Old Sodbury Church Of England Primary

 Bernice Webber-Brown, Head Teacher 

I have been Headteacher here now for 12 years and it has been an absolute privilege to be a part of the wonderful journey that this school has been on and its continued growth as a result. The governing body work incredibly hard to shape the direction of the school and are a huge part of what makes this school so successful.  

It is an honour to work with such a committed and highly skilled group of people who always when making decisions, put the children at the centre of all that they do.

Justine Tommey, Co-opted Governor (Chair of Governors)

I have been a governor at Old Sodbury Primary School since 2018 and have two children who attend the school. As I work full time in the private sector, I felt my business skills would equip me well to contribute to the strategic direction of the school and was also keen to help support the growth and development of all children. 

I strongly believe that it is by working together that parents and the school will continue to provide the best outcomes for all pupils and help them reach their true potential. 

In 2022, I took over the role of Chair of Governors and continued to work with the leadership team on safeguarding, attendance and the EYFS strategic goals. 

I sincerely hope the work of the governors at Old Sodbury Primary School will not only provide valuable support to the leadership team but will also play a major part in every child becoming a happy and confident citizen. 

Olivia Withers, Parent Governor (Chair of Education Committee)

I joined the Governing board in 2022 and am delighted to be supporting the school in continuing to create a safe space for children to develop mentally and physically, and provide them with access to a primary education they can embed their skills and abilities. 

My two children go to Old Sodbury and I was instantly attracted to the school having started, myself, in a small village school and appreciating its passion for music and arts. 

Coming from a 15 year background in HR/ Recruitment management, I felt I could contribute to the schools strategic plan in support and development of their children and staff. 

Ali Kazmi, Parent Governor

I became a parent governor of Old Sodbury Primary School whilst my twin boys were in Reception and I am very passionate about the school.  

I have spent almost 10 years in the world of Tax and Private Equity, before setting up my own Private Equity firm.  I am a governor on the business committee and work closely with the school on Maths and IT. 

Lucy Culverwell, LA Governor 

Sheila Purdom, Foundation Governor

I am honoured to be a Foundation Governor at Old Sodbury C of E Primary School. Our own children grew up in Bristol where we lived for many years. When they grew up, my husband and I decided to travel and work overseas, first in Venezuela, then in Panama, followed by Jamaica and, finally, in Grand Cayman. We returned to the local area in 2021. I have held senior management roles in England in both the government and the private sector and, for the past 30 years, in international British-education schools as Deputy Head, Head, Director and Principal. I am passionate about education and about creating a learning environment where all children feel valued and enabled to achieve their very best.  

Charlotte James, Staff Governor

I have been a teacher at Old Sodbury for 5 years and I love being part of such a passionate team who always has the children in mind with everything they do. I am the subject lead for both maths and forest and have a keen interest in both. I am also a keen sports person who knows the importance of physical education for all children and I make sure this is a key area of development at all times for the children in my class. 

I have joined the governors team this year and I am looking forward to being a part of a strong team who want to make a difference to the children at old Sodbury and provide a rich education to all. 

Nicola Johnston, Co-opted Governor (Chair of Business Committee)

I am a Chief of Staff within the Ministry of Defence, and I am responsible for providing advice and counsel on business operations, strategic direction and I am the driving force of culture change and promoting a diverse and inclusive ethos within my business area.  I joined the Ministry of Defence in 2003 and have undertaken a variety of roles during my career, from leading the design and implementation of an entry talent programme for project professionals to working on two strategic change programmes.  I have strong business acumen skills and a clear focus on achieving strategic outcomes and building effective relationships. A single mother, I have two children who attend Old Sodbury CofE primary school, I enjoy active challenges and I am passionate about sustainability. 

Dominic Davis,  Co-opted Governor

Dominic has a daughter in reception class. He is a part-qualified accountant working for the Ministry of Defence with a background in science (biology and chemistry) and has a passion for the outdoors. Dominic has completed several triathlons, sportives, half marathons and is hoping to do a full Ironman in the future.

David Long, Associate Member

David has three children at school and works within the finance sector as a full stack software developer specialising in C# coding, SQL databases and Excel automation (VBA coding).

Prior to software development he worked within Actuarial landscape for over a decade. 

In his spare time he enjoys spending time on his allotment and cycling when time permits.  David has a keen interest in automation, artificial intelligence/robotics and throughout his career he has sought to improve processes wherever possible. 

Jennifer Wallace, Associate Member

Jen has two children at school and has been involved with the school over many years, from attending school trips to fundraising by running a summer sports camp.

She has spent her career in the fields of psychology and behavioural science, specialising in criminal justice and security for HMG.  She is currently an Executive Director responsible for overseeing finances. operations and people.

Clerk to the Governors - Carole Rowland