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

I volunteered as a parent governor when my children were at Kingsacre as, like many of us, I wanted to support the school and its community. Having now worked in education, in a variety of settings and roles, for 25 years I have developed a wide knowledge base.  My career started as a secondary school trained Geography teacher before moving on to teach ‘A’ level. For the past 7 years I have been a TA at Kingsacre, predominately working with children with SEND.  I have held various positions of responsibility in my previous employment and am currently the Emotional Health and Wellbeing Champion at Kingsacre.  I am now a co-opted member of the governing body. Although my children have left Kingsacre, it is a very special community and I will continue to be an honest, hardworking member of the team helping to drive Kingsacre forward.

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

I re-located from Kent to North Devon and joined Kingsacre as class teacher and Deputy Head in January 2015.  It is a role which I feel privileged to be in and be part of such a vibrant and dedicated staff team as well as a caring school community.  Before that I was a Deputy Headteacher in Kent for five years and have taught since 2002.  In my role at Kingsacre I am currently leading maths and assessment across the school.  To me, teaching is the best job in the world where every day is different and rewarding in so many ways.  It is such a pleasure to work with your children at our unique and fabulous school.

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.

Natalie Stanbury – Clerk to Governors

As Clerk, I act as 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. I am usually the first point of contact for anybody wishing to communicate with the board. I also clerk for West Berry Federation and I am a Chair of Governors at another primary school in Devon.