Here is some information about the members of the Longwick C of E School Governing Body...

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, one of whom attends the school and the other having recently left to go to secondary school. It is a privilege to be playing a part in ensuring the children are able to achieve to the best of their ability. I am Chair of Governors and sit on the Education and the Performance Management Committees.

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. I am Chair of the Resources Committee.

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 want to achieve; this is an area that I oversee and promote as part of my role on the governing body.  I am Vice Chair, Safeguarding Governor and Chair of the Education Committee.

Diane Kerwood
After a career spanning the NHS and the pharmaceutical industry I was delighted to be nominated by St Mary’s church to serve as a Longwick School Governor. I care deeply about excellent primary education, recognising it as providing the essential foundation for a fulfilling and meaningful life. It is a privilege to be working with our school community to ensure that every child feels valued and encouraged to develop a life long love of learning. My special interests as a Governor are Special Educational Needs and Maths. I am a keen supporter of Splash Club.

Debby Cadwallader
I have been a Governor at Longwick School for more than twenty years, as both a church and a community Governor. I have lived in Longwick for over thirty years and my children attended the school. I taught classics and history in Aylesbury and was a Sixth Form tutor and Head of Year. I continue to serve as a Governor because I believe that it is vital that Longwick School remains at the heart of this community and gives every child the very best start in their education. I sit on the Education Committee an the Performance Management Committee.

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. I sit on the Resources Committee.

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.

David Williams

Hello! I am David Williams, the local Rector, who is based at St. Mary's, Princes Risborough and has oversight of the 8 Anglican Churches in our Risborough area. I have been in post for a number of years now, and enjoy all the active links that we have between Longwick School and the two local Churches of St. Mary's, Princes Risborough and St. Peter's, Ilmer. You will find me regularly taking assemblies in the school, and occasionally helping in classrooms with curriculum items concerning faith in all its aspects. I seek to be a support to the wonderful teachers that we have in our school, as well as helping with the children when asked. I also enjoy working with the rest of the governors and helped our school to work on an exciting partnership with a school in northern Uganda!