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 a vacancy for a foundation governor and a local authority governor.

Should you wish to contact the Chair of Governors, Alan Gomersall, please do so in writing via the school office.

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.

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 at Heath Barn Pre School.

Mr Steve Barrett

Dean joined as a Foundation Governor in February 2018 and has 2 children who have attended the school. He has served previously within church leadership and actively participated in running a church youth group. Dean manages a business unit within Microsoft that supports their enterprise customers within both the public and private sector.

James Newens currently has 3 daughters all of which have attended, or attend St Leonard's Lower.  James has been a Quantity Surveyor working for a main contractor in the Construction Industry for over 20 years, and has previous experience in School refurbishment projects. James lives in Heath and Reach with his wife Joanne, who is a Teaching assistant at the 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 Linda Page

Linda Page is a member of St Leonard's Church PCC.  She is now retired, although very busy with grandchildren and helping family. Linda has an interest in St Leonards School as she used to attend the school when it was in Woburn Road by the allotments, as did her sister and Grandfather in the early 20th century.  Linda's sisters children and grandchildren have also attended St Leonard's. Before Linda retired she worked at Barclays Bank and Leighton Buzzard Health Clinic, with Health Visitors and District Nurses. Linda is happy to be a Foundation Governor for what she describes as a 'lovely school'.

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. 

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. Sarah is a Central Bedfordshire Leader in

Education and has supported other Central Bedfordshire Lower Schools. 

Attendance at Governors Meetings 2021-22