Governors
“provide all children with the opportunity to develop
towards their full potential”
About Us
The Governing Body is an active and enthusiastic group which is committed to ensuring that Marlow Church of England Infant School remains an outstanding Church of England school. Working closely with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team, the governors are responsible for the overall strategic management of the school and for determining its aims, objectives and policies in accordance with all relevant legislation.
Over the past few years, governors have been actively involved in essential projects, including the changes to home learning policy, the building of a new outdoor covered area, and new innovative approaches to teaching, including Jasmine PE.
Any governance roles in other educational institutions or business or financial interests in the school are declared below.
The minutes from the Governing Body meetings are a public record and can be accessed via the School Office if required.
Who are we?
As volunteers, governors come from a variety of backgrounds, and represent a diverse range of local interests and bodies. As a church school, the constitution of the governing body is currently as follows:
- 8 Foundation governors, appointed by the Diocese of Oxford. This includes a member of the clergy from All Saints Church, Marlow, as an ex-officio member.
- 2 Parent governors, elected by the parent body
- 2 Staff governors (including the Headteacher)
- 1 Local Education Authority representative
- 1 Co-opted governor
- 1 Appointed governor
HOW DO WE WORK?
We meet as a full governing body once a term. Main responsibilities are shared between the three sub-committees set out below. In addition, individuals have specific roles and responsibilities.
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Finance and People (F&P) - currently chaired by Robbie McFarlane, this committee oversees the school budget, the facilities, health and safety and staffing.
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Teaching and Learning (T&L) - currently chaired by Helen Gallop, this committee ensures a broad and balanced curriculum and monitors student achievement.
- Admissions and Promotion - currently chaired by Daphne Howarth, this committee manages school admissions, open days, the website and community engagement.
If you wish to contact the Governors, then please email the Chair at governors@marlow-infant.bucks.sch.uk
Mr R McFarlane - CHAIR OF GOVERNORS, A&P, F&P, Health & Safety
Foundation Governor
Appointed by Oxford Diocesan Board of Education Elected as Chair by the board of Governors: January 2024
Term of office until: 1 November 2028
Originally from Ireland, I moved to the UK in 2000 to start university in Surrey. I met my wife in 2007 whilst I was training in Spain. Beccy is a Marlow girl through and through and a former student of the school. Whilst I ended up taking us to Birmingham for 12 years, we finally moved back in January 2020. Our two daughters are former students of Marlow CE Infant School.
A former Training Captain with a UK regional airline, I am now a pilot with British Airways. Before flying, I had a brief period as a Telecoms Manager for a large multi-national, and since the '90s, have been developing websites to support small businesses. In my spare time, I enjoy cycling and being out and about with my girls.
Mrs D Howarth - Vice Chair of governors, chair of A&P, pay committee, performance management, T&L, PFA, pupil premium
Parent Governor
Appointed by the Board of Governors following a parent election: 30 December 2020
Term of office until: 31 December 2024
I moved to Marlow in 2018 following time in London and Geneva and my eldest started at Sandygate the following year. I've got three small children and have a long-term investment in the school.
I'm a solicitor by profession and spent ten years working, initially for a law firm, then as an in-house lawyer. I had the honour of being elected as a parent governor at the end of 2020 and am delighted to be able to use my experience to support this wonderful school and community!
MRS H Gallop - A&P, CHAIR OF T&L, early years
Foundation Governor
First appointed by the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education: 1 October 2019
Reappointed by the Oxford Diocesan Board of Governors: 1 October 2023
Term of office until: 30 September 2027
I moved to Marlow in 2016 and started as a Foundation Governor in September 2019 when my eldest daughter started at Marlow Cof E Infant School. I love being involved with the wonderful community in Marlow and enjoy helping out with gardening projects at All Saints Church and Sandygate. I chair the Teaching and Learning Committee and sit on the Admissions and Promotions Committee alongside monitoring Early Years and RE.
I previously worked as a Neurological Physiotherapist in the NHS for 10 years.
Mrs J White - A&P, T&L, Artsmark, Equalities & Diversity, lac, sen & Nurture
Foundation Governor
First appointed by the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education: 1 October 2019
Reappointed by the Oxford Diocesan Board of Governors: 1 October 2023
Term of office until: 30 September 2027
I have lived in Marlow for more than 8 years and my 3 children have been through Marlow C of E Infant School and my youngest. I believe this school gives children such a positive, wonderful, nurturing start in their learning journey and I look forward to giving back and offering some of my time, experience and passion for teaching to the Governing board. Before children, I taught in the primary sector for 9 years when I was in charge of English, PSHE and introduced Emotional Literacy and Values Education to schools. Prior to that, I worked in Marketing for 5 years.
MR B Jennings - f&P, DATA PROTECTION, Rights respecting schools, WELlbeing
lOCAL aUTHORITY Governor
First appointed by the Board of Governors: 1 October 2019
Reappointed by Buckinghamshire Local Authority: 1 October 2023
Term of office until: 30 September 2027
I moved to Marlow in 2013 and my son started at Marlow C of E Infant School in September 2019. I have always appreciated the education I have received and the important role that it has played in the opportunities I have had. I am a technology lawyer in the financial services industry. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, the cinema, the gym and spending time with my family.
RevD D Bull - Collective Worship
Ex Officio Foundation Governor
Appointed by the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education: 9 September 2021
Term of office: Ongoing
I am the Team Rector for All Saints Church, Marlow. I am married to Helen, and we have three children who all attended Sandygate. I have lived in Worcester, Oxford, London and Reigate before moving to Marlow.
Until the age of 23, I rarely darkened the doors of a church, but I came to faith on an Alpha course in London. I worked for Unilever, a charity in South West London and a large London church before training for ordination. I love mountain biking, building Lego with my children and sailing.
I am chair of trustees of four local school property trusts (Oxford Road Trust, Sandygate School Trust, Bisham School Trust and Little Marlow School Trust) and a regular visitor to Holy Trinity School.
Mr D Bourdillon - F&P, Science
Foundation Governor
Appointed by the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education: 28 November 2020
Term of office until: 30 November 2024
I moved to Marlow with my wife Rachel in 2015, and we live here with our two boys, Josh and Alex. We're active members at All Saints Marlow and I started as a foundation governor when Josh started in reception in late 2020.
After a degree in engineering, I now work in digital product and proposition development in various industries, including TV (Sky), energy and, most recently, insurance. I also play lots of tennis in my spare time.
Mrs J Cousins - T&L, Maths, PE, & Sports Premium, safeguarding
Foundation Governor
Appointed by the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education: 1 March 2022
Term of office until: 28 February 2026
I have lived in Marlow for 30 years with my husband and son and daughter.
I spent 17 years teaching in primary schools and led subjects such as mathematics, science, design and technology, computers/IT and art. Then I worked for Ofsted as a school inspector for 10 years, followed by a short period as an adviser for the early years in Southend-on-Sea. Most recently, I was a Church school adviser for The Oxford Diocesan Board of Education, but I retired in December 2021.
My hobbies include gardening, sewing, walking, bird watching, reading, theatre, travel and history.
I am also a governor at Datchet St. Mary’s C of E Primary School.
MRS S Slyfield - T&L, Artsmark
Parent Governor
Appointed by the Board of Governors following a parent election: 14 October 2022
Term of office until: 13 October 2026
I live in Marlow with my husband and two children – my eldest attends Marlow C of E Infant School. I have worked in local primary schools for over 10 years. I had the privilege of being elected as parent governor in October 2022, and I am delighted to further support this fantastic school.
MRS C CARTER - T&L, RE
Foundation Governor
Appointed by the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education: 24 January 2023
Term of office until: 23 January 2027
I moved to Marlow from Chiswick in 1997, as I had taken up a post at Sir William Borlase's Grammar School the previous year as a teacher of French and German, subsequently becoming Head of German. I retired in 2014, having spent my entire career teaching in secondary schools. I am married with three grown-up children and four grandchildren, one of whom attends the school and one of whom goes to Teatimers. I am a committed Christian and a member of All Saints Church and help there every Thursday at Teeny Saints, a playgroup for children aged from 0 to 4. My main interests are travel, hiking, gardening and solving cryptic crosswords.
Mrs C Miller - F&P, English
Foundation Governor
Appointed by the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education: 24 January 2023
Term of office until: 23 January 2027