Governors
Local Governing Board for the collaboration of East Harptree Church of England Primary School and Ubley Church of England Primary School
Members of the Local Governing Body are drawn from parents, school staff and the local community. They work with the school and The Lighthouse Schools Partnership to oversee the leadership of the school.
Local Governance Professional - Emily Dobbs
Who are our Governors?
Gill Stobart - Co-Chair of Governors and Safeguarding link Governor
I've lived in East Harptree for 40 years. Both my children went to East Harptree primary school and on to Chew Valley. I have been involved with educational governance for some years. My background is in retail management, then as a legal aid adviser and advice centre manager. I am a foundation governor, appointed by the Diocese – meaning that I have a particular interest in upholding the Christian values of the schools. I am a member of the local congregation, it's safeguarding officer and I edit the parish magazine. Over the years I have been involved with children's work in the parish. I'm honoured to be a governor at two such good schools. My girls both loved their time at East Harptree and still have friends they made there. They also left having an excellent early education - as well-rounded, caring, independent, inquisitive people with a lifelong love of learning; that is my ambition for all our children.
- Business and Pecuniary Interests: Corporate Member of Futura Trust
- Meeting Attendance 2025 - 2026: 100%
- Foundation Governor: 22nd August 2026 - 21st August 2023 (Second term of office)
Charlotte Seavill - Co-Chair of Governors
Charlotte is the Co-Chair of governors. Having worked in education for more than 15 years, Charlotte has specialised in trust governance and compliance and wants to support both schools and to serve their communities and give all children the best possible education and opportunities for the future.
- Business and Pecuniary Interests: None
- Meeting Attendance 2025 - 2026: 83%
- East Harptree Parent Governor: 24th January 2025 - 24th January 2029
Lynette Banks
As a Staff Governor, I bring a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to our school community. I am the Collaboration Deputy Head of both schools and have been a class teacher at East Harptree for 14 years. I lead Phonics and early reading and writing at KS1, as well as being Subject Lead for Religion and Worldviews. I am also Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and oversea our priority pupils, ensuring that every child is supported to thrive. I am passionate about working collaboratively with staff, governors and families and the wider school community to help provide the very best opportunities for all our children.
- Business and Pecuniary Interests: None
- Meeting Attendance 2025 - 2026: 100%
- Staff Governor: 2nd September 2024 - 1st September 2028
Bethany Hayler
I am a parent of three children attending East Harptree Primary School and have been an active volunteer within the school community for the past six years. I currently work for a property consultancy, providing strategy advice, due diligence services, and policy guidance. Previously, I had a background in law and the military, providing a broad range of skills and experience. I recognise the vital role that both schools play at the heart of the local community and am motivated to contribute by bringing both professional experience and valuable insights from a parent's perspective.
- Business and Pecuniary Interests: None
- Meeting Attendance 2025 - 2026: 67%
- East Harptree Parent Governor: 10th December 2024 - 9th December 2028
Natalie Barker
I am a parent governor and my eldest child attends Ubley Primary School. I have been a teacher for 13 years and a SENDCo for 10 years. I work in an inner-city Bristol primary school as a SENDCo and Vice Principal, as well as staff governor. I'm passionate about ensuring children have access to an education where they can thrive both emotionally and academically, despite any barriers.
- Business and Pecuniary Interests: SENDCo and Vice Principal of Bristol-based primary school
- Meeting Attendance 2025 - 2026: 60%
- Ubley Parent Governor: 21st November 2025 - 20th November 2029
Christie Peacock
- Business and Pecuniary Interests: None
- Meeting Attendance 2025 - 2026: 83%
- Foundation Governor: 16th September 2025 - 15th September 2029
Jason Tunney-Franks
- Business and Pecuniary Interests: None
- Meeting Attendance 2025 - 2026: 80%
- Ubley Parent Governor: 21st November 2025 - 20th November 2029
Jo Belbin
I am a Headteacher of a village primary school and have experience in education, with particular expertise in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Pupil Premium provision. Having grown up in the Chew Valley, I have strong family links to the area and an understanding of the local community. I am passionate about ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive and achieve their full potential.
- Business and Pecuniary Interests: None
- Meeting Attendance 2025 - 2026: 50%
- Co-opted Governor: 21st January 2026 - 20th January 2030
Resigned Members 2025 - 2026
Katrina Dykes - Foundation Governor - Resigned March 2026
Catherine Treble - Parent Governor - Resigned December 2025
Dr Reston Smith - Parent Governor - Resigned November 2025