The governors include parents of children at our school, as well as local retired and interested parties, each sharing the common goal of making our school the best it can be for the children.
The Governors
Matthew Gowen
Chair
(Co-Opted)
Appointed:
2018
Term of Office:
4 years
Committees:
Behaviour, Teaching & Learning
Other Responsibilities:
None
Register of Interests:
Partner at Birketts LLP
About Matthew
Matthew is a Partner at Birketts LLP; he was brought up in Suffolk and returned with his wife, four boys and two dogs, to live on the outskirts of Woodbridge some years ago.
He joined Birketts five years ago following many years as a Barrister in private practice from chambers in London, where he specialised in Regulatory defence, fraud/financial crime and professional disciplinary work.
In his spare time……..what spare time with four boys?!
Sarah Dempsey
Resourcing Chair
(Parent)
Appointed:
2016
Term of Office:
4 years
Committees:
Resourcing and Personnel
Other Responsibilities:
None
Register of Interests:
None
About Sarah
I grew up in Suffolk, moved away to study for my degree and stayed away for many more years whilst I enjoyed a career in HR with a successful retailer. I returned to the Woodbridge area a few years ago with my family and I am now responsible for HR in a local company. I am keen to use my business skills to support Woodbridge Primary School where my son is a pupil. We all enjoy coming to school – for school days, for the fun FOWPS activities, for assemblies and for the Willow Garden Wrap Around care. I became a governor in 2016 and I am a member of the Resourcing Committee. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring the beautiful Suffolk countryside with my family and our dog.
Tom Walker
Resourcing Vice Chair
(Co-opted)
Appointed:
2018
Term of Office:
4 years
Committees:
Resourcing & Personnel
Other Responsibilities:
Parent Forum Chair
Register of Interests:
None
About Tom
As a project manager at BT, I deliver to NHS and Government customers across the UK. My family and I moved to Woodbridge in 2012. My two daughters, Katie and Lucy, are both at Woodbridge Primary, and both love every minute of it. I chose to become a Governor for two reasons. Firstly, I wanted to use my skills acquired through work to benefit the school. Secondly, I saw this as a great opportunity to become more involved with the local community. My spare time is spent cycling, gardening, baking and teaching myself economics.
Karen McCormack
Governor
(Co-Opted)
Appointed:
July 2019
Term of Office:
4 years
Committees:
Resourcing
Other Responsibilities:
None
Register of Interests:
None
About Karen
I work for Public Health at Suffolk County Council, as a Commissioner, working on specific pieces of work, to improve the health and wellbeing for the population of Suffolk. I hold both a BSc (Hons) and a Masters of Public Health (MPH). I am originally from Co. Tipperary in Ireland (and yes, I do know it is a long way) but have been living in Suffolk for 17 years.
I live with my husband, 8-year-old son and our little dog Sully in Kesgrave. In our spare time, we love getting out into the beautiful Suffolk countryside and coast for walks, we really are so lucky to live where we do. As a family we love travelling, and count Budapest as our current favourite destination, and we love visiting family who live outside of the U.K. too.
Tristan Childs
Governor
(Co-Opted)
Appointed:
April 2020
Term of Office:
4 years
Committees:
TBC
Other Responsibilities:
None
Register of Interests:
None
About Tristan
Tristan grew up in Suffolk and moved back to the area a few years ago with his wife and children. He has three young sons and the eldest two are students at Woodbridge Primary School.
Having previously worked as a paramedic and in medical research, Tristan has spent the last decade working in Public Health research. His interests vary from infectious disease surveillance to the fundamentals of practical wellbeing, such as eating a balanced diet, taking regular exercise and getting restorative sleep.
Helen Banham
Governor
(Parent)
Appointed:
2021
Term of Office:
4 years
Committees:
Resourcing & Personnel
Other Responsibilities:
None
Register of Interests:
None
About Helen
Helen grew up in Leigh on Sea and after University, spent 15 years working as a Marine Underwriter in London. After having her daughter, the family decided on a slower pace of life and made the move to Suffolk in 2019. Her 2 children are now both at Woodbridge Primary with her husband teaching at a secondary school.
Helen fell in love with the school and its amazing outdoor area from day 1 and hopes to support the school going forward to achieve its goals. Helen has a passion for sailing and tennis and in her spare time, can be found pottering in the garden and exploring the Suffolk countryside and coast.
Lynsey Crossley
Staff Governor
(interim Co-Head Teacher)
Appointed:
N/A
Term of Office:
N/A
Committees:
Behaviour, Teaching & Learning
Other Responsibilities:
Deputy Headteacher
Register of Interests:
None
About Lynsey
Lynsey was born and grew up in Suffolk. After her A Levels she decided to travel and left bound for Australia in 1993. Whilst away, she abseiled in the Blue Mountains, went white water rafting, explored the Great Barrier Reef and even did a bungee jump!
On her return, she trained as a teacher at Westminster College, Oxford and graduated in 1997 with a BEd (Hons) in English and Children’s Literature, where her favourite tutor was Philip Pullman of ‘His Dark Materials’ fame. She continued to explore new places and managed trips to Kenya, Turkey and Tunisia.
She began her teaching career at Wickham Market Primary School. During her 5 years there she taught throughout Key Stage 2. She joined Woodbridge Primary in 2002, and has taught for most of that time in Year 6.
Lynsey has two children, a girl and boy who keep her on her toes when not in school. As a family they love being outdoors, exploring, making things and snuggling up with a good book.
Lynsey is also interim Co-Headteacher at Woodbridge Primary School.
Governor Attendance Record
Download the Governor Attendance Record