meets once a term. In addition, we have two committees:

  • Resources Committee (covering finance, staffing, and premises)

  • Teaching, Learning & Assessment Committee

These meet regularly between full board meetings to focus on specific areas of school life.

How can you contact us?

If you'd like to contact the Governing Board:

  • đź“§ For formal matters, including correspondence for the Chair of Governors or questions about governance:
    Please email our Clerk to Governors via enquiries@longstone.derbyshire.sch.uk and mark your message clearly “For the attention of the Clerk to Governors”.

  • 🗓️ For practical arrangements (e.g. scheduling a governor visit or accessing governance documents):
    You can contact the School Business Manager through the school office.

If you have a concern about day-to-day school matters, the best first step is always to speak with the Headteacher.

 

Mark Knight

Headteacher

(While in Post)


 

 

John Hopkins

Foundation Governor

(2023 - 2027)

 


Lee Reed

Local Authority Governor

(2023 - 2027)


 

 

 

Steve Ojari 

Foundation Governor 

(2025 - 2029)

 

Sophie Stephenson

Chair of Governors and Foundation Governor

(2023 - 2027)


 

Tony Stirland

Vice Chair of Governors and Foundation Governor
(2024 - 2028)


 

Emma Knightly

Parent Governor 

(2024 - 2028)


 

 

Fiona Swain

Clerk to Governors

 

Tim Raybould

Staff Governor

(2024 - 2028)



Juliette Fraser

Parent Governor 

(2022 - 2026)


 

 

David Beale

Foundation Governor (Ex Officio Substitute)

(While in Post)


 

Anna Cole 

Foundation Governor

(2025 - 2029)

 

 

 

Teaching, Learning and Assessment Committee Resources Committee

Sophie Stephenson 

Tony Stirland

Tim Raybould 

Juliette Fraser

Steve Ojari 

Anna Cole

Ian Pykett

Tony Stirland

Lee Reed

Juliette Fraser

John Hopkins

Emma Knightley 

   

Curriculum Link Governors

Link Governors take a specialist interest in their allocated area and provide a link between the governing board, its committees and the staff. They work closely with the Headteacher and Subject Leaders to ensure the best possible outcomes for the children of our school.

Former Governors

  • Natalie Cardwell. Left the Governing Board in November 2021.
  • Mark Taylor. Left the Governing Board in September 2021
  • Sharon Spibey. Left the Governing Board in May 2021
  • Chasca Twyman. Left the Governing Board in â€‹November 2021
  • Reverend James Croft. Left the Governing Board in August 2022
  • Claire Colver. Left the Governing Board in June 2023
  • Ian Pykett. Left the Governing Board in July 2025