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Governor Profiles
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Governor Profiles |
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Menna Godfrey - Acting Chair. Co-opted Governor since 2005 Governor responsible for SEND Committees: Curriculum and Health, Safety & Premises I was b My husband (also a trained teacher) and I have lived in Copmanthorpe since 1988 and our three children all attended Copmanthorpe Primary School. I attend York Community Church. Interests: I am passionate about personalised learning provision and seek to ensure that educational opportunities for all our children support them to develop the skills and dispositions that they will need throughout their lives. I am delighted to support our school as we continue to encourage our children to see themselves as life-long learners, part of a learning community where adults and children learn together.
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Emily Buchanan - Vice Chair - Parent Governor - Elected December 2023 Committees: Safeguarding
I have lived in Copmanthorpe since 2010 and I am a mum of two boys. My youngest is a pupil at school, and my eldest has recently left Copmanthorpe Primary school to attend a local secondary school. I come from a family of teachers and my career is education-focused. I have worked at the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) for over 20 years, spending the majority of my time there as a Research Manager. I have led research into a variety of education-related topics, and have a strong research-based skillset. In more recent years I have moved to our HR department, where I am responsible for managing and recruiting to our globally-based pool of Associate staff. Having been a part of the school community for some time, I am keen to support our teachers and our pupils to thrive in an engaging and happy school. |
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Sarah Gailes - Parent Governor - Elected January 2025
As a parent with two children at the school, I’m passionate about making sure all pupils get the best possible education. With a background as an actuary, I have a strong interest in finance and enjoy using my skills to help ensure the school’s resources are well managed and used in a way that benefits the children. Being a governor is a great way to support the school and work alongside staff and fellow governors to make a real difference. I’m committed to helping the school continue to provide a fantastic learning environment where every child can thrive. |
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Helen Liddle - Parent Governor - Elected January 2025
My 10-year-old daughter continues to benefit from the excellent education and wellbeing support at Copmanthorpe School. I am looking forward to contributing to its ongoing success and can bring a range of skills, having worked in operations, marketing, finance, and HR. In particular, my career focuses on improving education and opportunities for young people, often from disadvantaged backgrounds. I currently work with a number of schools, colleges and universities to make this happen and as a parent governor, I am committed to ensuring that all children receive the support, resources, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential. |
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Alison Wood - Staff Governor - December 2025 |
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Jake Steeper - Parent Governor - Elected January 2023
I have lived in Copmanthorpe for over a decade and now have two daughters at the school. I joined the Governing Body in January 2023, bringing experience from working in a wide range of schools, from selective grammar settings to academies serving disadvantaged communities. This has given me a strong understanding of how different schools operate and what helps children thrive. As a governor, I’m particularly interested in teaching and learning, pupil wellbeing, and ensuring that decisions reflect the needs of all families in our community. I’m committed to supporting the school as it continues to provide the best possible opportunities for every child. |
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Having recently retired from the Civil Service, I now want to give something back to the community I have lived in for the last 22 years. Returning to school governance (previously in a different school) gives the opportunity to contribute in a positive way and make a difference in my community. |
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Chris Steward - Local Authority Governor - Elected May 2021  Chris Steward is the Local Authority Governor, he lives in Copmanthorpe and is also the City of York Councillor for Copmanthorpe. He has lived in York all his life and was also previously a governor at Rufforth Primary School. He works in Investment Management in York and away from work paricularly enjoys watching sport.
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Luke Dancer Headteacher. Committees: Health, Safety & Premises, Finance & Staffing, Curriculum and Headteacher Performance Management
I joined Copmanthorpe Primary as Headteacher in January 2025. My focus is on delivering an inclusive, ambitious education and securing strong outcomes for every child. Current priorities include raising attainment, strengthening writing - especially transcription skills, improving attendance and wellbeing and ensuring the school is in a sustainable financial position. As Designated Safeguarding Lead I work closely with staff, families, governors and City of York partners to keep children safe and thriving. Our guiding ethos is “Believe, Grow, Achieve – Inspiring Everyone to Thrive.” |
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Jeanette France - Assistant Headteacher for Upper School - Associate Governor Committees: Pupils
I share the current school priorities of raising standards, improving attendance and wellbeing alongside supporting and encouraging the schools outstanding inclusive nature. |
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Olya Purikova - Co-Opted Governor
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orn and brought up in Surrey and moved to 'The North' to attend the University of Leeds, where I gained a Physics degree and a secondary teaching qualification. I made the move from Secondary to Early Years and I now train colleagues nationally, my particular interest is outdoor play and learning. I have a master’s degree in educational improvement, development and change.
Paula Piercy - Co-opted Governor - since May 2025
