Kingsacre Primary School

Mark Cann - Chair, Co-Opted Governor, Finance Lead

Mark is a retired teacher, living in the local area. He has 16 years of experience as a staff governor in other settings. He became our Chair in February 2024 and brings with him a vast amount of experience of chairing through his work on various committees and groups in the local community.

Claire Cole - Headteacher, attends all relevant board meetings and committees

Sheila Bloomfield – Co-Opted, Safeguarding Governor, Children in Care Governor, SEND Governor Member of the HT Appraisal Panel

We have lived in Devon since 1973, and in Northam from 1980. Our daughter attended both Northam schools and Bideford College.

In addition to serving as Safeguarding Governor at Kingsacre, I have served as a governor at Bideford College since 1987 when elected as a Parent Governor. I have held various posts, including Chair of Governors and Vice-Chair, and have seen many changes such as the construction of the new building and joining the Launceston MAT in March 2016. I am currently Vice Chair  Safeguarding and SEND  governor.

I have also been a governor at St. George's School since 1995; this experience allowed me to take on the role of Trustee of the Atlantic Coast Co-operative Trust, including the Federation of Northam Schools  since 2015. I was a Councillor from 1995 - 2003 and was Deputy Mayor 2002-2003.  I served on the Devon Advisory Committee for JPs from 1999 - 2007.

I was diagnosed with MS in 1978 and later undertook an Open University degree which allowed me to represent disadvantaged students for the South West with the various requirements of support needed.

We have lived in Devon since 1973, and in Northam from 1980. Our daughter attended both Northam schools and Bideford College.

Helen Potter – Foundation

Helen has served on the board for many years as a prent governor, coopted and now foundation governor. She has worked in a variety of educational settings and roles in primary, secondary and higher education.  She is currently a teaching assistant and mental health champion at Kingsacre. 

Jason Pincombe  - Parent, Lead Governor for Health & Safety

Jason is currently the Managing Director of a door manufacturing company and have worked in the construction industry all my working life. As a business leader he brings a broad range of skills from developing strategic business plans, coaching, finance and health and safety. 

Matt Connell – Staff Governor

Matt has been teaching since 2002 and joined Kingsacre in 2015 as Deputy Head. He feels privileged to be part of such a vibrant and dedicated staff team as well as a caring school community, leading maths across the school as well as teaching year 5.

Lucy Sumner - Co-Opted Governor

Lucy brings with her experience as a teaching assistant at a local secondary school and here at Kingsacre. She is an active member of our PTA .

Karen Gauson, Coopted Governor

Karen is a member of the local community in Braunton. She brings with her teaching experience and currently works as a supply teacher in the local area.

Kim Seybold, Parent Governor

Kim is an elected parent governor. She brings with her experience in the education sector.

Gary Smith, Parent Governor

Gary is an elected parent governor. He has previous experience of serving as a governor in the local area and has experience in school administration in the local area.

Emma Tanton - Parent Governor 

Natalie Stanbury – Clerk to Governors

As Clerk, Natalie is the “Governance Professional” on the board. This entails administrative tasks such as drafting agendas and taking minutes as well as providing advice and guidance to the board, ensuring we are compliant within our statutory duties and facilitating strong governance. She is usually the first point of contact for anybody wishing to communicate with the board.