C Crawford - Chair of Governors (Parent Governor)

I have two children at Stratton and therefore a significant interest in ensuring that Stratton is a great school. I am keen to ensure the children become lifelong learners, are able to achieve to the best of their abilities and are happy and confident. 

I believe that my skills bring a fresh perspective to the school. I work within an accreditation system that ensures continuous improvement which I am heavily involved in, and I believe that similar continuous improvement should run through the school.

I have two children at Stratton and therefore a significant interest in ensuring that Stratton is a great school. I am keen to ensure the children become lifelong learners, are able to achieve to the best of their abilities and are happy and confident. 

Hilary Tippett - Vice Chair (Parent Governor)

I value the opportunity to play a role in helping Stratton school provide a great education for our children. I was inspired to become a Governor because as a parent of two children at Stratton school, I was impressed by all the hard work which goes into providing the supportive, nurturing environment that Stratton offers our children. I believe passionately that children can only learn if they are supported both emotionally and socially and I am proud of all that Stratton school does to make it such an inclusive school for our children.  

In my day job as Head of Legal for the National Trust, I am often dealing with challenging situations. I have experience in working with charity trustees so I am used to dealing with people who oversee the running of an organisation. In the four years since becoming a Governor, I have demonstrated the ability to provide both support and challenge to senior leaders. I enjoy playing a full part in all aspects of the school’s governance.

Head Teacher - Mrs Ceris Towler

Rev. David Minns- Foundation Governor

I moved to Stratton at the beginning of 2017 as Rector of the Churn Valley and I am a Foundation Governor at the school.

I was Ordained Priest 22 years ago. I have been governor at 3 schools before and was a member of Guildford Diocese’s Board of Education before moving here. I enjoy working leading collective worship in the school and finding creative ways to access the wisdom and love of God for the children.

I see the school as an important part of the community, equipping our children to live the fullest possible life.

Barbara Cartwright- Staff Governor

I have been part of the team at Stratton C of E Primary School for seven years.  I am currently a teacher in Class 6 and subject lead for Reading and French.  I am excited to be part of the Governing Body and to have the opportunity to help shape and continue to strengthen our school and community.

I have a degree in French with Politics from Newcastle University and qualified as a teacher in London.  My husband and I moved to Cirencester 16 years ago and we now have two school aged children.  Outside of school, I like to read and go to the gym.

Susan Hudson - Foundation Governor

I have lived in Cirencester for twenty-eight years and my background is in property with a degree in Estate Management. I later qualified as a teacher and have taught in local primary schools for twenty-four years. I was a Governor at my daughter's school some years ago. Having recently retired from the classroom, I now work with accounts and do some voluntary work. I have been invited to join the Governing body by the church, and I look forward to supporting the school in providing opportunities for all the children to achieve their best.

Craig Collins - Parent Governor

I have lived in Cirencester since 2007 and my daughter started at Stratton school in 2019.  I work as a control systems engineer in the electricity supply industry with no career background in education.  However, my wife teaches locally, so education is always a topic for discussion at home!  I am looking forward to learning more about primary education and the mechanisms which exist to ensure that all children thrive at Stratton school. 

Alison Hiscock - Co-Opted Governor

Having 4 school aged children, I am a busy full-time mum living in Stratton. Throughout the children’s time in education in several schools I have gained valuable insight and knowledge of the system. I believe that all children should have access to a good local school where they can achieve their full potential and am excited about having the opportunity to be part of the Governing Body. My background is in investment banking after obtaining a degree in Mathematics and a PhD in Theoretical Physics. I enjoy reading, running, gardening, dog walks and spending time together as a family. 

Danielle Boucher - Parent Governor

I am excited at the opportunity to support the school in a Governor role. I am a teacher of Physical Education for 14 years and currently Assistant Head Teacher at an all-through Academy in Wiltshire. I am committed to raising standards within education, supporting aspirations and driving Improvement to help create the right environment and culture where pupils can thrive and maximise their potential.

I have lived in Cirencester all of my life and lived in Stratton for 6 years now. My daughter has recently started in Reception at Stratton School and I look forward to helping the school to build on the recent ‘Good’ Ofsted rating. 

Helen Lavis - LA Governor

I live in Stratton and have three children who all attend Stratton Primary School. I am so pleased to be able to take on the role as a school governor to help support and give something back to a school that has helped all my children flourish. 

As a primary teacher myself,  I have worked in four different schools, ranging in a number of different ways from size to location, and served on three other school governing bodies as a staff governor.  I feel that this experience and understanding of the day-to-day life of a school, as well as the primary curriculum,  will empower me in this role to support and help further develop Stratton School as it continues to offer all the children who attend a high-quality education.

Nigel Cox - Co-Opted Governor 

Now retired, I had a career in Human Resources working in the United Kingdom and around the world, yet I always also retained a huge interest in education. I even trained as a teacher before moving into business. The importance of good education experiences for the young as a foundation for lifelong learning has inspired me as a professional and as a parent. It was a natural move for me, when I had the time, to look for the opportunity to be a school governor. My first role was at a secondary school in Swindon. I was part of the team that worked to transform that school. We helped improve learning outcomes for children while making sure the school was a safe place for them to be. I was also involved as the school made the transition to becoming part of a well-respected multi academy trust.

Over the years I have been able to draw on the experiences of my own children and grandchildren to keep me informed about current issues at primary school level. When the opportunity arose, I was very pleased to be able to join the team here at Stratton Church of England Primary School. To me it is very important that schools respond to the needs of every child as an individual. My introduction to this school has convinced me that it is one whose leaders and governors share that perspective. We all see education as a foundation for lifelong learning. Staff at the school show every day they have a desire to ensure children from all backgrounds make the best progress they can. The school has real challenges to navigate over the next few years. As they navigate those challenges, I am confident the team here wants to inspire and create futures for every student. I want to be here as a governor to help the school team achieve that objective.

Maggie Halsey - Associate Member

Christine Moore - Associate Member

I retired as a Headteacher in 2019, having spent 45 enjoyable, rewarding years in education. As an associate Governor, it is a privilege to support Stratton Primary School, where each child is valued, developing their self esteem and love of learning within a supportive, caring environment.

I live locally in Stratton. One of my grandchildren attends this school, and another will start next academic year.