Our Governors are representatives of the local community, including the parents, school staff and LA-appointed members. They bring a range of interests, knowledge and skills to the school and they all work in a voluntary capacity. Our Governing Body is made up of 11 Governors.
Julie Francis – Chair of Governors
I have been a governor of the school since 2008. I was originally appointed as a Local Authority governor but, following the conversion to academy status, I am appointed by the board of the Learning Community Trust. In November 2014 I was elected as chair. I have strong personal links with the school as I was a pupil myself (more years ago than I care to admit) as were other members of my family. I am now retired but I worked for over 30 years for BT in a number of roles but latterly as an IT solutions designer and project manager. I am currently also a trustee and board member for both the Telford & Wrekin Council for Voluntary Service and the Senior Citizens Forum.
I believe strongly in maintaining the inclusive and welcoming ethos of the school whilst at the same time ensuring that we are always seeking to maintain the highest standards of achievement.Appointed by – LCT Board
Term of Office – Ends 1st October 2024 (4 years)
Area of Responsibility – Chair, Finance, Health & Safety
Neil Cole – Co-opted Governor
I am a Co-opted Governor, having been a Parent Governor before that, and have been on the governing body for about 10 years. I am a father of four, 3 boys and a girl and live in Waters Upton. My eldest two have gone all the way through Crudgington and left for Charlton and Shrewsbury Sixth Form College, the younger two are in Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 1 respectively and my wife, Alaine, has been Chair of the Friends twice and currently volunteers as a Teaching Assistant – so I have good understanding of the school and the Community.
I have mostly worked from home and this has allowed me to make visits to the school – although not as often as I would like. I hope I bring a level of commercial acumen and experience to the Governing Body that compliments the strengths of the other members. I am proud of how the School has developed in many areas over the years that our family has been associated with it, including Governorship, Teaching, Achievement and Community Spirit, and I will continue to work to continue that journey. I am most proud though of the children, how they apply themselves and how they develop as people as they go through the school.
Appointed by – GB Term of Office – Ends 1st October 2024 (4 years) Area of Responsibility – Science
Katrina Lister
I have been Governor at Crudgington Primary school since September 2009.Once my three children had finished their education at the school, I became aCo-opted governor. As a resident of Waters Upton, I am keen to remain involved with the school and help develop further links with the local community.
As an experienced primary school teacher, I have taught across the full age range, in several local rural primary schools. My particular interest, as a governor, is the quality of curriculum taught at Crudgington. I feel that is important that the school continues to place emphasis on learning within a creative, challenging and exciting environment.
Appointed by – Board
Term of Office – Ends 1st October 2024 (4 years)
Area of Responsibility– Maths, Safeguarding & Basic Skills
Karen Pankhurst – Foundation Governor
I am one of the school’s foundation governors. I have been a member of the governing body since 2014, when my daughter was a pupil at the school. I continued as a governor following her progression to secondary school.
I have been a police officer for 28 years, working predominantly as a Detective. This gives me a wide range of experiences and training to draw upon in my role as governor, and consequently I am the link governor for safeguarding.
Crudgington has a friendly and all-inclusive environment, that allows all the children to thrive and develop. I am proud to be part of the team that supports them and the staff, in continuing to improve standards.
Appointed by – Governing Body
Term of Office – Ends 1st October 2024 (4 years)
Area of Responsibility – Safeguarding & SMSC & Children in Care (CiC)
Hannah Gharu – Headteacher
Governor
I am proud to be the Headteacher at Crudgington Primary School. All staff here go above and beyond to give the children at our school the best opportunities, experiences and education possible. It is my privilege to work with such a talented teaching team and lead the school with support and challenge from the governing body.
Appointed by N/A
Term of Office N/A
Sarah Green – Parent Governor
I am a newly appointed parent governor and although my daughters are relatively new to the school, it is clear that this is a special place, offering children the chance to learn and grow in such a supportive, kind and encouraging environment.
I have lived locally for the majority of my life, working as a Private Client Solicitor for over 10 years.
I have been a voluntary helper and Treasurer for Wrekin Special Swimming Club, a local charity which offers swimming for people of all ages, disabilities and special needs for the past 12 years and until very recently, acted as a Trustee for another local charity PALZ UK which supports people living with Alzheimer’s (or dementia from other causes).
I very much look forward to my new role and the opportunity to work towards ensuring that the school experience is the best that it can be, not only for my children, but for children in years to come.
Appointed by – Parents
Term of Office – Until January 2028
