Meet the Governors
"I trained as a secondary school geography teacher in 2021 and work at King Edward VI Five Ways School in Birmingham. I have a degree in Outdoor Education looking at risk assessment and management, developing school visits and building stronger bonds between teachers and students. We moved to Twyning over 10 years ago; I love the close knit and friendly community we have, where there is always someone looking out for you ready to lend a hand. Having two daughters who both love going to Twyning Primary School I know this sense of caring and closeness is at the heart of the schools' values. Having seen firsthand what an amazing group the staff and children at Twyning Primary are, I'm proud to be involved in the governance of the school."
Mrs Carol Chapman
Vice Chair of Governors
Chair of Finance and Premises
LA Governor
"I have lived in Church End for over 40 years and am very pleased to be invited to contribute to Twyning School as a Governor. Having started my career in the catering industry, I specialised in adult learning and development and have had the opportunity to work with many different people in a wide range of industries and cultures. I've worked at a senior strategic level in large organisations and have run my own consultancy business, working with blue-chip companies and clients in the business and sporting worlds. Since 2010 I have been a volunteer and trustee with Worcester-based charity, Onside. I enjoy travel, reading, gardening, food and wine."
Miss Lucy Gladstone
Headteacher
"I first joined Twyning School as a teacher in 2012, becoming Deputy Headteacher in 2018 and was delighted to be appointed as the Headteacher of Twyning School in 2020.
I have taught in all classes in the primary age range in several different sized schools including an inner-city school where I was Assistant Headteacher. I am passionate about Twyning School and the fantastic children we teach. I am determined, with the full support of the governors, staff and families to ensure that our school continues to be highly successful in providing the very best education for our children."
Mr Mark Davies
Associate Member
Deputy Headteacher
Y5 & Y6 Teacher
"I was thrilled to join Twyning School in September 2020 as Deputy Headteacher and the teacher of Years 5 and 6. I have experience of teaching mixed-age classes across the primary age in several schools. I am passionate about learning and ensuring that all children at Twyning School are given opportunities to thrive and enjoy all areas of our curriculum. I am looking forward to working alongside staff, parents, governors and pupils to deliver the highest quality education for those at Twyning School."
Mr Andrew Parry-Jones
Co-opted Community Governor
"I have been a Governor since 1986 after being Chair of the PTFA. I have 3 children who have all been through the school and are now grown up and have left home. I have always wanted to give something back to the community and to make Twyning School remain one of the best schools in the country. My Background is retail, for 40 years as a retail manager; staffing, training and maths were all part of the job as well as senior manager which involved linking with other stores. I am now a retired Domestic Energy Assessor. I look forward to many more happy years as a Governor working with this excellent school."
Mrs Lou Healey
Co-opted Governor
Lead Safeguarding Governor
"I have lived in Twyning for over 30 years, after marrying into a village family. I am really excited to become a member of the governing body at Twyning School. Both of my children attended this school, as did my husband, his brothers and my father-in-law. I am a primary school teacher and SENDCo and over the years I have worked as a TA, Class Teacher, SENDCo and many other roles within a school. I am passionate about children's education, wellbeing and mental health. I am now looking forward to being able to support the children, staff and governors and continue the legacy of our village school."
Mrs Liz Oldfield
Co-opted Governor
"When I first came to live in Twyning 18 months ago, I made the decision that, although officially retired, I still wanted to offer something of value to the community. Having worked in schools and volunteered for Winston's Wish for several years, I was delighted to be made so welcome in this lovely school, where my knowledge of Italian was put to good use for a while, and my time was eagerly used in a variety of roles. I am delighted to join the governing body of the school. Since coming to the village I have fulfilled the lifetime ambition of publishing my first novel - being a governor is the next chapter!"
Mr Ben Wilson
Parent Governor
Mental Health & Wellbeing
"I am delighted to have been asked to join the school as wellbeing governor. I am extremely passionate about equalising education in mental health to that of physical health, whilst ensuring children, staff and parents are given the tools to build resilience and ensure their continued mental wellbeing. I am a registered healthcare professional and have worked on the NHS front line for several years. I am a qualified teacher and have taught in both the NHS and military. I hold a variety of qualifications in mental health and counselling and currently work for the NHS as a clinical education manager and suicide prevention lead at national level. In my spare time I am a scout leader, Twyning Tigers football coach and local charity steward. My son attends Twyning School and I am very proud to be part of such a close knit and supportive village community."
Mr Oliver Last
Parent Governor
"I have two children attending Twyning School, having moved back to the village after a 16 year period living and working overseas. Moving a young family to another culture was a challenge that the school helped with magnificently. Having benefitted so much from the support provided by the school community, I am happy to be involved in helping ensure the school standards continue and improve. My career has been based in the telecommunication and IT industries, where I have worked as a project manager on the delivery of technical solutions with a global team. Outside of work, I have a keen interest in sports (rugby and football) as well as history and science. I am hoping my experiences will be able to support the school in its continued development."
Mrs Kate Smith
Parent Governor
"After moving to the village in 2020, we immediately felt a sense of community and I am delighted to join the Governing team in able to support our wonderful school, which my son has attended since 2021. Educated to Masters level in Health and Social Sciences, I have worked in Health and Social Care for 18 years and held positions including Business Development, Registered Manager and Safeguarding Lead. I hope these transferable skills will enable me to fulfil my position as a School Governor at Twyning School."
Dr Katerina Draper
Parent Governor
"I am passionate about making a change in young people's lives in order to ensure they reach their full potential. As a governor in various institutions over the last 10 years, from mainstream to alternative provisions, private and state, I have a wealth of experience to bring to this role. I am currently Deputy Head of School for Education and Science at University of Gloucestershire, my background being in psychology with a PhD in language development. I now run The Body Project Gloucestershire alongside the NHS which equips young people with the skills to combat the appearance ideal and allows them to focus on making a change in the early years of childhood, which we know are fundamental to an individual's outcomes. I am a trustee at Homestart North and West Gloucestershire and supervise various projects looking at perinatal mental health and how we support it."
Mrs Emma Mulligan
Staff Governor
Mrs Mulligan teaches Years 2 and 3 and has been with us since 2021.
