Local Governance

Polperro Primary Academy and Looe Primary Academy have a joint Local Governing Body that oversees the strategic direction for both schools. The LGB also works closely with other Governing Bodies across Bridge Multi Academy Trust to strengthen good practice.

Offering Advice and Guidance

Our parent and community governors have a range of different backgrounds and experience and bring many beneficial perspectives to the life of the school.

The role of the Governing Body:

• Ensures clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
• Contributes to the school's self-evaluation and understands its strengths and weaknesses, including the impact of their own work
• Supports and strengthens the school leadership, including developing their own skills
• provides challenge and holds the Headteacher and other senior leaders to account for improving the quality of teaching, pupils' achievement and pupils' behaviour and safety, including using the data dashboard, other progress data, examination outcomes and test results
• Uses performance management systems to improve teaching, leadership and management
• Ensures solvency and probity and that the financial resources made available to the school are managed effectively
• Operates in such a way that statutory duties are met and priorities approved
• Engages with key stakeholders
• Uses the pupil premium and other resources to overcome barriers to learning, including reading, writing and mathematics.

The Governing Body meet at least once a half term and has a Chair, Vice Chair and various sub committees.

Meet the Governors

Name: Lucy Finnimore
Governor Type: Co-Opted Governor

Following college, where I gained 3 A levels, I went to University and gained a BSc degree with registered nurse qualification. I decided I then wanted to come back to my roots and start a family of my own here in Cornwall, as it is such a wonderful place for children to grow up.
I became a Governor in 2011 and took on the role of chair in 2012. I became a Governor because I am passionate about children’s education as well as local community. I also formed and run a local drama group aimed at 6 to 18year olds.

My current duties as Chair include making sure that meetings run efficiently and legally, as well as making sure each Governor can take part in the meeting.

Between meetings my role is to help prepare the agenda, deal with emergency situations, represent the School in discussions with parents, the Council and others. I also provide support for the Heads of School and help the governing body work as a team.

Name: Anthea Hillman
Governor Type: Co-Opted Governor

After graduating in French in 1989, I worked as a translator at the University of London before enjoying a career as General Manager of a Film and TV trade organization, working in London and Brussels. After moving back to Cornwall to bring up my 2 sons, I completed a PGCE at Marjon, teaching in France as part of it. At the same time, I became Chair of Governors of a local school. Since becoming a teacher I have led in many areas including: English, PE, healthy schools and MFL. As Head of School I aim to ensure that every child at Polperro Primary Academy has the opportunity to enjoy their school life and to achieve their maximum potential within a safe and supported, dynamic and whole child-centred environment

Name: Louise Gilbert
Governor Type: Co-Opted Governor

Having graduated with a degree in Politics and French, I completed my Post Graduate Certificate of Education through Exeter University and began my teaching career in 1997 in a large school in St Austell. During my time there I developed a love of literacy and led the subject across the school. My commitment to improving standards in Literacy led to a role as a Literacy Consultant with Cornwall Council where I provided support to schools across the County. I then went on to work across the South West supporting school improvement.

In recognition of my work, I was approached by Nelson Thornes Publishers to write a book which supported teachers in the planning and teaching of the English curriculum and another on developing speaking and listening skills.

After 4 years as a Headteacher in the locality, I became Area Executive Head for Bridge Schools with responsibility for schools in the South of our Multi-Academy Trust. I am committed to ensuring children receive high quality teaching and learning within a safe and welcoming environment and will continue to ensure we put children at the centre of everything we do.

Name: Helen Casson
Governor Type: Co-Opted Governor and safeguarding governor for the Academies

I taught for 11 years prior to moving to Looe in 2011 where I worked in a challenging inner London school as a member of the senior leadership team. I am currently Deputy Headteacher at Looe Community Academy. Some of my responsibilities include: Pastoral Support, SENCO, Designated Chid Protection Officer, SMSC and Pupil Premium Lead. I believe in excellence and equality for all and I particularly enjoy my role as pupil premium champion on the governing body.

Name: Janine Waring
Governor Type: Co-Opted Governor

I graduated with a BA (Hons) in Sports Studies in 1986 and went on to complete a Secondary PGCE in PE and History in 1988. I taught in a large challenging city school in Milton Keynes for 13 years, moving in to Senior Leadership as the Pastoral Lead of a large team, taking a keen interest in behaviour and the social and emotional development of young people to help them to succeed in all areas. With a key role for transition, I moved in to senior leadership in Bedfordshire in 2001 and took up my first headship of a large middle school in 2007. During this time, I became very involved in policy and practice and the beginning of Academy Trusts. As a result, I moved to Devon in 2013 as the CEO of a growing multi-academy trust which I grew from 2 to 14 schools. My passion for leadership and direct responsibility for the progress and achievement of children led me back in to headship at Looe Primary Academy in November 2017. I have a strong belief in values and a broad balanced and rounded education for our pupils; I strive through effective leadership to provide excellent teaching and learning for all pupils while at the same time helping them to be well-rounded citizens for the future. Looe Primary Academy is a wonderful school to lead.

Name: Dennis Humby
Governor Type: Co-Opted Governor

After college I began Teaching in a Primary School in Kent. Several years later I changed professions and moved to the Computer Industry, working in both the private and public sector. I stayed in the profession until my retirement.

The last ten years of work consisted in being the Web Master for Caradon District Council and responsible for the training of staff in all things 'computer' - both in how they work and how to use the many applications they had available.

Education has always been a keen interest and I offered my services as a Governor in the hope that they might be able to use my expertise. I now have the great pleasure of being the IT Governor at the school.

Name: Sheila Roberts
Governor Type: Co-Opted Governor

I initially volunteered in schools before moving onto the role of Teaching Assistant nearly 20 years ago. With no two days the same, I love to see the children grow in confidence as they move through the primary years ready for secondary school...although bumping into the same children as adults, reminds me just how long I've been here!

I took on the role of School Governor some 16 years ago because I wanted to be more involved in school life and the community and I have enjoyed acting as Chair for the Buildings Committee as well as taking responsibility for Health & Safety amongst other things. In my spare time I'm studying for a Diploma in Child Psychology, such is my continued fascination with child development, and, when I can, I enjoy walking, swimming and reading.