School Governance
Our Governing Body
The Governing Body of Bussage Church of England Primary School provides both support and challenge to the leadership of the school.
As well as the Full Governing Body, we have two sub-committees that meet on a regular basis. These are the Resources Committee and the Learning and Development Committee.
The Chair of the Governing Body is Debbie Bird who can be contacted through the school office.
Debbie Bird, Chair of Governors
Pam Gorf, Clerk for the Governors
Laura Averis, Parent Governor
My role as governor means a great deal to me, as a parent, member of the local community and as someone with a passion for education. I feel huge pride in this school and its community and I want to ensure that every pupil is able to thrive.
I have been a teacher for 14 years and have led and advised in the teaching of reading and writing in many schools in Gloucestershire. I am passionate about ensuring that all children develop a love of reading, and giving them a broad experience of authors and genres throughout their time at school. My experience in coaching others and advising on teaching and learning strategies is invaluable in my role as a governor.
John Cowen, Foundation Governor
John is retired civil and structural engineer. He has worked in multidisciplinary teams to design and deliver projects. He has experience in working to budgets and delivering to a programme. He has worked on major infrastructure projects worldwide including a flood protection barrier for St. Petersburg in Russia, an urban railway in Kuala Lumpur, a power station in Xinjiang province, China, various environmental projects in Romania, Georgia and the UK and a skyscraper in London.
He has travelled widely and has been interested in development economics. He is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He likes to promote science and technology and used to be a STEM ambassador. He loves making things and he turns bowls on his lathe. He loves music and likes to share singing and playing music with adults and children. He is now a reader in the local church and is involved with many community activities. He was previously a governor at Bisley Bluecoats Church of England Primary School and Oakridge Parish School. He leads the Storytellers team for Bussage School. He lives in a historic house in Bisley.
Hannah Gorf, Foundation Governor
Term of office: January 2024 to December 2027
I became a governor because I am deeply committed to supporting both the educational and personal development of all children. As a parent of two children who attend the school, I am passionate about ensuring that every student, regardless of their background or circumstances, has equal opportunities to thrive and reach their full potential.
In my professional role within the local NHS, I am dedicated to promoting children’s health and wellbeing alongside their education. I manage programmes and budgets, which has given me a strong understanding of strategy, as well as the accountability required when managing public funds. This experience supports me in my role as a governor and helps me contribute effectively to the school’s development.
Sue Murray, ex-oficio Foundation Governor
Sue is the ex-oficio Foundation Governor and our local parish priest. She has spent 20 odd years as a governor at various schools and has seen her children through the process and through University. Sue lived in Argentina for 7 years and before ordination worked as a Chemical Engineer. When not in school or church, Sue enjoys reading mystery books and crochet. She never knows who has done it.
Hannah Mirams – Foundation Governor, Link Governor for Safeguarding
Hannah has worked in primary education for over 14 years, with a particular passion for supporting children’s wellbeing, development, and achievement. She has taught across the primary age range, with many years in Year 6, where she especially enjoyed leading memorable end-of-year performances such as The Lion King Junior, Hairspray, and Aladdin.
Her professional experience includes serving as an English Lead at a two-form entry school, working as a trained KS2 writing moderator, and acting as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer. She is currently training to become a SENCO and has previously worked with Gloucestershire County Council's Early Help team, broadening her understanding of multi-agency support for families and vulnerable children.
A strong advocate for nurturing positive relationships with both children and parents, Hannah is committed to ensuring all children are safe, supported, and given the best opportunities to thrive. She is also a Trustee of a local nursery and a mum of two boys, bringing a well-rounded and compassionate perspective to her role as Foundation Governor. She serves as the Link Governor for Safeguarding and sits on the Learning and Development Committee at Bussage.
Steve Pobjoy, Parent Govenor
Steve Pobjoy is a parent governor at Bussage Primary School.
He works for CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) helping HR Directors navigate the changing world of work. He is a great connector of contacts, with a skill for research, content and event activities all over UK.
In his spare time he enjoys running with Stroud and District Athletics Club and plays Table Tennis for Forest Green.
David Shears, Foundation Governor
David is a Foundation Governor and is currently in his second term of office at Bussage CofE Primary School.
He has worked in education for most of his career and is passionate about ensuring that all pupils have a strong start to their learning and development in the primary school. He has worked with many schools, local authorities, academy trusts and Ofsted in the development of effective schools that deliver high quality education and wellbeing for all pupils.
David enjoys music and acting and has often been seen treading the boards in local theatres!
James Starr, Foundation Governor
Zoe White, Headteacher
Angie Corbett, Staff Governor