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 - Frida Rafferty
- Anti-Bullying - Frida Rafferty
- Special Educational Needs - Kathryn Davies
- Children in Care - Kate Aplin
- Attendance - Kate Aplin
- H&S and Wellbeing - Cat Cooper
- Pupil Premium - Vacant
- Computing/Website - Amelia Markey
- Early Years - Julie Fox
**Designated Safeguarding lead in school – Helen Bailey
Governor Working Groups
- Headteacher’s Performance Related Pay: Marie Roberts, Ellie Truss, Julie Fox
- Pay Committee: Marie Roberts, Ellie Truss, Julie Fox
School Management Committee: Helen Bailey, Marie Roberts, Ellie Truss, Jane Grange, Kate Aplin, Frida Rafferty, Amelia Markey
School Improvement Committee: Marie Roberts, Ellie Truss, Helen Bailey, Sarah Bonner, Julie Fox, Cat Cooper, Kathryn Davis
Ellie Truss -Co Chairs for the governing body 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.
Marie Roberts - Co Chairs for the governing body and Co-opted 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.
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.
Kathryn Davis - Co-opted Governor
My two children attended Knowle Park school and, in previous years, it was a pleasure to serve as a parent governor for the school.
I am head of targeted education for a large local authority in the south west. This involves oversight of a range of statutory services focused on improving outcomes for vulnerable learners. I hold responsibility for the virtual school for children in care (including 4 years as Virtual School Head Teacher) and for all education welfare services, including attendance and children missing education. In a previous role, I led a team of SEN advisory teachers and have held a similar role in a MAT. At the start of my career, I was a primary school teacher in South Bristol and SENCo.
I hope that with my professional knowledge and experience, I can make a positive contribution to Knowle Park as a governor. My recent experience of being a parent of children who attended here, has left me with a wish to see other children in our community continue to experience success in a thriving local school.
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.
Frida Rafferty - Parent Governor..
I have been a parent governor since July 2024. I am a working mum of two boys, with an active interest in the success of Knowle Park Primary School with my eldest, child now in YR1 and my youngest due to join the school in a few years’ time. I am a chartered accountant and member of ICAEW, with several years’ experience in Tax and Audit (including schools and academies), as well as now working as a finance business partner in a large law firm, where I predominantly focus on budget/forecast and financial analysis. I believe I can add valuable skills to the governing body.
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.
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.
Jane Grange - Co-opted Governor
I have been a governor at Knowle Park for approximately 20 years. My two children attended the school and are now both at university. I was first a parent elected Governor and am now a co-opted Governor. I chair the management committee and I am also on the finance, pupil premium and pay sub committees. I have often been involved in interviewing applicants for staff jobs and have been on the interview panel for the last three headteacher appointments.
My years as a Governor have given me extensive experience of the school budget and when looking at how we spend this money, I aim to be supportive but also challenging if needed.
I am a dentist and work at Broadwalk surgery. Living and working in Knowle for the last 29 years means I have a real love and commitment for the area, and I am passionate that all children in South Bristol achieve their full potential.
Julie Fox - LEA governor
Attendance of governors at meetings:
How do I contact the Knowle Park School Governors?
If you need to contact our Governing Body, you can write to them in confidence, addressing your letter to:
The Chair of Governors
Knowle Park Primary School
Queenshill Road
Knowle Park
Bristol
BS4 2XG
or alternatively, by handing your letter into the school office, where staff will be pleased to pass it on to the Chair of Governors, on your behalf.