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Our Governors

 

Ben Yearsley

Parent Governor and Chair of the Governing Committee

I have lived in Long Ashton since 2010 but grew up in Yatton and went to Yatton Junior school, followed by Backwell Secondary. Now I have a daughter at Flax, that’s three LSP schools I have a connection to!

I’ve spent over 25 years working in finance, looking after other people’s money and being a talking head in the financial pages, as well as many other senior management roles.

Without now having the constraints of a 9-5 job I considered doing some kind of charity or voluntary role so when the LGB advertised for three parent governors it seemed an ideal opportunity, despite having no background in education. However, I believe a successful board should have a broad mix of experience from both within education and without and from the public and private sector.

When I do have spare time, I love watching cricket (Gloucestershire fan), football (Liverpool fan and Bristol City Women) and pretty much any kind of sport.

Parent Governor from 01/01/2022 to 31/12/2025

Kirsten Cunningham

Parent Governor and Co-Vice Chair of Local Governing Committee

I have a child at Flax and another child who loved being at Flax and is now in secondary education. I am a part time Assistant Head teacher of a large Bristol primary school and wanted to 'give something back' to Flax after acknowledging all that Flax has given my two children.  Whilst hopefully bringing expertise and knowledge of education to my role as a Governor, I recognise that a Governor role is strategic - not operational and I have really enjoyed learning about a school from another perspective. 

When not teaching, I am busy working as a freelance education music consultant, supporting schools in musical opportunities,  and writing the new iteration of the National Oak Academy Primary Music curriculum. Out of school I enjoy making music, climbing and going on family holidays.

Parent Governor from 01/01/2022 to 31/12/2025

Ann Parkinson

Appointed Governor, Co-Vice Chair and Safeguarding Governor

I have lived in Flax Bourton and Barrow Gurney for 30 years with my husband and been active in the local community during that time.

Prior to part time retirement, I have taught MBA and Doctoral business school students, have worked as an HR and change management consultant and taught as a primary school teacher and an art (ceramics) teacher at secondary school.

My interests include singing in choirs, tai chi and walking as well as interests in cinema, music, theatre, ballet, opera, literature and tennis.

Appointed Governor from 21/10/2023 to 20/10/2027

Steve Lung

Head Teacher

Ex officio

Alison Calder

Appointed Governor

I live locally and am mum to 2 Flax school alumni. I have 25 years’ experience in leading change management departments and strategic transformation initiatives within financial services both in the UK and the Middle East.

I am a strong proponent of holistic education opportunities including music, drama and sport, as well as financial education from an early age. I am passionate about creating an environment in Flax where every child can reach their potential.

My hobbies include travel, singing (with local acapella group, The Flax Barberettes) theatre, and spending time with family and friends.

Appointed Governor from 01/01/2024 to 31/12/2027

Henry Crosby

Elected Parent Governor

I am a CEO of a technology firm and have taught and tutored Maths to both adults and children at a University and privately. I have two children (one of whom is currently at Flax) and am a big advocate for Flax Bourton school. I particularly enjoy the fun, and respect that the students, staff and parents embrace in the school.

Parent Governor from 01/01/2024 to 31/12/2027

Rachel Fardy

Elected Parent Governor

I am a qualified teacher with a background in Chemistry but now own an Adventure Babies Franchise. I have a strong interest in Early Years but also have a passion for all things science, nature and animals.

I have two children one of whom is currently at Flax. I enjoy local countryside walks especially with my dog, Monty and the theatre, particularly musicals.

Parent Governor from 01/01/2024 to 31/12/2027

Emma Francis

Foundation Governor  

I am a qualified Actuary with a background in life insurance and currently work as an actuarial tutor, teaching small groups of young professionals as well as creating student guides and teaching aids.

I strongly believe in the core ethical values of the school and as a governor, want to ensure the school lives by these which I believe will help the pupils thrive. I also hope to bring my people skills and background in education to help the school succeed.

I have two young children, one of whom attends Flax, and a newly acquired hamster called Bobby. I live in Flax Bourton and can be regularly seen on my morning run round the adjoining hills and fields. I can also be heard singing as part of the acapella group The Flax Barbarettes who regularly perform around the local area.  I attend church services in Flax Bourton church.

Foundation Governor from 01/09/2023 to 31/08/2027

Tracey Harper

Staff Governor from 13/10/2023 to 12/10/2027

Rev James Harris

Foundation Governor from 01/01/2024 to 31/12/2027

Vivien Radford

Foundation Governor

I work for Network Rail as a Mobile Operations Manager.

I have lived in Flax Bourton for 22 years, with my husband. I am also the PCC treasurer for Barrow Gurney and Flax Bourton churches and (sometimes) enjoy being a season ticket holder at Bristol City FC and WFC. I can often be seen out and about with my young spaniel ‘Charlie’.

Foundation Governor from 01/10/2021 to 30/09/2025

Henry Rossiter

Appointed Governor

I am the Business Director for Belmont Estate. In this role, I looks after the corporate partnerships, sell natural capital and look for opportunities to expand the nature restoration and community engagement mission of the estate.

I live on the estate with my cocker spaniel (Olive) and can often be found walking around the wetland project. I can also sometimes be seen in the skies flying the Belmont hot air balloon over Bristol.

Appointed Governor from 01/09/2023 to 31/08/2027

Clerk to Governors

Amy Broyd