Welcome to our Governors' section. 

Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.

We have also provided a Register of Governor Interests and an Annual Statement of Issues for your information.

Holly Simkiss

I am a parent of 3 boys, two of whom are at Kingswood Primary School. Education has always been a big part of my life as my parents were teachers and my husband is also a teacher. I work in local Government and work part-time hours which has enabled me to dedicate time to joining the Governing body.

I am keen to do anything to support our school and am keen to work with the staff, parents and children so Kingswood Primary School can continue to thrive.

Our school is a fantastic school and I am delighted that my children benefit from such a warm, wonderful learning environment where every child matters.

Sarah Guy

I became a Governor of Kingswood School in September 2012, and am now Vice-Chair. I am also chair of the Staffing panel. I’d like to do anything I can to help Kingswood Primary School continue to be a great school for the pupils, staff and parents!

I’m a new parent at Kingswood – my son James started in Reception in September 2013 – but I’ve been a ‘school mum’ for 11 years (my 2 older children are at KLB).

I run a training company – helping a range of businesses develop the capability of their organisations & their people in marketing, sales & leadership skill areas. I work with large international businesses but also local organisations incl. SHS Drinks & Magnox. I have over 20 years’ work experience and started my career in Marketing at Cadbury Ltd and Kraft Foods.

Keith Geary

Now retired, my professional background is in education, including over 20 years in senior leadership in secondary education in various parts of the country. I have been a governor in primary and secondary schools. I lived in Wotton for over ten years before moving to Kingswood five years ago and both my children have been educated locally in state schools, with my younger daughter now in her final year at KLB. I am keen to support the school and its staff in providing a rich, challenging and inclusive education for Kingswood children.

• Local Authority appointed governor
• Start/ finish of term of office: 22/1/2018 - 21/1/2022
• Sits on Finance committee, Vision, Ethos and Strategy Committee Teaching & Learning Committee
• Register of interests: None
• Governor attendance January - December 2019: Full Governors = 4/5;  Finance Committee = 4/4; Teaching & Learning Committee = 2/3

James Kershaw

I became an associate member in September 2014 and full Governor in November 2015 and chair the Finance committee. Through my role I hope that I can help to ensure that all the children achieve their full potential and develop into confident well rounded individuals. I am a Chartered Accountant and work in the finance department at Aviva.
I have twin boys who attend Kingswood Primary School.

• Co-opted governor
• Start/ finish of term of office: 15/9/2018 - 24/9/2022
• Responsibilities: Chair of the Finance Committee (from Sept. ’15)
• Sits on Finance committee
• Register of interests: Parent of children at Kingswood
• Governor attendance January - December 2019: Full Governors = 5/5;  Finance Committee = 4/4

Carrie Vickers

My name is Carrie Vickers and I have been a parent governor since September 2014 and am chair of the Teaching and Learning Committee and governor lead for English.
I have one child at school and a toddler, so will be involved in the primary school for some time to come!

I became a governor because I wanted to help the school become stronger and contribute towards children fulfilling their potential both academically and socially. I believe a strong governing body supports teachers, parents and children to this end.

• Co-opted governor
• Start/ finish of term of office: 28/03/2017 - 27/03/2021
• Responsibilities: Chair of the Teaching and Learning Committee (from Sept. ’15)
• Sits on Teaching & Learning and Finance committees
• Register of interests: Parent of child at Kingswood
• Governor attendance January - December 2019: Full Governors = 2/5; Teaching and Learning Committee = 3/3

Matt Kirby

I moved to Kingswood in 2001, where I met my wife Carmen and we now have 3 boys. All my boys attended Kingswood Primary School, my eldest is now at KLB, whilst our younger twins are still at Kingswood. I am an Environmental Health Officer by training, but now work in local government as the manager of a large shared service providing environmental and regulatory services to the residents of Forest of Dean, Cotswold and West Oxfordshire districts. I am keen to use my skills that I have gained from the regulatory arena (predominately within health and safety), and from financial management, to assist the school in any way I can. The school benefits from excellent leadership, and talented and dedicated staff, all of which combine to provide an inclusive and caring learning environment.  

• Co-opted governor
• Start/ finish of term of office: 7/7/2016 - 6/7/2020
• Responsibilities – Chair of the Premises Panel
• Sits on Premises Panel and Finance committee
• Register of interests: Parent of children at Kingswood/ wife works as teaching assistant at school
• Governor attendance January 2019: Full Governors =2/5;  Finance Committee = 2/4

Steve Marfleet

• Parent governor
• Start/ finish of term of office: 17/1/2017 - 16/1/2021
• Sits on Finance committee
• Register of interests: Parent of child at Kingswood
• Governor attendance January 2019: Full Governors = 3/5;  Finance Committee = 3/4

Alice Scott

My final placement during my PGCE year at Bath Spa University was at Kingswood Primary School and I was fortunate enough to be appointed to the staff when I graduated. This is my sixth year working with the Year 5/6 class.
I have a history degree from the University of the West of England and am now the subject leader for both science and PSHE. I have become the staff governor because I believe it is important for staff and governors to work together to ensure the school is truly successful.

• Staff governor
• Start/ finish of term of office: 1/9/2019 - 31/8/2023
• Sits on Teaching and Learning committee
• Register of interests: Member of staff
• Governor attendance January - December 2019: Full Governors = 5/5; Teaching and Learning Committee = 3/3

Anita Starfield

I became a Governor in November 2015 and am part of the Teaching and Learning committee with a special interest in Early Years.

As an experienced teacher I have worked within a wide range of educational establishments both as a Class teacher and Senior Manager. Children have always been at the heart of my career. They are interesting, sometimes challenging yet constantly rewarding.

During my initial visit to Kingswood school, the atmosphere and energy was so evident and clearly made it an environment in which everyone could thrive and progress towards reaching their full potential. As a Governor I hope to use my experience towards supporting the school vision of opportunity, enjoyment and excellence.

• Co-opted governor
• Start/ finish of term of office: 1/11/2019 - 31/10/2023
• Sits on Teaching and Learning committee
• Register of interests: None
• Governor attendance January - December 2019: Full Governors = 1/5; Teaching and Learning Committee = 1/3

Val Abbott

I have been a Governor at Kingswood for 8 years, prior to that I was a Governor at Rednock Secondary School.

I am on the Staffing and Premises panels. One of my grandchildren is at school, the other two recently having moved up to KLB school.

I take an active part in the local community and how it evolves.

• Co-opted governor
• Start/ finish of term of office: 31/4/2017 - 30/4/2021
• Sits on the Premises panel
• Register of interests: None
• Governor attendance January - December 2019: Full Governors = 3/5

Iain Green

I have been a Governor since September 2010 and am on the Teaching and Learning committee. As well as through my role as Governor I am actively involved with school activities such as the nature quiz team, wildlife club and photography sessions

I work as a wildlife photographer and run Wild Wonder – a social enterprise engaging children, schools & adults with the natural world. Working with many schools across the country I am able to bring to Kingswood diverse experiences of creativity in the curriculum.

I have three children – one is settled at Kingswood school and my eldest two, who also attended the school, are now enjoying life at KLB.

• Co-opted governor
• Start/ finish of term of office: 31/4/2017 - 30/4/2021
• Sits on Teaching and Learning committee
• Register of interests: Parent of child in school; married to Midday Dinner Supervisor
• Governor attendance January - December 2019: Full Governors = 3/5; Teaching & Learning Committee = 2/3

Dan Johnson

As Headteacher of Kingswood Primary School, I sit on the Governing Body and all committees. Please see my profile in the "Staff" section of the website.

• Headteacher
• Sits on all committees
• Register of interests: Head of school
• Governor attendance January - December 2019: Full Governors = 5/5; Teaching and Learning Committee = 3/3; Finance Committee =4/4