Byron Preece 

For approaching three years I have had the privilege of being Chair of Governors after previously being a Governor at Gorsemoor for 13 years alongside a similar role at Erasmus Darwin Academy, Chasetown for six years. Both roles have given me a range of experience in how differently primary and secondary schools operate on a daily basis and, also in relation to local authority control and academisation. I am happily retired but during my career in Finance, I have enjoyed roles as a Financial Accountant and Group Treasurer for a multi-national company. Although retired I somehow appear to be busier now than when I was in full employment, but my wife probably has something to do with that. Retirement has allowed me the time to tick off items on my bucket list re travel and attending sporting events. 

Darren Duffy 

My name is Darren Duffy and am Vice-chair of the Governing board here at Gorsemoor Primary School, I have a wealth of experience in Education and School Leadership in the local area.  My current professional role is an Assistant Headteacher in a local Secondary School with responsibility for Teaching, Learning and Assessment, Attainment and Progress at GCSE and Curriculum and timetabling.  I started my career in 2002 at a School in Walsall as a mathematics teacher, then progressed up to head of mathematics and have been involved in Whole-School leadership since 2017.  I hope my skill-set and experience in School leadership can bring something valuable to the board here at Gorsemoor. I have two girls currently on roll at Gorsemoor and am fully committed to ensuring not only my girls, but all your children get the best experience possible here at Gorsemoor.  I look forward to working closely with the current leadership of the school in my role Vice Chair of Governors.

Karen Fraser 

I am a co-opted Governor with a background in education, particularly science and IT. I have been involved in various roles at school since my children attended; volunteer classroom helper, PTFA member, Governor (initially as a parent) and teaching assistant/librarian/webmaster. 

I have always enjoyed being a Governor as it gives a fascinating insight into the way a school is run but is more work than many people realise, with increasing challenges and responsibilities. 

I am now retired but continue to be involved in primary science assessment work with NFER. I don’t have much spare time, but when I’m not looking after grandchildren, I enjoy gardening, DIY and crosswords.

Andy Hutchins

I have been a Parent Governor at Gorsemoor since 2015 with both of my daughters thriving at the school.

Professionally I have worked in Finance for over twenty years and am qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant. The majority of my career has been spent with my current employer, a global security products manufacturer in the West Midlands. My role as UK Financial Reporting Manager includes responsibility for the company's financial planning and budgetary control which are skills that I bring to the already highly skilled and devoted team of Governors and Staff at Gorsemoor. Outside of work I am first and foremost a devoted Father but I also play the drums and am an avid collector of vinyl records. In earlier years I played tennis representing many of our local club teams and still have a love for the sport but these days you are more likely to see me walking or mountain biking at Cannock Chase.

Lauren Smith

I was born and raised in nearby Walsall and joined the Gorsemoor governing board in September 2019 as a co-opted governor. I am a HR professional, with a background in the recruitment and financial services industries, and have a keen interest in education and training. In my current role, I work with senior leaders on a range of HR and People topics including Performance Management, Wellbeing and Diversity and Inclusion- expertise that I can add to the existing experience and skillset of the governing board. I look forward to working with the governors to ensure that the school provides high quality education and opportunities for all of the children at Gorsemoor.

Joanne Skitt

 

 

Emma Wilson

I am very proud  to obtain the role of staff governor at Gorsemoor. I have worked within education for over 15 years. I am currently a Teaching Assistant in KS2 and have gained the experience of working throughout the school. Gorsemoor has been a part of my life for many years since I attended as a young child and then had the pleasure of watching my daughter learn and thrive within the Gorsemoor community. 

I believe strongly in the ethos and visions at Gorsemoor and I am committed to supporting it as a staff member and Governor. 

I have a passion for supporting each individual child with their well-being and learning in school and in a morning you will find me balancing, jumping and crawling through our sensory circuits session. 

In my spare time I am a volunteer Brownie leader and enjoy spending time with my family. Myself, husband and daughter are often found with our animals in the great outdoors.

 

Lucy France