Claire Randall

I studied International Management with German at the University of Manchester and the University of Innsbruck in Austria and I then chose to follow a career in marketing. I worked for many years as a Channel Marketing Manager for a software distribution company and I now own a homeware and gift shop. I live in Longwick and have two daughters who both attended Longwick School from Reception through to Year 6. It is a privilege to be playing a part in ensuring the children are receiving quality teaching and learning across a broad and balanced curriculum.

Sophie Marshall

I studied for a BSc in Social Work, followed by two Post Graduate Masters Degrees in Trauma related Attachment Difficulties and Children and Families Safeguarding.  I currently work for Milton Keynes Council as the Principal Social Worker for Children and Families, a role which involves strategic management and oversight of social work practice across the authority.  I have two daughters who attend Longwick School.  I am passionate about social justice and equal access to opportunity.  I believe every child has the ability to thrive and succeed when they have security, support and encouragement.  For me, children having a growth mind-set is key to building their resilience and desire to achieve; this is an area that I oversee and promote as part of my role on the governing body.

Clare Smith

I was born in Longwick and my family has lived in the village since the 1800’s. My Great Grandfather was a Manager of the school when it was based at the Old School House. I attended the school in the 1980’s, followed by Aylesbury High School. I qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant in 2007 and work as a Financial Controller for a contract catering company in Thame. I hope that I will be able to use my skills, including financial knowledge, to offer my support to the school in the hope that this will enable other children to obtain as good a start to their educational life as I received at the school.

Caroline Byrom

I live in Longwick and my daughter attends the school, so I know it well and am keen to ensure that we provide a welcoming and safe setting for good quality education. I have studied Human Resources Management and hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Personnel and Development from the CIPD. I worked full time in private and public sector Human Resources for over ten years, five of these in the education sector, and am a passionate advocate for education. Being now a ‘stay-at-home mum’ and volunteer at the school, I am fortunate to have time available to devote to the responsibilities of a Parent Governor. I hope to use my HR skills, including my experience of recruitment and equal opportunities, along with my passion for education, to support the school in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and realise their full potential.

Elaine Needham

I have lived in Princes Risborough for 35 years and am a committed member of St Mary’s Church.  I have 3 grown up children and 3 grandchildren.  I trained as a nursery nurse and have worked with children aged 0-11.  Before retiring, I worked as a Teaching Assistant for 17 years in a local primary school. I’m involved with all aspects of children’s ministry at Church and also lead the catering for our monthly lunch club and Sunday tea afternoons for the elderly. In between, I volunteer several sessions a week in the Rennie Grove charity shop in the High Street. I’m keen that all children should feel supported in their school life so that they perform to the best of their abilities and I want to show that the mental health of both staff and children is just as important as results.

Luke Carter

Having grown up locally, I currently live in Longwick with two young children, one of whom attends the school while the other attends the local pre-school. Since graduating from university, I have worked in education in both teaching and leadership roles and am currently a Deputy Headteacher in a large primary school. Also, I have been fortunate to support a number of schools for the Local Authority and two Teaching School Alliances as a Specialist Leader of Education. I believe wholeheartedly in making a difference in children’s lives and will uphold the privilege of serving my local community, whilst working tirelessly towards the aim of giving every child every available opportunity to reach their potential and discover a lifelong love of learning.

James Spybey

Having qualified as a barrister, I have pursued a career in the Government Legal Department providing legal advice and support to government ministers and officials. My family moved to Longwick in 2020, and I have two children both attending the school. As a parent governor, I hope to be able to apply skills and experience gained both at work and as a parent to help support the school. I care particularly about justice, fairness and equality and believe that the school’s aim, to provide a caring, welcoming and inclusive environment, is absolutely integral to our children and staff thriving.

Rev Andrew Walmsley

I am currently serving as Curate at St Mary's Church Princes Risborough and have been involved with Longwick Primary School since arriving in the parish. Before being ordained as a Priest I worked for over twenty years as a teacher in several schools in Milton Keynes. Initially I trained for Primary and worked in two primary schools, before transitioning to Secondary Education, spending eighteen years at Shenley Brook End Secondary School. In my time as a teacher I have had numerous management / leadership roles with my final role being Head of RE. As Longwick Primary School is the church school in our parish I hope that my time as a governor will enable us to continue to build a positive relationship between school and church. I also hope that the experience that I have in education will be of use in helping the school to continue to grow and have ever increasing success in all areas of school life.

Ashley Knibbs-Cruickshank

I have lived in Princes Risborough for over 20 years and take great pride in being part of such a vibrant and close-knit community. My extended family has deep ancestral roots in Longwick, with multiple generations attending the local school and even historically delivering milk to the community by horse and cart.  Professionally, I work as a capital infrastructure delivery specialist with the Ministry of Defence. In this role, I lead complex projects that require strategic thinking, objectivity, and strong problem-solving skills - qualities that I believe are equally valuable in school governance. I am passionate about education and am committed to helping the school thrive, supporting its leadership team in delivering high standards and the best possible outcomes for all pupils.