Governors

Our School’s Governing Body is made up of representatives of the staff, parents, community, Church, and the Local Authority. They are all volunteers who give their time to help the school to provide the best possible education for its pupils.

The Governing Board sets the school’s aims and policies together with the Headteacher. Governors get to know the school by arranging visits during school hours to meet with staff and children to gain a proper understanding of our strengths and where there are areas for development. They access induction and have the opportunity to attend training and development events to enhance their knowledge and understanding.

No individual governor has any power unless delegated by the Governing Board. The Governing Board as a whole is responsible for any decisions made. 

Please feel free to contact the Governors on horfield.governors@bristol-schools.uk with any ideas or concerns you may have. Please note that any issues concerning individual children should be raised with the class teacher or the Headteacher.

Karen Dunmall – Chair of Governors

Foundation Governor
My association with the school started 25 years ago when the elder of my two children started in Reception and I needed to have somewhere after school where my children could go whilst my husband and I worked in the NHS. I was one of the founders of Henry’s After School Club and served on the committee as Chair for five years.

I started as a foundation governor at Horfield about 11 years ago, becoming Chair of Governors 8 years ago.  As a foundation governor I have a responsibility within the school to preserve and develop the Christian character and ethos of the school and to build the community of schools throughout the Diocese.

My current job is a senior lecturer at UWE in Diagnostic Radiography. In my limited spare time I like to walk the family dogs and also sing in the Horfield Church choir. I have found my time as a governor to be very rewarding and it has enabled me to support children, families and staff in our school community. 

Dr Louise Condon - Joint Vice-Chair

Foundation Governor and SEND link
I became a foundation governor at Horfield primary school in December 2022 and am taking on the role of SEND governor. My own children attended faith schools in Bristol, and my two grandchildren are now setting off on their educational journeys at primary school in South Glos. I have a great interest in early education, particularly in its contribution to children’s wellbeing and life chances. Professionally I have worked as a clinician and manager in the NHS, and most recently have been Professor of Nursing at Swansea University.  

Dr Matthew King – Joint Vice-Chair

Co-opted Governor, Pupil Premium Link
I have lived in the local area since 2002 and through watching my son work his way through primary school (now Yr 7) I have seen and appreciated the value of Governors to the ongoing development of schools and the overall pupil experience. I am a strong believer in social mobility and the importance of primary school education as the foundation to pupils development and future aspirations. Professionally I have had a diverse career working in a number of roles in the University sector (mainly strategy development and management roles) before becoming a Management Consultant working across a range of sectors and organisations. I am the link Governor for pupil premium and also a member of the finance committee.

Reverend Canon David McGladdery

Foundation Governor
I have been the Rector and parish priest of Holy Trinity, Horfield Parish Church since 2018. Horfield Primary School is a Church of England school, and, therefore, I have the responsibility of maintaining links between church and school on behalf of the Diocese of Bristol.

I do this by visiting the school on a weekly basis to lead Wednesday Worship for the whole school. I also lead services throughout the year for the school community. I am available to provide pastoral support for the headteacher and staff. My place on the governing body formalises my relationship with the school in practical and supportive ways.

Rae Harris - Headteacher

Sharon Simmonds – Science Link

Staff Governor
It is a pleasure and a privilege to work and govern at Horfield CE VC Primary School.  I have a passion for seeing children thrive in our school environment. I have been connected to Horfield for just over 20 years, and live in the local area. I have been a teacher here for 10 years, and I am currently a Deputy Safeguarding Lead, Key Stage 1 Leader, Computing Lead and Year 2 teacher. Prior to teaching here,  my own children attended this school and received the most wonderful, rich education. I am just entering my second term as Staff governor. I endeavour to continue developing the outstanding school that is Horfield CE VC Primary School.

Emma Anstey - Maths Link

Co-Opted Governor
I joined Horfield’s Governing body as a Co-opted Governor in June 2023. I have 2 primary school aged children and have seen how fundamental primary school is in their development and general outlook in life. Professionally, I work in regulatory compliance and am excited to be able to bring these skills to work alongside the other Governors in supporting the fantastic teaching staff at Horfield to provide the very best opportunities and outcomes for each and every pupil. In my spare time I volunteer as a researcher for my local village museum, and I have recently taken on a rather overgrown allotment which will be keeping me busy. 

Kerri Vaughan - EYFS Link

Parent Governor 
I became a Parent Governor in December 2022 and I am looking forward to helping the school in this new role. I am keen to continue my involvement in education and understand the value of parental participation in schools. Having worked and volunteered in schools for many years I aim to use this experience in supporting the governing board. I have two daughters at Horfield and have been a parent volunteer for many years. I am a qualified primary school teacher and taught in a local independent school for 13 years. I stopped working after the birth of my second daughter and decided to focus my attention on volunteering while I had the opportunity not to work. I am a volunteer for Home Start Bristol where I support families with young children. I also enjoy swimming, baking and spending time with family and friends.

Paul Dowlman - Deputy Headteacher

Co-opted Governor  

Ben Fellows 

 Parent Governor

Governor Attendance

Governor  Terms & Interests

Governor Terms & Interests September 2023

Recent Resignations

Sarah Robinson Jun3 2024 

Governors who have served within the last twelve months