Meet the Governors

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.

There are currently 13 members on the Governing Body. We currently have a vacancy for a foundation governor.

Should you wish to contact the Chair of Governors you may write to them via the school office or email chair@stleonardslower.co.uk

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.

Mr Simon Longstaffe, Vice Chair

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 2014 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.

Mrs Sally Buttery

Sally Buttery was appointed as a Foundation Governor in 2016 by the PCC of St Leonard's Church and is a regular and active member of St Leonard’s congregation. Sally is an independent business consultant and is a volunteer business consultant for Cranfield University Trust,  supporting charities in Bedfordshire to set out strategies and policies for growth.

Corinna was elected to the governing body by St Leonard's Church Parish Council in January 2019. 

Corinna has a BA (Hons) in sculpture, MA in Museum & Gallery Management, and is completing a BSc in Biological Sciences.  During her career she has worked in various museums and commercial art galleries, many of which were scientific. Corinna then worked in the Queen Square Brain Bank as a lab assistant, before having children. Since then she has acted as the Chair of Heath Barn Preschool and is currently the Parish Administrator for St Leonards Church. Corinna has her own bouncy castle micro business, and has just taken on the role of Hockliffe Parish and Cemetery Clerk.

Corinna lives in Heath and Reach with her partner Mark Thomas, who is a Professor of Evolutionary Genetics at UCL. She has two daughters who currently attend St Leonard's Lower.  

Mrs Caroline Versallion

Caroline Versallion is an LA representative on the Governing body. She was re-elected in 2017. Caroline has four boys, who have all attended St Leonard's. Caroline has a degree in fashion, she previously ran her own couture wedding dress business.

Mr Steve Barrett

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 2018-19