Our Governing Board consists of 12 members, including school staff, parents and representatives from the local community.

The Governing Body consists of:

2 Parent governors - elected by parents of the pupils

2 Staff governors including the headteacher - elected from the school staff including the headteacher

7 Co-opted Governors 

1 Local Authority Governor

What Do School Governors Do?

School governors are dedicated volunteers who help shape the strategic direction of the school. Working alongside school leaders, they set the vision, monitor progress, oversee finances, and ensure the well-being of all pupils. Governors do not manage the day-to-day running of the school; instead, they focus on long-term planning, high standards, and acting in the best interests of the whole school community.

Governors sit on the school’s governing board, which represents parents, staff, and the wider community. Roles vary—such as parent governors, staff governors, and co-opted governors.

Key Responsibilities of the Governing Board

1. Strategic Direction

Setting the school’s long-term vision, values, and priorities.

2. Accountability

Supporting and challenging the headteacher and senior leaders to ensure pupils receive a high-quality education.

3. Financial Oversight

Approving and monitoring the school budget to make sure funds are used effectively and responsibly.

4. Curriculum & Standards

Promoting high academic standards, securing a broad and balanced curriculum, and supporting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development.

5. Staffing

Appointing senior leaders—including the headteacher—and overseeing performance management processes.

6. Safeguarding

Making sure the school provides a safe environment where every child is protected and supported.

Governors take an active role in the school, not only attending meetings, but also school functions and undertaking visits to classrooms. 
 

All communication to go via the school please or email admin@priory.essex.sch.uk marked attention of CoG Michael Simmonds

 

Michael Simmonds – Chair - Co-opted Governor

Subject Responsibility: SEND, Mental Health & Wellbeing, Pupil Premium & LAC

I am a retired teacher with specialist experience in PE, Mathematics and SEND. Over the course of my career, I worked in two secondary schools, an outdoor education centre, and an outstanding special school, where I served as Deputy Headteacher for 20 years. I chose to join the governing body because both my children—and now my grandchildren—have attended Priory, and I wanted to use my experience to support the school and wider community. I have always had a passion for sport, having played football and later rugby, and I now enjoy cycling with a local village group.

 

Kerri Hutchines – Co Vice Chair - Co-opted Governor

Subject Responsibility: EYFS, Art & Design & Technology

I am a teacher at a local primary school with 16 years of experience, mainly in Early Years and Key Stage 1. As a member of the senior leadership team, I lead staff, implement and monitor teaching and learning strategies, and track pupil progress to support school improvement. I joined the governing body to support Priory Primary School on its improvement journey. As a village resident and parent of a child who attends Priory, I am fully invested in the school’s success and passionate about ensuring every child receives a high-quality education in a happy, supportive environment. I serve as Co-Vice Chair of the Governing Board. Governors help set the school’s strategic direction, oversee performance and finances, and hold leaders to account. As part of my role, I also monitor key areas including Art, Design and Technology, and EYFS . 

 

Avril Dewar – Co Vice Chair - Parent Governor

Subject Responsibility: Maths, PSHE, & RE

I have worked at Ford Motor Company in various roles in Manufacturing and Supply Chain for over twenty years, with my most recent position being a Buyer of IT Services.  My professional background means I have strong skills in communication, problem-solving and decision making and help me contribute confidently to strategic decisions within the school, offering constructive challenge where needed.  I aim to help drive improvement across the school, ensuring accountability and upholding the school’s vision and values.  I have a strong sense of responsibility and integrity towards the school, and I work positively with fellow governors and school leaders with a commitment to ensure the best outcomes for all pupils across the school.

As part of my governing responsibilities, I am the Link Governor for Maths and PHSE.  This involves building positive and trusting relationships with the Subject Lead teachers, engaging confidently with teaching staff and asking the right questions.  I always aim to provide support to the Subject Lead teachers and represent both subject areas clearly and accurately at Governor Board meetings. 

In my spare time I enjoy running, reading and travelling back to my hometown of Edinburgh.

 

Claire Laver - Headteacher

With a teaching career that began in 2002, I have spent over two decades dedicated to primary education and have served as a senior leader since 2012. My professional journey has taken me from the diverse and vibrant communities of Inner London to the East Riding of Yorkshire, and now to Essex, where I continue to champion high-quality education for all. I believe deeply in primary schools as places of opportunity—environments where barriers are removed, potential is nurtured, and every child is empowered to make strong progress. My leadership is rooted in the principle that learning should open doors and equip pupils with the knowledge, confidence and resilience they need for the next steps in their life journey.

At Priory, our vision of “Achieving our best; supporting and celebrating each other” sits at the heart of my leadership and is something I work hard to bring to life every day. A key part of this is the weekly whole-school assemblies I lead, where I focus on our core values of equality, integrity, aspiration, resilience, courage, positivity and cooperation. These assemblies allow me to model our values directly to the children and connect them to real experiences. Each value, closely aligned with our British Values, helps ensure that every child grows into a confident, respectful and responsible member of our community.

 

Tina Ring - Co-opted Governor

Subject Responsibility: PE, Science, Health & Safety & GDPR

I have been a member of the governing body since February 2021. Drawing on my legal background, I bring a strong understanding of compliance, governance and policy to my role. Since joining the board, I have contributed across a range of areas and previously served as Co‑Chair of Governors, a position that gave me valuable insight into the wider strategic direction of the school.

I currently hold responsibility for PE, Science, Health & Safety and GDPR. These roles allow me to combine my professional skills with my commitment to ensuring that children have a safe, inspiring and well‑rounded educational experience. I take particular pride in supporting the school’s approach to compliance and safeguarding, making sure our practices reflect both best standards and the needs of our community.

I live in the village and feel strongly rooted in the life of the school and its families. When I’m not involved in governor work, you will often find me out and about walking my dog, Max, across Priory Fields. Being part of the local area helps me stay connected to the community we serve, and it reinforces my commitment to contributing positively to the school’s future.

 

Vaida Gray - Staff Governor

I have worked in education for the past 10 years across a range of roles, giving me a strong understanding of the day-to-day operation of schools as well as the wider challenges they face. This experience has enabled me to develop clear insight into effectively supporting pupils, staff, and whole-school improvement.

I chose to join the governing body because I am passionate about making a positive contribution beyond my professional role and using my experience to support informed, strategic decision-making. I am committed to ensuring that children’s best interests remain central to all decisions and that the school continues to provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment in which all learners can thrive.

Alongside my professional experience, I have a strong commitment to community service. I previously served as a Community First Responder for Danbury, Bicknacre, and surrounding areas, and have also volunteered as a leader with the Danbury Cub Group, supporting young people’s development outside the classroom.

 

Sarah Wass - Co-opted Governor

Subject Responsibility: Safeguarding, Attendance, Music & Computing 

I have over ten years’ experience in Human Resources, working across a wide range of areas including learning and development, leadership development, performance management, talent management, organisational change and employee relations. Prior to working in HR, I spent several years teaching in further education and secondary settings, and also managed apprenticeship programmes for a professional football club.

I have lived in the village for around ten years and am married with two children, both of whom attend Priory.

 

Megan Tomlin - Co-opted Governor

Subject Responsibility: Phonics, Reading & Writing

I have over 12 years’ experience in education as both a classroom teacher and a leader. It is an honour to serve on the governing body of a school that holds a special place in my heart. I am passionate about ensuring that every child is supported to thrive, both academically and personally.

I have a particular interest in children’s mental health and wellbeing, recognising the vital role this plays in enabling pupils to flourish.

As a mum of two and a local resident, I feel strongly connected to our community. Outside of my professional role, I enjoy spending time with my children, walking my dog, and being actively involved in the local area.

Rebecca Murphy - Parent Governor

Subject Responsibility: Science, PE & Educational Visits

I became a school governor to contribute to the school in a practical and constructive way. I’ve worked in Finance for over 20 years in a range of roles, most recently focusing on process improvement at a global law firm, and I’m keen to use that experience to add value where I can.

I care deeply about giving every child the best possible start in life and believe strong schools are at the heart of thriving communities.