Governors | Knowle Park Primary School

What do Governors do?

promote high standards of educational attainment
set targets for pupil achievement
take general responsibility for the conduct of the school
manage the school's budget, including deciding how many staff will work there and their pay
make sure that the curriculum is balanced and broadly based, in particular that the National Curriculum and religious education are taught, and report on pupils' achievement in National Curriculum assessments and examination results.
participate in the appointment of senior staff (including appointing the head teacher) and regulate staff conduct and discipline; and
draw up an action plan after an inspection by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).

Why do schools need governors?

Every school has a Governing Body to represent the public in the running of schools. School Governors bring perspectives from ordinary life and work with the staff and the Local Authority (LA) to help secure the best possible education for the children in the school. They have important responsibilities like managing the school budget, overseeing the curriculum and appointing staff.

Instrument Of Government

Our Governors

GOVERNOR ROLES AND RESPOSIBILITIES SEPT 25 – AUGUST 26

LINK GOVERNORS

Appointment of Governors to committees:

Safeguarding, PHSE - Shonogh Pilgrim
Children in Care - Kate Aplin
Attendance - Kate Aplin and Amelia Markey
H&S and Wellbeing - Cat Cooper and Julie Fox
Pupil Premium - Vacant
Computing/Website - Amelia Markey
Early Years - Julie Fox
SEND - Claire Woolley

**Designated Safeguarding lead in school – Helen Bailey

Governor Working Groups:

Headteacher’s Performance Related Pay: Ellie Truss, Julie Fox

Pay Committee: Ellie Truss, Julie Fox

School Management Committee: Helen Bailey, Ellie Truss, Kate Aplin, Amelia Markey

School Improvement Committee: Helen Bailey, Ellie Truss, Sarah Bonner, Julie Fox, Cat Cooper

Governor meeting dates September 2025 to July 2026

revised Governor meeting dates

Ellie Truss -Vice Chair of Governors
and Parent Govenor

I have been a parent governor at Knowle Park Primary School for a few years.

I am a Practice Manager for a GP Practice in South Bristol so I have good experience of policy writing, recruitment and finance. Whilst I don’t have any educational experience, I believe I have the skills and knowledge to help make a positive difference within the governors team.

My son is currently at the school. I’m looking forward to championing the school and am highly passionate about what Knowle Park can deliver to the children.

Julie Fox - Vice Chair of Governors
and LEA Governor

I have lived in Knowle since 1992 and was lucky enough to become a Local Authority Governor at Knowle Park Primary in September 2025. I am Vice Chair of Governors and have Governor responsibility for Health and Safety and School Improvement.

I have been involved in schools for over 40 years. I retired from being a Head Teacher in North Somerset in August 2024. I currently work part time as an Ofsted Inspector in the South West.

I hope my knowledge, skills and expertise will be helpful to support the school community to thrive and to continue to be the great school it is!

Headteacher – staff Governor

Carol Wilshire - Clerk to Governors

I have worked at Knowle park Primary School since 1992 and have been Clerk to Governors since September 2009, supporting the Governing body both in school and at Governing body meetings. I was previously employed as the School Business Manager (SBM) and retired in April 2025 from the role . Within my role I provide information and support for the Governing body and the school community. It has been a privilege to work at Knowle Park both as SBM and Clerk to Governors, with our amazing governing body who all bring a wealth of expertise and experience to their roles.

Kate Aplin - Staff Governor

I have been working at KPPS since 2014 and have been a staff governor since September 2023. After completing my HLTA training, I taught in many year groups, from EYFS through to year 6. This enabled me to enhance my skills set and get to know many of our wonderful children.

Over the past few years, I have predominately been in EYFS and KS1 and this is where I feel I belong. Since the age of 18, I have been working with children, which I enjoy immensely and I am also a busy mum of two boys.

I decided to be a staff governor because I believe that it is important for my colleagues to have a say. The staff and children at KPPS are all amazing and I love working with them.

Sarah Bonner - Parent Governor

I have been a parent governor at Knowle Park primary since February 2022. I am an ex-pupil and both of my children attend the school also.

I have a background in retail management and accounting before retraining as an LSA. I currently work at in Year 5 and Reception and I feel proud to be part of the school community.

I am extremely passionate about my role in supporting children to thrive and I am lucky to be part of two amazing teams.

Alongside my role as parent governor and LSA, I am expanding my knowledge by studying for my supporting teaching and learning level 3.

My aim is to instil the school KITE values and to provide a safe and fun learning environment for all pupils. I am excited to share and implement my ideas and continue to motivate our children at KPPS.

Amelia Markey - Parent Governor

I have recently become a parent governor as I’m passionate about supporting the school to support all students.

I have a broad experience in operations and have most recently specialised in information security and risk management. Whilst I do not have an education background, my experience covers learning in the work place and governance procedures.

Claire Woolley – Parent Governor

Rachel Evans - Parent Governor

Jack Adkins - Parent Governor

Sara Lund - Parent Governor

Kat Cooper - Parent Governor

I have been a parent governor at Knowle Park since February 2021 and I have two children at the school.

I have a background in teaching and education, whilst training I specialised in the Early Years. I was a primary school teacher for 9 years, having taught in Bristol and in New Zealand. I enjoy learning and am self motivated and after having my own children I retrained as a childminder. I worked as a self-employed childminder for 2 years whilst my children were young. During this time I had to set up my own childminding business, manage my accounts, create robust policies and welcome families into our home and daily life.

I now work in a team with other childminders at a small early years setting. I enjoy being part of a team, caring for a child’s early education and nurturing them to be confident, lifelong learners. I have supported and inducted new members of staff, managed enquiries and welcomed new families in to our small, homely setting.

I hope that in my role as parent governor I can support our school community to continue to grow; bringing my skills, commitment and enthusiasm to the role.