01296 712296
Lowndes Way, Winslow, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, MK18 3EN

Governors

The role of the Governing Body is to act as a critical friend to the school and to ensure that it carries out its statutory responsibilities.  The Governing Body is responsible for setting the school budget, for approving policies and, along with the Head Teacher, for setting the strategic direction of the school.  

 Governors are appointed by the Local Authority and by the Church (Foundation Governors) and can also be members of the local community.  A number of staff and parents are elected onto the Governing Body for a period of four years service, after which time they can stand for re-election.

Governing Body Members

Co-opted Governors

Parent Governors

Foundation Governors

Staff Governors

Authority Governors

Please note:
Minutes of any Governing Body meetings are available from the school office, upon request.  If you wish to contact a Governor, please contact the school office by emailing office@winslow.bucks.sch.uk and your email will be passed onto the appropriate member of the Governing Body.

Alternatively, you may write to the Governing Body via the school office, marking it for the attention of the Chair of Governors and labelled ‘confidential’. 

The Governors – who are we?

David Shaw (Chair)

I have lived in Winslow for over 30 years and both my children attended the school. I was appointed as a governor in 2017.

I have been involved in education throughout my life. I started my career teaching mainly physics for 8 years in Bucks and Northants at both grammar and comprehensive schools during which time I held both pastoral and head of department responsibilities.

The rest of my working life was spent working in local government education and children’s services departments. At Bucks County Council I held a wide range of senior education posts which included managing a range of school facing services e.g. governor support, finance and HR support, management information and school place planning.

I am now happy to provide whatever support I can to the school in its role at the centre of our community.

Samantha Dimbleby (Headteacher)

I have been Headteacher of Winslow Church of England School since September 2022 having moved from S Mary’s CE School where I was Deputy Headteacher.  Prior to this, I taught in schools in Harrow and Buckinghamshire were I was an Assistant Headteacher.  I am delighted to be part of the Winslow team and sense a clear match between my strengths and skills, and the opportunities for service within the school. Winslow is a caring and inspiring learning community with high aspirations for all its children.  We have a fantastic staff team; supportive parents; and a committed governing body, who do a great job of supporting the school and making sure that we do the best that we can for all of our children.  I feel immensely proud and privileged to be able to lead and manage such a lovely school.

Helen Skillen

I currently have one child in Year 3 and have two other children of pre school age.  I hope to be involved with the school for the next eleven years. I wish to be a Governor so that I can help to evolve Winslow into an outstanding school, in both OFSTED terms and so each child has an enjoyable and enriching experience.  I have a background in science, specifically Chemistry, and thirteen years experience within the Chemical Industry.

Terry Capstick

I have lived in Winslow for 38 years.  I taught mathematics at the Grange School and Aylesbury High School for a total of 42 years until I retired, holding senior positions in both schools, where a good sense of humour was paramount!  Education has always played a large part in my life, from my own experiences, my four children and now my seven grandchildren.  Eagerness to learn, enjoyment of school and fulfilling a child’s potential are to me very important.

I am still involved in education as a consultant for Brookes University.  I play an active part in the life of St Laurence Church and within the Winslow Community and feel it a honour to serve as School Governor.

Sarah Kingham

I have a child in Year 6 and another who left the school for Secondary education in 2017.  Having lived in Winslow for over 13 years I am very proud to be part of the town and school communities. I have joined the Governing Body as a Foundation governor and also sit on the Resources committee having worked previously in school finance.

I currently work as a Learning Support Assistant in a local special school after deciding to make the move away from school finance and into the classroom, a move that has given me an opportunity to fully appreciate the demands of school life, its ups and downs. I don’t regret it at all and feel very lucky to have such a varied and rewarding job. It has made me appreciate the role of governors more too which I hope will ensure I make a valuable contribution to this position. I have a keen interest in SEN and the arts as well as the development of all our children. I joined the governing body as I felt it important to support the work of the school and that it was time to offer something back to a community that my family have been part of for the last 9 years.

Olivia Nelson

I moved to Winslow in 2019 as my husband took up the post of Curate at St Laurence Church. I currently have two children at Winslow Church of England School and contribute to children’s ministry in the church.

I have worked for over 17 years within the conservation sector.   Previously I was a Senior External Affairs Officer and Project Manager for the National Trust. I now work at the Open University in a nature conservation advocacy role. Away from work I enjoy reading, walking and cooking and have a particular interest in history and environmental issues.

I wanted to become a Foundation Governor so that I could support and promote the Christian foundations on which the school was built. I believe we need to give all pupils and staff the opportunity for a broad and wonderous school experience full of moments of wellbeing,  spiritual richness and community engagement – which I hope I can contribute to in a small way.

Kath Grant

I have been the staff governor from September 2019.

I started work as a Learning Support Assistant at Winslow Church of England School in September 2007.  Having been trained in ‘Reading Recovery’ I now take responsibility for many reading interventions in KS1 and train and support other LSAs in reading interventions. Over the years I have gained considerable experience in supporting children with a range of special needs.  I love my job and enjoy supporting the school in extra-curricular activities. Previously I worked as a primary school teacher for 9 years at Cheddington Primary School.

I have enjoyed living in Winslow for over 20 years. My daughter attended the primary school and is now in a local secondary school.

Adam King

My family moved to Winslow from Aylesbury in 2019. My two daughters now attend the school, Lucy in Year 5 and Eloise in Reception class. We love it here! 

I started my career as a trainee reporter at the Bucks Herald, working my way up to become its deputy editor (which also included responsibility for the Buckingham and Winslow Advertiser). I am currently communications manager for England’s Economic Heartland, a partnership of local authorities which advises government on transport infrastructure.

My experiences throughout my life and career have given me a strong interest in how we improve the attainment and life chances of children from more disadvantaged backgrounds.

Financial Information

The School is required to report the following: