Welcome to our Governors' section.

The Governors of St. Leonard’s Lower School play an important role and are fully involved in the life of the school, helping to set the school's vision and aims and ensuring accountability.  Our Governors are a committed group of elected and co-opted volunteers who help the school provide the best possible education for its pupils.

The Governing Body meets at least once each term.  Minutes of recent meetings of the Governors are available from the school office.

At full capacity there are 12 members on the Governing Body. We currently have vacancies for a local authority governor and a co-opted governor.

Should you wish to contact the Chair of Governors, Lauren Suffling, please do so in writing via the school office or via email chair@stleonardslower.co.uk

Mrs Lauren Johnston, Chair of Governors

Lauren has previously spent over 10 years working in the police force, and then went on to work in a local secondary school where she spent two years tackling multiple roles. She has since taken an administrative position at a local company. 

Lauren is passionate about supporting young people and is keen to help in the school's success. Lauren has two sons at St Leonard's Lower. She was elected Chair of Governors in September 2023.

Category	Foundation governor appointed by St Leonard's Church  PCC
Responsibility	Chair Curriculum
Committee Membership	Curriculum and Standards
Term of Office	28/09/22 until 28/09/2026
Governance roles in other institutions	None
Relationships school/staff	None
Business/ Pecuniary interests	None

Mr Samuel Davies, Vice Chair of Governors

Sam is an alumnus of St Leonard’s VA Lower School and father to a son who attends the school.

Sam has extensive experience in governance, strategic planning, and project finance. Both he and his wife work in the third sector, with specific interest in developing social good projects and supporting people across a wide range of social challenges. As part of his work, he helps others to see the underlying need for cultivating good habits, strong belief in the good that can be done when working together, and an environment which nurtures inclusivity and a growth mindset.

Category	Foundation Governor appointed by the DBE
Responsibility	Governor Training Curriculum
Committee Membership	Finance, premises and Personnel
Term of Office	25/11/2022 until 24/11/2026
Governance roles in other institutions	None
Relationships school/staff	None
Business/ Pecuniary interests	Sam is currently treasurer of the School PTA

Rev’d Noel McGeeney (ex-officio)

Revd. Noel McGeeney is an ex officio member of the Governing Body as vicar of St Leonard’s Parish Church.

Noel delivers Collective Worship weekly at school; he has also participated in RE lessons and accompanied children on faith tours. As a vicar and pastor he enjoys being a resource and support to the teachers, staff and the Governing Body.

Category	Ex Officio St Leonard's Church
Responsibility	Distinctiveness and Effectiveness as a Church School
Committee Membership	Curriculum and Standards
Term of Office	N/A
Governance roles in other institutions	None
Relationships school/staff	None
Business/ Pecuniary interests	None

Mrs Margaret Smithers

Margaret Smithers has been a governor for many years. She was re-appointed in 2021 by the PCC. Margaret’s three children previously attended St. Leonard’s Lower. She originally worked in a large financial company as a personnel manager. She re-trained when her children were young and is now the Pre-School Manager and trained Early Years teacher at Heath Barn Pre School.

Category	Foundation Appointed by St Leonard's Church PCC
Responsibility	Early years Safeguarding
Committee Membership	Finance, Premises and Personnel
Term of Office	19/03/2021 until 18/03/2025
Governance roles in other institutions	None
Relationships school/staff	None
Business/ Pecuniary interests	Manager Barn Preschool

Mrs Stephanie King

Since graduating from Warwick University Steph pursued a career in PR in the fields of education and HR and she is currently a director of a niche PR consultancy. As the daughter of professional educators, and a parent at school, she is keen to bring her skills to support St Leonard's in providing a first rate academic, ethical and moral education for its pupils. 

Category	Parent governor Appointed by parent nomination/ ballot
Responsibility	SEND/Equality Curriculum
Committee Membership	Finance Premises and Personnel (chair)
Term of Office	17/11/2021 until 16/11/2025
Governance roles in other institutions	None
Relationships school/staff	None
Business/ Pecuniary interests	None

Mrs Theresa Allen

Theresa worked for 12 years in the railway industry in various roles (booking office clerk, duty train crew manager) before having children. She has one child currently at St Leonard's Lower School and another child who previously attended. Theresa is trained as an Early Years level 3 educator. She works as a teaching assistant for SEND pupils at a local lower school. 

Category	Parent Governor appointed by parent nomination/ ballot
Responsibility	Health and Safety Curriculum
Committee Membership	Curriculum
Term of Office	01/02/2020 until 31/01/2024
Governance roles in other institutions	None
Relationships school/staff	None
Business/ Pecuniary interests	None

Mrs Rebecca Moroney

Rebecca is a committed Christian and is interested in supporting the Christian values and ethos of the school.

As a Speech & Language Therapist, with years of experience working with pre-school and school-aged children, many with additional needs, Rebecca has a wealth of knowledge and experience and a passion to make a difference to the lives and education of the children at St. Leonard’s.

Category	Foundation Governor appointed by St Leonard's Church PCC
Responsibility
Committee Membership	Curriculum
Term of Office	10/10/2023 until 09/10/2027
Governance roles in other institutions	None
Relationships school/staff	None
Business/ Pecuniary interests	None

Dr Torgyn Erland

Torgyn is enthusiastic to be part of our school governing body and looks forward to supporting new generations of pupils at the onset of their educational journey. Torgyn brings skills and knowledge developed as a STEM Ambassador, former member of Warwick University's pastoral and academic community, and, more recently, as a Strategy & Technology Consultant serving a range of private- and public- sector organisations.

Category	Foundation Governor appointed by the DBE
Responsibility
Committee Membership	Curriculum and standards
Term of Office	15/11/2023 until 14/11/2027
Governance roles in other institutions	None
Relationships school/staff	None
Business/ Pecuniary interests	None

Mrs Siobhan Ryan 

Siobhan has been a teacher at St Leonard's for 18 years. She is also the senior teacher at school and part of the school leadership team. Siobhan is proud to be serving on the governing body as a staff representative. She is also a member of the Curriculum and Standards Committee. Siobhan joined the governing body in September 2017. 

Category	Staff- appointed by staff in school
Responsibility	Curriculum
Committee Membership	Curriculum and standards
Term of Office	01/09/2021 until 31/08/2025
Governance roles in other institutions	None
Relationships school/staff	Employee of the school
Business/ Pecuniary interests	None

Mrs Sarah Bowley

Sarah Bowley has been Headteacher of the school since 2010. She is proud of the successes that the school has seen during her time as head. Sarah attends all governors meetings and is a member of all committees.

Category	Ex officio
Responsibility
Committee Membership	All committees
Term of Office	N/A
Governance roles in other institutions	None
Relationships school/staff	Employee of the school
Business/ Pecuniary interests	None

Attendance at Governors Meetings 2023-24