Governors
We are a community school constituted to comprise up to 10 co-opted governors, 2 parent governors, 1 local authority governor, and 1 staff governor together with the Head Teacher. Our Deputy Heads are also invited to contribute, and we may invite others as appropriate. Governors are drawn from a range of backgrounds to provide the school with the skills and experiences needed to fulfil their collective responsibilities of:
1. Ensuring there is clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
2. Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the performance management of staff.
3. Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent.
4. Ensuring the voices of stakeholders are heard.
5. Ensuring the school is compliant with its legal and statutory duties.
The full Governing Board meets every half term and members contribute through additional working groups and delegated functions.
Mr Timothy Woodfine - Chair
Tim enjoys a rewarding career in conservation biology, sustainability and environmental education in the UK and internationally. With a PhD in Biodiversity Management, and as a Visiting Professor of Wildlife Conservation, he is a keen advocate of outdoor learning and connecting children with nature to support education, health and wellbeing.
Category of Governor: Co-opted Governor, appointed by the Governing Body
Start Date: 1.12.16 Current Term of Office: 1.12.20 - 30.11.2028
E-mail: governors.chair@chalfordhill.gloucs.sch.uk
Mrs Julie Best - Vice Chair
Julie combines a freelance career in research and communications with building a new local therapy practice and being mum to two boys, both of whom attend Chalford Hill Primary School. Having been drawn to Chalford by the strong community and outdoor emphasis, she is keen to help develop the school's communications strategy for other families. When not chasing after her sons, she might be found trying to keep up with other local runners on the nearby hills.
Category of Governor: LA Governor, appointed by the Governing Body
Start Date: 1.5.22 Current Term of Office: 13.7.26 - 12.7.30
E-mail: julie.best@chalfordhill.gloucs.sch.uk
Mr David Poad
Category of Governor: Head, appointed by the Governing Body.
Start Date: 1.9.22 Current Term of Office: Continuous
E-mail: head@chalfordhill.gloucs.sch.uk
Mr David Oakhill
Dave is a dad of two young kids, who both attend Chalford Hill. He has previous experience of being a Governor, and has worked in planning and development for the last 20 years. Outside of work, Dave and his family enjoy being outside and spending time with family and friends.
Category of Governor: Co-opted Governor, appointed by the Governing Body
Start Date: 1.1.20 Current Term of Office: 1.1.20 - 31.12.27
E-mail: dave.oakhill@chalfordhill.gloucs.sch.uk
Miss Laura Gregory
Category of Governor: Parent Governor, elected by Parents
Start Date: 27.5.2024 Current Term of Office: 27.5.2024 - 26.5.2028
E-mail: laura.gregory@chalfordhill.gloucs.sch.uk
Laura has 15 years’ experience working in senior roles within local government and the NHS. Outside of work Laura enjoys running, walking and listening to live music. Laura’s two children attend Chalford Hill.
Mrs Anneka Wall
Category of Governor: Parent Governor, elected by Parents
Start Date: 14.11.2025 Current Term of Office: 14.11.25 - 13.11.2029
E-mail: anneka.wall@chalfordhill.gloucs.sch.uk
Anneka was born in Stroud, grew up in Rodborough and has lived in Chalford for 20 years. Anneka has two children, one of whom is at Chalford Hill, and the other will be joining soon! Anneka has been a Primary school teacher for 15 years and has a particular interest in Outdoor Learning, Forest School, History and PE. Outside of work, Anneka enjoys spending time with her family, live music events and photography.
Mrs Sainesh Moss
Sainesh is an experienced finance professional (FCCA) with 20 years of experience in the UK and Australia. As a parent of two fourth generation children at Chalford Hill School, she is committed to supporting the school's success. In her free time, Sainesh enjoys running, reading and gardening.
Category of Governor: Co-opted Governor, appointed by the Governing Body
Start Date: 1.6.2024 Current Term of Office: 1.6.2024 - 31.5.2028
E-mail: sainesh.moss@chalfordhill.gloucs.sch.uk
Mrs Sophie McCracken
Category of Governor: Co-opted Governor, appointed by the Governing Body
Start Date: 1.2.2025 Current Term of Office: 1.2.2025 - 31.1.2029
E-mail: sophie.mccracken@chalfordhill.gloucs.sch.uk
Sophie has extensive experience in senior leadership within the healthcare sector, with a particular focus on supporting neurodivergent children. She is the school’s SEND and Safeguarding Governor, a role that reflects her professional commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and high-quality care. Sophie has four children, two of whom attend Chalford Hill School. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, baking and spending time outdoors with her family.
Mrs Jane Widdowson
Category of Governor: Staff Governor, elected by staff
Start Date: 1.9.26 Current Term of Office: 1.9.26 - 31.8.30
E-mail: jane.widdowson@chalfordhill.gloucs.sch.uk
We also have six Co-opted Governors vacancies.
Governors who have left in the last 12 months
Chris Gardiner left on 27th March 2026.
Ian Lord left on 31st October 2025.
Mrs Sarah Fielder - Clerk to the Governors
Sarah is married with two sons who both attended the school and has lived in the village since 2001. Sarah became Clerk in 2014 and is also Administrator at the school. When not busy in the school office, Sarah loves to sew, and has a small business selling bags, curtains and blinds.