Hi, I’m Sue Rudge and the Chair of Governors at Townley. I joined the Governor Body just after the last Ofsted in March 2018 and have worked hard with Mrs Higgins to make improvements since then Before I retired in 2017, I was an acting Head and then a Headteacher in 2 large (400+ children) primary schools in the East of London. Having had both Good and Outstanding Ofsted gradings, I’ve a strong background to help Townley move forward.
When I’m not in my polytunnel, I spend my time throwing balls for my 2 dogs or I come into school as I love chatting with the children to see how they are getting on – not so easy with Covid, I know! I’m part of Hawker bubble so enjoy spending time there, but can otherwise be found in classroom doorways or on the gate! I love that most of the children know me but if I haven’t met you yet, please come up and say hello once the lockdown rules ease.
Simon Freeland
Hello, I am Simon Freeland. I first became a governor in September 2012 and I am now serving my third term, this time as a Co-opted Governor. I am responsible for - Health & Safety and Sports Premium Finance. I am also a member of both the 'Pay Committee' and 'Head Teacher Performance Panel'.
Prior to moving to Christchurch, I spent 25 years working in London in various roles in construction, architecture and design, for both public and private sectors as well as my own consultancy. In 2009 I moved to Cambridgeshire with my family. Both my children have attended Townley School, one is now in Year 5 and the eldest currently at Neale Wade Academy. My wife works as a Teaching Assistant at Townley School. In 2012 I retrained as an Electrician and I have now have my own business “Christchurch Electrical”.
I been actively involved over the years with different groups within the community from being a Parish Councillor, supporting the old 'Pre-school', 'FOTS' and as a Governor. I hope that in some small way or another I have bought benefit to the students and the community.
I have many hobbies such as fishing, scale model making and playing Bass Guitar to name a few. However, with the two boys, increasing workload and renovating the old house, there never seems to be enough time to do as much as I would like.
Please feel free to speak to me about anything. I may currently be Covid muzzled , but I don't bite.
Sarah Bayliss, is responsible for Special Educational Needs (SEN)
I recently became a school parent governor. I wanted to join the governors role as I am passionate about special needs and getting the children the best for their needs. I wanted to also join as we have experience with special needs and have good knowledge of local charities and organisations in the area.
I have never been a governor before and to become one during a pandemic has been hard especially as I've not been able to come into school and get a true feel for the governors role. But I have very much enjoyed joining the team.
I have two children at the school both in key stage 1. I enjoy being part of the school community and contributing to my children's education. We live in Stonea on a local farm where we enjoy rural life and being outdoors. We often go camping or like an adventure as the boys would say. Please feel free to catch me at the school if you ever want to chat about anything.
Giles Thorlby is a Parent Governor. Giles is responsible for - Governor Training & Development, Website Compliance and is also Chair of the Pay Committee.
I wanted to become a school governor as my daughter goes to Townley School and wanted to play a more active role into her education. Also I get to see more of an insight to what the children get up to at school.
This is the first time being a school governor and I have been doing the role for the last 18 months. The role has been very rewarding even though there was a steep learning curve as I do not come from an education background.
My professional job role is an electronic engineer running a small workshop in Kings Lynn. I have a strong community spirit and my daughter and I are well known around the village.
I am a keen motorcyclist and during lockdown I delivered prescriptions to the vulnerable across the county. Now that lockdown has eased I volunteer once a week to deliver blood and plasma between hospitals within East Anglia.
As a parent governor I would like to think I bring a parent perspective and views to the board. If anyone has anything that they would like me to bring up please feel free to approach me at any time. You can normally find me dropping my daughter off at the school gate.