Our Governors
Our Governors (ID 1482)
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Charlotte WithersChair of Governors, F&R Committee, Parent Governor, click to view Bio
Charlotte Withers
I became a parent Governor in 2021 and now act as Chair of Governors. My work background is in academia at the University of Bristol. However, since becoming a parent, I have developed a keen interest in primary education and recently began a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. As a Governor, I strive to approach all decisions with the best interests of the children of Christ Church School at the forefront of my mind.
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Ruth ThrasherVice Chair of Governors, TLA Committee, Community Governor, click to view Bio
Ruth Thrasher
I became a Community Governor in September 2023. I qualified as a social worker over 40 years ago and now retired. I have always worked with children and am particularly passionate about Early Years. I completed a M.A in Early Childhood Education on 2013. My last professional role was an adoption team manager in Barnardo's. I hope I can use my background and experience to make a difference to children at Christ Church School.
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Elizabeth QuinnChair of TLA, TLA Committee, Community Governor, click to view Bio
Elizabeth Quinn
I am a retired teacher of English from Caldicot Comprehensive School where I worked for 25 years. I was KS4 and KS5 coordinator in charge of GCSE and A level entries and administration. My interests are varied and include dressmaking, upholstery, walking, swimming and cooking. I also work as a supply teacher as I still enjoy the dynamic of school life.
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John CulleyChair of F&R, F&R Committee, Parent Governor, click to view Bio
John Culley
After working overseas as a diplomat I moved to Bristol and my son joined Reception in 2022. I became a parent governor in February 2024. Christ Church is a fabulous school, and my priority is to maintain its identity, which blends excellent academic achievement with creativity and a bit of fun.
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Georgina HarfordTLA Committee, Community Governor, click to view Bio
Georgina Harford
I have been a Governor at Christ Church Primary School since I moved to Bristol in 2016. I am now both a Foundation (Church) Governor and a Co-Chair. Having taught A level Psychology, I am interested both in child psychology and organisational management. Furthermore I now have four grandchildren, two of whom have just started school – one in a large London primary, and one in a small, rural school. So I bring quite a wide perspective to the Governing Body.
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Rachel KeenanF&R Committee, Parent Governor, click to view Bio
Rachel Keenan
I became a Parent Governor in April 2023. I grew up in Texas and have worked as a television producer since finishing my masters at Bristol University in 2007. I am so proud to be a part of Christ Church School's active school community.
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Rhys WaldenF&R Committee, Parent Governor, click to view Bio
Rhys Walden
Since becoming a parent governor in early 2025, I have greatly enjoyed contributing to the Christ Church School community. I am very proud of the positive and nurturing environment created by all stakeholders that puts the children firmly at its heart. Through my career in a range of financial roles, I bring relevant experience to (hopefully) support the F&R team in building a strong foundation for the school's future.
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Mark OldfieldHeadteacher, TLA Committee, F&R Committee, click to view Bio
Mark Oldfield
As a long serving Headteacher and teacher, I feel privileged to lead such a successful, vibrant and embracing community. My experience in education has been rich and varied, from teaching A-Level students to leading Primary schools of varying contexts, locations and sizes. Each and every one of my roles has shared the same common purpose – to build a culture of happiness, hope, shared responsibility and to open doors for all children to a bright future. My responsibilities are clear and I am committed to the journey for every child. I believe deeply that as a school community, we are stronger together and that every child will leave our school with confidence, ready for the next chapter in their own story.
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Vikki RichardsonDeputy Headteacher, TLA Committee, Staff Governor, click to view Bio
Vikki Richardson
I love being the Deputy Headteacher at Christ Church Primary. I arrived at Christ Church as a KS2 teacher and after a few years made the move to EYFS and I can honestly say it is the best job, as every day is different and the children learn so much in their first year of school! I love the community at Christ Church School and the sense of teamwork and fun! In my own time I enjoy cooking, walking, family bike rides and exploring new places, especially when the sun is shining.
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Tamara JordanSchool Business Manager, Company Secretary, click to view Bio
Tamara Jordan
As Christ Church School Business Manager since 2013, and with a previous background in Architecture, Engineering and Management, I am passionate about continuously striving for the best possible working environment for our children and our school community. It is a pleasure to work at Christ Church School, and I strongly believe the school engenders the positive, nurturing, resilient setting that children need to go on and thrive in whatever they choose to do.
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Chris Hillsclerk to Governors
Chris Hills
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Elizabeth ConquestTLA Committee, Community Governor
Elizabeth Conquest
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Alistair KingF&R Committee, Parent Governor
Alistair King
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David BroggioTLA Committee, Parent Governor
David Broggio
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Paul AdcockF&R Committee, Parent Governor
Paul Adcock
Objective of the Governing Body:
The Governing Body has three primary roles:
- To provide strategic direction for the school
- To act as a critical friend to the Headteacher and the senior leadership team
- To ensure accountability
The key activities of the Governing Body are:
- Promoting high educational standards and achievement;
- Setting the school’s aims, values and ethos;
- Monitoring the budget and making sure money is well spent;
- Appointing senior staff;
- Challenging and supporting the Head Teacher as a critical friend; and
- Dealing with complaints about the school.
Structure of the Governing Body:
The Governing body of our school is made up of parent, community, staff, local authority and foundation governors. When vacancies arise for Governors, these are advertised within the school and local community.
The Full Governing Body (FGB) meets once each term; establishes an overall framework for the governance of the Academy and determines membership, terms of reference and procedures of Committees and other groups. It receives reports, minutes and policies from its Committees for ratification. Minutes of FGB meetings are reported on this website once they have been ratified.
There are 2 sub-committees:
Finance and Resources Committee - responsible for monitoring and reviewing policy and performance in relation to financial management, regulatory requirements and reporting, setting and monitoring the annual budget including setting staffing levels. It also incorporates the role of an audit committee and is responsible for Health and Safety.
Teaching Learning and Achievement Committee - monitors, evaluates and reviews Academy policy, practice and performance in relation to curriculum planning, target setting and assessment. The committee also considers pastoral issues and the ethos of the school, which include safeguarding/child protection, the provision for pupils with special educational needs, attendance and punctuality, as well as the broader issues of personal development and well-being for all.
The Trustees and FGB have devolved responsibility for day-to-day management of the Academy to the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team (SLT), comprising the Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher, SENDCo and School Business Manager.
Communication with Governors
Please feel free to approach any of the Governors or email their email address with concerns or ideas that you would like to raise.GovernorsThe governors do not get involved in the day-to-day management of the school but please do raise constructive ideas on improvements to the functioning of the school. Please note that it is not appropriate to raise issues concerning an individual child. These should be raised with class teachers or the Headteacher and there is a school policy on how to resolve issues.
Minutes from the academic year's Full Governing Body will be published here after approval at the subsequent meeting
FGB minutes Term 6 2024-25FGB minutes Term 5 2024-25 FGB minutes Term 2 2024-25FGB minutes Term 1 2024-25
Constitution
The Christ Church C of E Primary Academy Trust (incorporated on 24th May 2012 and opened as an Academy on 1st July 2012) is a company limited by guarantee and an exempt charity. The Charitable Company's Memorandum and Articles of Association are the primary governing documents of the Academy Trust.




