Meet our Governors

I initially became a parent governor when my daughter started at the school, but over time transitioned to be a foundation governor. I believe it is important for parents and members of the local community to actively monitor and support their local school. Primary (and secondary) education are a vital component to the growth of our children and something we must improve wherever possible for their best interests. This is not just the educational standards achieved, but also their involvement in sport, music, the arts and being aware of and contributing to their local community. Norton excels in the way it is inclusive of all aspects within our local community.

Governance roles in other schools - I am also a governor at a number of other schools. I recently retired having been previously employed by a large Academy Trust with schools in Gloucestershire and other counties. I had a business background in IT, finance and business management.

Business interests - None
Financial interests - None

Relationships - None

I am privileged to be appointed as an ex officio  governor while  the Seven Towers Benefice awaits the appointment of its new Priest-in-charge.  As a member of the Norton community for the last five years, I have witnessed the achievements of the School not only in its educational standards but in its focus on equipping the children with the skills for living a full and inclusive life and enabling  them be the best they can be  today, and in the future.  I look forward to supporting  and working alongside the governors  and the committed and enthusiastic  staff team on this journey

I am retired,  having had a career in executive and non executive roles in  Human Resource and Organisation Development in large private sector businesses and more recently in the voluntary sector with VSO,  a number of youth charities and the BMA.    

I am a mum to 4 children, 2 of whom attended Norton Primary School and 1 (Fionn Higgins) who works here. I have been a Governor for many years now, after I wanted to understand how decisions were made about running the school, what needed to be in the curriculum and how subjects were taught. I have a special interest in reading, writing and phonics, and meet regularly with staff to ask questions about how these core subjects are taught and progress recorded. Recently I took on the role of the link Governor for the SEND provision in the school, meeting regularly with Miss Mannings.

Outside of school. I work in a Community Learning Disabilities Team as an Occupational Therapist, and as a secretary for my husband's groundworks business. When not working I enjoy many activities including baking, dining out, walking, reading, watching quad biking, caravanning and looking after my grandson.

I would like the school to continue to achieve the recognition they deserve for all the hard work and dedication the staff put in every day. They are a fantastic team.

Business interests - None
Financial interests - None
Governance roles in other school - None
Relationships - Daughter employed by the school

Claire is an education professional who has built a career supporting schools through strong operational leadership and strategic management. Over 20 years, she has worked across a diverse range of educational environments, gaining insight into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by different types of schools.

Claire began developing her expertise while working in several maintained state schools as a School Business Manager, a role that placed her at the heart of school operations. Her work has spanned settings from an International School to a struggling Primary School requiring careful financial planning, organisational improvement, and strong community support. Through these roles she developed a reputation for bringing structure, efficiency, and stability to complex educational environments.

With a deep understanding of compliance, administration and operational strategy within education, Claire has helped schools strengthen their internal systems, improve resource management and create conditions that allow teachers to focus on delivering high quality education for pupils.

Today, Claire oversees operations within a large Foundation of Independent Schools and Nurseries, where she plays a key role in ensuring that multiple institutions run effectively and sustainably. Her work involves coordinating operational strategy, compliance, health & safety and supporting school leaders and helping schools collaborate more effectively within the wider foundation structure.

Claire’s career reflects a commitment to strengthening the operational backbone of education by combining practical management skills with a strong understanding of school communities.

I joined the governing board in 2021 as I am keen to contribute to the governance of the school, supporting the fantastic leadership team that Norton C of E have.

I currently have two children attending Norton who both started in Little Learners. In life beyond the village I work at Westonbirt Arboretum for the charity that supports conservation and education. I am a Business Psychologist by training and support organisations in understanding people better.

I've always got too many books on the go, listening to lots of different podcasts and am happiest while attempting to grow vegetables!

I joined the board of Norton governors in November 2023 and now have three children at the school.

I am the chair of the ethics and ethos committee, and I am keen to ensure that all children at the school have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and am pleased to be working alongside a strong and enthusiastic team of governors and staff to help achieve this at Norton

I joined Norton as a Parent Governor in 2023 where I have two daughters attending the school with a 3rd who will be attending little learners soon. The school is at the heart of the community here and I am keen to support the governance and growth of the school in whatever way I can both as a parent in the local community but also using my business experience. I am also a volunteer in Gloucestershire hospital in the newly established group SHED (Support and Help for Every Dad)

The school team are full of vision and strong values which creates a fantastic culture in the school providing the very best education they can. I am excited to be supporting the school on this journey enabling the very best of what the school can offer over the coming years and I am a member of the Resources and Compliance Committee.

I have been a HT at Norton for 10 years and I am proud to lead of such dedicated professionals. This year I have taken on Co-Chair of the Tewkesbury District Partnership which is large group of school who work together to ensure high quality educational provision in the area.

Business interests - None
Financial interests - None
Governance roles in other school - None
Relationships - None

I have been working at the school for seven years now and feel incredibly lucky to work at such an incredible place! I joined the school as the pre-school lead and then progressed to be a reception teacher. I am now teaching year 1 alongside my roles of Phonics lead, KS1 Reading lead and Deputy Safeguarding lead.

I have recently become a school Governor and am looking forward to working with other Governors to help with the progression and development of the school.

Business interests - None
Financial interests - None
Governance roles in other school - None
Relationships - None