Welcome to our Governors' section.

The Governors of St. Leonard’s Lower School play an important role and are fully involved in the life of the school, helping to set the school's vision and aims and ensuring accountability.  Our Governors are a committed group of elected and co-opted volunteers who help the school provide the best possible education for its pupils.

The Governing Body meets at least once each term.  Minutes of recent meetings of the Governors are available from the school office.

At full capacity there are 12 members on the Governing Body. We currently have vacancies for a local authority governor and a co-opted governor.

Should you wish to contact the Chair of Governors, Lauren Suffling, please do so in writing via the school office or via email chair@stleonardslower.co.uk

Mrs Lauren Suffling, Chair of Governors

Lauren has previously spent over 10 years working in the police force and now works at a local secondary school. She has worked in the attendance department and now as an inclusion manager. Lauren is passionate about supporting young people and is keen to help in the school's success. Lauren has two sons at St Leonard's Lower. She was elected Chair of Governors in September 2023. 

Mr Alan Gomersall, Vice Chair of Governors

Alan joined the governing body as a Foundation Governor in 2004 and shortly after took over as Chair. He is a Mechanical Engineer and Visiting Research Fellow at King’s College London. Alan has a keen interest in the environmental subjects in the curriculum. Alan stood down from being the Chair of Governors in September 2022 after over 10 years of service in this role. He is committed to remaining a Governor of St Leonard's Lower and will be working alongside the new chair to support her in this role. 

Rev’d Noel McGeeney (ex-officio)

Revd. Noel McGeeney is an ex officio member of the Governing Body as vicar of St Leonard’s Parish Church.

Noel delivers Collective Worship weekly at school; he has also participated in RE lessons and accompanied children on faith tours. As a vicar and pastor he enjoys being a resource and support to the teachers, staff and the Governing Body.

Mrs Margaret Smithers

Margaret Smithers has been a governor for many years. She was re-appointed in 2021 by the PCC. Margaret’s three children previously attended St. Leonard’s Lower. She originally worked in a large financial company as a personnel manager. She re-trained when her children were young and is now the Pre-School Manager and trained Early Years teacher at Heath Barn Pre School.

Mrs Stephanie King

Since graduating from Warwick University Steph pursued a career in PR in the fields of education and HR and she is currently a director of a niche PR consultancy. As the daughter of professional educators, and a parent at school, she is keen to bring her skills to support St Leonard's in providing a first rate academic, ethical and moral education for its pupils. 

Mrs Theresa Allen

Theresa worked for 12 years in the railway industry in various roles (booking office clerk, duty train crew manager) before having children. She has one child currently at St Leonard's Lower School and another child who previously attended. Theresa is trained as an Early Years level 3 educator. She works as a teaching assistant for SEND pupils at a local lower school. 

Mr Samuel Davies

Sam is an alumnus of St Leonard’s VA Lower School and father to a son who attends the school.

Sam has extensive experience in governance, strategic planning, and project finance. Both he and his wife work in the third sector, with specific interest in developing social good projects and supporting people across a wide range of social challenges. As part of his work, he helps others to see the underlying need for cultivating good habits, strong belief in the good that can be done when working together, and an environment which nurtures inclusivity and a growth mindset.

Mrs Rebecca Moroney

Rebecca is a committed Christian and is interested in supporting the Christian values and ethos of the school.

As a Speech & Language Therapist, with years of experience working with pre-school and school-aged children, many with additional needs, Rebecca has a wealth of knowledge and experience and a passion to make a difference to the lives and education of the children at St. Leonard’s.

Dr Torgyn Erland

Torgyn is enthusiastic to be part of our school governing body and looks forward to supporting new generations of pupils at the onset of their educational journey. Torgyn brings skills and knowledge developed as a STEM Ambassador, former member of Warwick University's pastoral and academic community, and, more recently, as a Strategy & Technology Consultant serving a range of private- and public- sector organisations.

Mrs Siobhan Ryan 

Siobhan has been a teacher at St Leonard's for 18 years. She is also the senior teacher at school and part of the school leadership team. Siobhan is proud to be serving on the governing body as a staff representative. She is also a member of the Curriculum and Standards Committee. Siobhan joined the governing body in September 2017. 

Mrs Sarah Bowley

Sarah Bowley has been Headteacher of the school since 2010. She is proud of the successes that the school has seen during her time as head. Sarah attends all governors meetings and is a member of all committees.  

Attendance at Governors Meetings 2022-23