Governors
Welcome to our Governors’ section.
What is a School's Governing Board and what do they do?
The Governing Board is the school’s legally accountable body and works together to provide independent oversight of the management and operation of a school with the aim of improving the quality of education provided and raising standards. A school's Governing Board does not run the school on a day-to-day basis as this is the job of the Headteacher and staff.
There are three main roles of a Governing Board -
· Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction: Governance boards are the key strategic decision-making body in every school and it is the job of the board to set the school’s strategic framework and make sure that it meets all statutory duties.
· Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils;
· Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.
More information on the role of the governors board can be found here.
The Governing Board at Oake, Bradford and Nynehead (VC) Primary School
The Governing Board is made up of a group of volunteers who, each with their own skills and strengths, have the common aim to ensure all children at Oake Bradford & Nynehead CofE (VC) Primary School receive the best education and personal development opportunities that they can whilst at the school. In a maintained school the board must be made up of a minimum of seven governors. Further details on the legal structure of a governing board can be found here
The Governing Board at OBN currently consists of:
- · 4 Co-opted governors – appointed by the Governing Board
- · 1 Headteacher
- · 1 Local authority governor – nominated by the local authority
- · 2 Parent governors – elected by other parents
- · 1 Staff governors – elected by their colleagues -
- · 2 Foundation Governors – 1 Foundation Governor appointed by the Bath and Wells Diocesan Board of Education on a joint nomination from Bradford on Tone Parochial Church Council, Nynehead Parochial Church Council and Oake Parochial Church Council
1 Foundation Governor ex-officio: The Principal Officiating Minister from either the Benefice of Bradford on Tone and Nynehead, or the Benefice of Deane Vale
- Clerk to Governors (clerk@obnprimary.co.uk) and will be happy to help should you wish to contact one of our governors. Our Clerk is Mrs Jean Sharp.
Vacancies
We have a vacancy for 1 Parent governor, 1 Foundation governor and a Staff governor.
If you are interested in joining our Governing body please contact the Chair of Governors for more information via the Clerk, Mrs Jean Sharp (clerk@obnprimary.co.uk)
Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.
Governing Body
FGB Meetings 2025 - 2026
Tuesday 30 th September 25
Tuesday 4th November 25
Tuesday 20th January 26
Tuesday 10th February 26 (Extraordinary)
Tuesday 3rd March 26
Tuesday 28th April 26
Tuesday 14th July 26
For copies of our minutes please contact our Clerk of governors.
Meet Our Governors
My name is Gwynfor Jones and I am the Chair of Governors. I am a co-opted governor and I was elected onto the governing board in March 21 and was elected Chair in October 23. I believe primary schools play a vital role in laying the foundations for educational and social development of future generations. My aim is to ensure that all children are able to benefit from their time at OBN and that the school is continuously challenging itself to improve and prosper.
My name is Julia Ridge and my career has been in education and community work with Somerset Council, leading the rebuilding of five Bridgwater schools and collaborating with health and leisure groups. My work has supported social mobility in rural areas and vulnerable learners. I have contributed to local projects like the village shop and Wivey Foods during Covid. Living in Hillcommon since 1994, I value our community and, as a school governor, am dedicated to building strong ties with Oake, Bradford, Nynehead, Hillfarrance and Heathfield communities through regular updates and engagement.
My name is Sue Gregory and I have lived in Oake for almost 20 years. I have two sons who are both post-graduates and now working in London. My husband and I have both had careers in education. I have taught in primary schools in the local area for the last 35 years, taking on many roles and responsibilities alongside my class teaching. I regularly attend a local church and will provide a link with Suzy Kirkham, the vicar of our parish.
My name is Nina Greenstone-Jordan. I have been a primary teacher and senior leader for over 20 years and recently spent a term teaching Year 5 and 6 at Oake Bradford and Nynehead, shortly after my family relocated to Taunton from Maidenhead in April 2025. I have particular experience in Inclusion and Special Educational Needs and am passionate about ensuring that all children receive a high-quality education, suited to their individual needs. I am excited at the opportunity to continue to work with the wonderful Oake, Bradford and Nynehead pupils, teachers and community.
Governing Board Diversity Data
As a school we recognise that a diversity of thought, voices and perspectives is essential to good governance and the effective running of any organisation. We regularly collect diversity information from our governors and, depending on current data, can use this to:
• target recruitment to address gaps in experience and diversity
• develop and adapt board practices to ensure full participation
• prioritise training and awareness-raising in identified areas
• address potential ‘blind spots’ through seeking wider advice and perspectives on current and upcoming opportunities, challenges and risks
However, we are unable to publish this information as it would mean that individual members of our governing body are identifiable.
Financial Information
Please note that we do not have any employees with a gross annual salary of more than £100,000.
Please Click Here to view our school's financial data.