The governors act as a "critical friend" to the school, monitoring and overseeing the smooth running of the school and supporting and listening to staff and parents. The governing body is responsible for the overall management of the school and for determining its aims, objectives and policies in accordance with all the relevant legislation. The head manages the school from day to day and is the governing body’s principal professional adviser who assists it with the formulation and implementation of its aims, objectives, policies and plans.
Governor minutes are in the public domain. You can request to see them in the school office. Alternatively email the Clerk, Mrs J Marchione by clicking
To view financial benchmarking data for the school click here and enter our school name.
Governor Statutory Information / Register of Interests
Mrs S. Smith (Chair) - Foundation 1/01/82 - 12/10/25
I have been a Foundation Governor for just over thirty years. It is a privilege to be part of such a wonderful school. I have four grown up children all of whom had an excellent primary education at West Pennard. My passion for each and every child to have the best possible start to their journey into the world of education is still with me today and I very much enjoy being part of a team who share this passion.
I sit on the Finance and Buildings and Curriculum committees and I am responsible for Leadership and Management.
Register of Interests - nil
Attendance at FGB 2023-24 93.4%
Mrs M. Colman (Vice Chair) - Local Authority, appointed by LA. 9/10/21 - 08/10/25
I have been a Governor for 14 years, but my involvement with the school goes back 25 years when we moved to West Pennard and my daughter began school. I am Vice Chair and Chair the Personnel Committee. Our responsibilities in the Personnel Committee relate to monitoring the welfare of pupils and staff. We are also responsible for approving a wide range of policies.
I chair the Personnel committee. I am a training mentor and I am also responsible for Leadership and Management.
Register of Interests - Garden maintenance at school.
Attendance at FGB 2023-24 100%
Mr T. Wheat - Headteacher Governor 1/9/20 - present
I have a long association with West Pennard School, having attended the school as a child and having taught here for the last 17 years. I have been Headteacher of the School since September 2020. I have been a governor for the last 17 years and sit on the Personnel, Finance and Buildings and Curriculum Sub Committees.
Register of Interests - Spouse is a SENCO
Attendance at FGB 2023-24 100%
Mrs A. Pinsent - Elected by staff (16/09/20 - 15/09/24)
I have been a governor for the last year and a half and I sit on the Curriculum Sub Committee.
I sit on the Curriculum committee.
Register of Interests - nil
Attendance at FGB 2023-24 77.7%
Mrs H. Austin - Diocesan Board of Education. 25/09/2021 - 24/09/2025
I have had connections with West Pennard School for 43 years, as a parent, a teacher and now a grandparent and governor. My teaching career was mainly with the younger children and I am delighted to be the Foundation Stage Governor and also the Special Needs Governor. Through all the changes in education over the years West Pennard has always been an outstanding school not only in striving to provide its pupils with an excellent education but more importantly in imparting a sense of self-worth and consideration for others.
I chair the Curriculum and sit on the Personnel committee. I am responsible for Additional Educational Needs and the EYFS.
Register of Interests - nil
Attendance at FGB 2023-24 75%
Mrs G. Holley - Co-opted Governor 01/10/2014 - 26/9/26
I was born and brought up in West Pennard and I now live in Sticklynch. My son, Thomas, and I are both ex-pupils of the school. My interests revolve around our beautiful countryside surroundings, children and good food. I'm currently keen to encourage enjoyment of school meals and the maintaining of our in-house school meals service.
I sit on the Curriculum committee. I am responsible for Equalities, Health and Wellbeing and Physical Development.
Register of Interests - nil
Attendance at FGB 2023-24 75%
Rev'd Chris Hopkins - Ex Officio Governor 1/9/18
Register of Interests - nil
Attendance at FGB 2023-24 66.6%
Mr L. Green - Co-opted Governor 09/10/17 - 12/10/25
Register of Interests - nil
Attendance at FGB 2023-24 77.7%
Mr W. Cowan - Co-opted Governor (19/07/21 - 18/07/25)
Register of Interests - School Website Builder
Attendance at FGB 2023-24 66.6%
Mrs A. McCoy - Elected Parent Governor 28/03/23 - 27/03/27
Register of Interests -
Attendance at FGB 2023-24 77.7%
Mrs S Middleton - Co-opted 14/01/2019- 22/01/27
I live in Shepton Mallet and have a son and daughter in Secondary school, both of whom attended West Pennard. I speak fluent French and come from a language teaching background, as well as having taught exercise classes locally for many years. I am link governor for Modern Languages and Humanities and sit on the Personnel and Curriculum committees. I was elected as a governor in December 2014 and feel very privileged to be able contribute to this wonderful school. I believe the children here are nurtured and cared for by outstanding staff and encouraged to reach their full potential, not only academically but as happy, creative and confident members of the community.
I sit on the Personnel and Curriculum committees. I have a responsibility for the Humanities and French.
Register of Interests - nil
Attendance at FGB 2023-24 83.3%
Mrs A. Rayment - Elected Parent 05/12/22 - 14/12/26
Register of Interests - nil
Attendance at FGB 2023-24 100%
Mr C. Lewis - Co-opted Governor 25/04/2024 - 24/4/27
Register of Interests - nil
Attendance at FGB 2023-24 66.6%
Mrs S. Ibberson - Clerk - 1/09/2023 - 31/8/27
Register of Interests - nil
Attendance at FGB 2023-24 100%
Governor Diversity Data
