Governors
“provide all children with the opportunity to develop towards their full potential”
About Us
The Governing Body is an active and enthusiastic group who are 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 the new outdoor covered area, 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
As a governing body we divide the responsibilities into three committees:
- Finance and People
- Teaching and Learning
- Admissions and Promotion
If you wish to contact the Governors then please email governors@marlow-infant.bucks.sch.uk
MR MARK SKOYLES - CHAIR OF GOVERNORS, Pay committee, PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT, T&L
Mr Mark Skoyles
Co-Opted Governor
Appointed by the Board of Governors: October 2017
Term of office until: July 2023
It’s been a pleasure to be a member of the Governing Board at Sandygate since 2017 and Chair since the beginning of 2022. My two daughters have both attended Marlow CofE Infant School and have both benefited from the outstanding educational and pastoral support that is provided by Mrs Reynolds and her team.
I grew up and spent the majority of my life in the town, attending Little Marlow and Great Marlow School. And really appreciate this small opportunity to positively contribute to the children of our community and town. I’ve worked in Further Education at Amersham & Wycombe College and for the last 10 years have run a private, physical therapy practice in Marlow. I’m passionate about our community and recently started a local group of the charity ‘Living Streets’ with the mission to “Achieve a better walking environment and inspire people to walk more.” I have a professional interest in health and fitness and enjoy sampling the many Marlow restaurants with family and friends.
MRs Salli Slyfield
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.
Mr Barry Jennings - f&P, DATA PROTECTION, Rights respecting schools, WELlbeing
Mr Barry Jennings
lOCAL aUTHORITY Governor
Appointed by Buckinghamshire Local Authority: ?
Term of office until: September 2023
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, cinema, gym and spending time with my family.
Mrs Helen Gallop - A&P, CHAIR OF T&L, early years, RE
Mrs Helen Gallop
Foundation Governor
Appointed by the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education: September 2019
Term of office until: September 2023
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.
Rev Canon Dave Bull - Collective Worship
Rev Canon Dave Bull
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 at Holy Trinity School.
Mrs Joanna White - A&P, T&L, Artsmark, Equalities & Diversity, lac, sen & Nurture
Mrs Joanna White
Foundation Governor
Appointed by the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education: ?
Term of office until: 30 September 2023
I have lived in Marlow for more than 6 years and my 2 girls have been through Marlow C of E Infant School and my youngest, Jasper is currently attending. 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 where 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 Robbie McFarlane - A&P, F&P, Health & Safety
Foundation Governor
Appointed by the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education: November 2020
Term of office until: November 2024
Originally from Dublin, 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 during January 2020. We have two daughters currently attending Marlow CE Infant School.
A former Training Captain with a UK regional airline, I am now a long haul Co-Pilot with British Airways. Before flying I spent a period of time as a Telecoms Manager for a large car-hire firm, 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 Daphne Howarth - Vice Chair of governors, chair of A&P, pay committee, performance management, T&L, PFA, pupil premium
Mrs Daphne Howarth
Parent Governor
Appointed by the Board of Governors following a parent election: December 2020
Term of office until: 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!
Mr David Bourdillon - F&P, Science
Mr David Bourdillon
Foundation Governor
Appointed by the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education: November 2020
Term of office until: 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 Jackie Cousins - T&L, PE & Sports Premium, sfaeguarding
Mrs Jackie Cousins
Foundation Governor
Appointed by the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education: March 2022
Term of office until: 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 school inspector for 10 years followed by a short period as the adviser for 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.