Helen Reading – Chair of Governors and Foundation Governor

Helen was appointed Foundation Governor in 2015 and is now Chair of Governors and SEND and Safeguarding Governor.

Helen has previously been a Residential and Day Services Manager for Adults with Learning Disabilities both in the Charity and Local Authority sectors.

She and her husband were foster carers for several years before adopting their youngest son. She continues to use some of her time as a Parent/Carer Advocate.

Three of her five children have attended Coughton School and she is passionate about supporting the Staff Team to continue to provide an exemplary education for all children within the caring, happy and Christian community that makes Coughton the school it is.

Katie Hague - Parent Governor

Katie spent most of the decade prior to becoming a Mum working in Manchester at the HQ of the Co-operative Group leading a variety of environmental projects and later moving in to change management.  Upon having her first child Katie took a step back from corporate life and spent some time working as the Marketing Manager for Rhythm Time, a local pre-school music business.  Katie is now a freelance copywriter.  Katie hopes to use her corporate business skills to help guide and shape the strategic direction of the school whilst representing the views of the parent body.

Katie currently has two children at Coughton and is an active volunteer within the school.  Alongside her Parent Governor role she reads with Year 2 children every week, helps with the morning drop off system and is also on the PTA.  Katie is very enthused to maximise the time she gives back to the school community and is grateful for the education her children receive here, particularly in the support for her son who has SEN needs.

Sian Smith - Parent Governor

Siân is a former Coughton pupil, and now has two children who are happily settled within the school. She set up her online marketing business in 2014 and has a varied client base working with businesses in Warwickshire and across the UK. She is an active volunteer in the local community as a member (and co-founder) of Studley in Business, and a co-organiser of the Studley Christmas Market whilst supporting several other local groups and events. Siân is a member of the PTA and enjoys supporting events and activities to raise funds for the school. As a Parent Governor she is keen to utilise her experience and contacts within the corporate, public and community sectors to represent her fellow parents, whilst helping the school to build stronger links with the wider community.

Stuart Tilsley - Foundation Governor
Stuart was appointed a Foundation Governor in September 2015. He retired from full-time employment in 2014 and now runs a small consultancy business for General Medical practice. He has already attended a number of school assemblies and has been delighted to observe the caring and happy ethos of the school coupled with excellent educational standards. He hopes that his broad experience of both business and general medical practice will make a tiny contribution to the governance of the school.

Tess Baylis-Smith - Co-opted Governor

Tess Baylis-Smith is a Senior Lecturer in Primary Education at a University training, coaching and mentoring future Primary and Early Years teachers. As part of her role Tess works in Partnership with 100’s of Primary schools across the Midlands and has the opportunity to be part of and experience some excellent cutting-edge practice. Tess works closely with the Department for Education and as part of her role takes part in Education Research both nationally and internationally staying abreast of current and up to date policy, practice and findings. Prior to her role as a University Lecturer Tess worked as a Primary Teacher for 15 years in both Worcestershire and Warwickshire schools, as a Lead Teacher for Worcestershire LEA, as a member in school Senior Leadership Teams and as an ambassador for Primary STEM subjects. Tess has a daughter who started in the Reception class at Coughton Primary C of E in September 2022 and wants to give something back to a school that she believes is truly outstanding. She hopes that with her passion and enthusiasm for education she can support and challenge the school as they continue to grow, develop, and strive for the best.

Emma Hemming - Staff Governor

Previously managing a nursery and wrap around provision within the local area for 10 years meaning Emma had strong links to Coughton school. Emma has a knowledge of the EYFS and some experience with Key-stages 1 and 2. Over the years Emma has volunteered her time for forest school.

She joined Coughton in September 2020 to help set up a Wrap around provision.

Alex Kolb – Head of School and Staff Governor

Adam Walsh - CEO
Adam trained as a classical pianist before pursuing a career in teaching. He has taught in both primary and secondary phases of education and is an experienced school leader.  

What do school governors do?

• Promote high standards of educational attainment
• Set targets for pupil achievement
• Ensure the Christian ethos of the school is adhered to
• Take general responsibility for the conduct of the school
• Manage the school’s budget, including deciding on staff hours and their pay
• Make sure that the curriculum is balanced and broadly based, in particular, that the new National Curriculum and Religious Education are taught, and report on pupils’ achievement in National Curriculum assessments and examination results
• Participate in the appointment of senior staff (including appointing the Headteacher) and regulate staff conduct and discipline and
• Monitor the Rapid Action Plan (RAP)

Governing bodies are made up of:

• parents elected by other parents with children at the school
• people appointed by the local authority
• people are chosen by governors from the local community
• people appointed by the church
• the Headteacher
• teachers elected by other teachers
• non-teaching staff elected by other non-teaching staff

How does a governing body work?

A governing body:

• works closely with the Headteacher
• makes decisions collectively as a team
• often delegates decision making to committees or to individuals, for example, to the Headteacher
• conducts most of its business through meetings, making use of relevant papers and guidance, and advice from the Headteacher.

How do I become a school governor?

If you are interested in becoming a school governor and would like to discuss this further please contact:

Helen Reading

Chair of Governors

Via the school:

01789 762444

admin3021@welearn365.com