Kate Clements- Chair of Governors

I have been a governor at the Bishops since 2018. With experience from a small primary school in Suffolk from 2012 - 2022.  I have three fabulous girls aged 19, 18 and 16, who are all very busy with university life, A levels and netball. They have all volunteered at events at the school and enjoy hearing about the fabulous things we do at school and now two of my children volunteer read in their local schools.
 

I have owned a transport company with my husband in Thetford since 1997 and have in excess of 70 employees who work extremely hard as our team. I previously worked as a full time Finance manager for a large manufacturing company where I learnt a great deal about communication and managing people. I am now extremely lucky as I work part time to be able to volunteer in supporting the children and staff at Bishops and am the Chair of the towns community based netball club.

Whilst being a school governor, I have learnt to appreciate the pressures in education whilst staff endeavour to nurture every individual child’s needs and aspirations.

Thetford is a town that has supported my family and my grandparents who used to live here back in the 1970’s/80’s and I have made some very special friends. I hope I will be able to give back to Bishops my experience, enthusiasm and positivity for meeting the challenges that the school will face moving forwards.

Tony Heywood- Trust Governor

I have been a vicar in the Thetford Team Ministry since July 2011.  The focus of my job has been the Abbey Estate and from the start of my time here, I have really enjoyed the assemblies at Bishop's School, visiting classes to talk about various RE topics and hosting school tours of St. Cuthbert's church building.  In 2013 we set up Grace Church that has met at the school on Sundays and in 2017 we started a Toddler Group.  I was a governor from 2013-2016and am excited to be taking on this role again. I'm married to Helen and we have two children at primary school.  I love all sport, try to keep vaguely fit and my interests include: history, literature, polar exploration and the novels of Patrick O'Brian.

Sarah Killick- Parent Governor

Over the years my children have been attending the school site since 2009, and I still have children at the Bishops. I have lived in the community for over 40 years 

Since I’ve become a reading volunteer and supported the school through my church work. I now feel interested and excited to support the school with my parent voice and that of the community. I can clearly see the changes in behaviour and how children are learning in class happily and only move around the school with their lanyards.

I am nervous but excited to learn more about how the children needs are supported and every child is given every chance. I have had some chances to speak to visitors when they come into the school and would like to carry on helping the school and showing all what we are doing.
 

I will need to grow my confidence in the role. I am nervous but want to work hard in understanding what is needed and will talk to all. 

Jessica Woolner - Staff Governor

I am excited to be staff governor at The Bishops, bringing with me a wealth of experience as both a staff governor and in previous leadership roles. My journey in education has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of school governance and its vital role in creating a thriving learning environment.

In my previous role as a staff governor, I was actively involved in strategic discussions, policy development, and curriculum oversight. I took pride in ensuring that the voices of both staff and students were integrated into our decision-making processes, fostering å sense of ownership and engagement.

My previous leadership experience has helped me develop strong skills that enabled me to navigate complex challenges while maintaining a focus on student success. I prioritised building a culture of inclusivity and transparency.

As a staff governor, I will serve as a dedicated representative for my colleagues, actively seeking their input and reflecting their viewpoints in governance discussions. I will ensure that staff concerns, ideas, and suggestions are brought to the forefront, fostering a strong connection between staff and the governing body. By creating structured opportunities for dialogue, I aim to cultivate a sense of unity and purpose within our school.

I believe that effective governance is rooted in open communication and shared objectives. I am passionate about enhancing teaching practices and improving student outcomes. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to The Bishops' mission and support the academic and personal growth of every student.

Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust

Easton House 109 Dereham Road
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Telephone: 01603 882329