Governor

Term of Office

Designation

Committee Membership and Role

Curriculum Link Governor Role

Mrs Lisa Vann

14.02.2019 - 13.02.2027

Co-opted

Chair of Governors

Appeals Committee

Reading, History and Geography

I am passionate about education and working to provide the best possible experience for children. I have over 20 years of experience in education and bring this to the High Oakham Primary School Governing Body. I believe that these experiences help me to support High Oakham to set school vision with the Governing Body team and support our school to achieve its goals. I understand the challenges and possibilities for High Oakham and am keen to support the children in my community to have the very best start to their education.

About me - I am a mum to two children, one currently at High Oakham and one at Brunts Academy. I enjoy spending my time with family and friends. I love travelling, visiting new and familiar places. A part of my heart is always in North Wales where I've had years of happy holidays with friends and our families. I enjoy supporting my children with their hobbies - this includes weekends and evenings at the football pitch or at dance studios including the Winter Gardens at Blackpool and Mansfield Palace theatre. To relax I enjoy spending time outdoors with my dog, Teddy.

Mr Jay Key

16.10.2021 - 15.10.2029

Co-opted

Joint Vice Chair of Governors

Chair of Finance and General Purposes Committee

Disciplinary Committee

Head Teacher Appraisal Governor

Health & Safety

Early Years

I became a Parent Governor about 10 years ago because I believe in education, especially in the early years, shaping children’s futures. Although my children have now left High Oakham Primary School, I have continued to serve as a Co-opted Governor. I am committed to improving outcomes for children.

About me - After leaving school, I studied landscape architecture and then pursued a lifelong passion for aviation. Becoming an amputee and losing my medical certification gave me more time to support the school.

Mrs Robana Hussain-Mills

12.10.2020 - 11.10.2028

Co-opted

Joint Vice Chair of Governors

Chair of Teaching & Learning Committee

Head Teacher Appraisal Governor

Wellbeing

SEND and Inclusion

I became a Governor because I have a strong commitment to improving outcomes not just for my own three children, but for all children regardless of background, attending High Oakham Primary School. In addition, it was also important to me to have that 'honest parent voice' heard at governor meetings - not all decisions are popular nor understood by many. I think we have an opportunity to continue to work together with parents/carers and wider partners in ensuring that any decisions made by the school or governors are clear, transparent and meaningful.        

About me - I am mum to Nyla, Nadine and Zara, who have been or are current pupils at the school. My working life involves working in front line services for the NHS and in more strategic roles, giving me the opportunity to improve outcomes for our most vulnerable citizens and improving the health or our population. My free time is mostly spent with my family and together we care for our two rescue dogs (Oscar & Theo) and rescue cat (Freddie). I also enjoy running, watching TV and baking.

Mrs J. H.

01.03.2019 - 28.02.2027

Co-opted

Appeals Committee

Appraisal Governor

Training Co-ordinator

Art & Design

Technology

Mrs Stephanie Astle

 01.01.2019 - present

Head Teacher

As the Headteacher of High Oakham Primary School, I work closely with the Governing Body in ensuring that we have a clear strategic direction and vision and that we endeavour to provide the best education for our children which surrounds them with aspiration, respect, kindness, nurture and stimulation. My dream is to work together to enable and empower children to become the best adults that they can be, so that they can contribute  and make a difference to the community, our country and the world!             

About me - I support the mighty Reds, enjoy eating all kinds of tasty food and taking time out in the great outdoors. My family are my all and we love to laugh (a lot), learn and live life to the full!

Mrs Niki Phillips

01.05.2015 -

26.01.2029

Staff

Data Protection & GDPR Governor

Attendance

I became a governor at High Oakham in 2015 and I have been teaching at the school since 2003. I first became a governor to have a greater understanding of how the school I love is run and to have input into its future. Now, it is my role to represent the thoughts and feelings of the amazing staff that work at our school.           

About me - In my spare time, I am a busy Mum, President of my local Women's Institute and Lego builder. It is Lego that takes me all over UK doing different shows, which I often help organise. If I am not building, reading or cuddling my two sons, I enjoy going off on wanders around Derbyshire.

Mrs Sarah Pothecary

26.11.2024 - 26.11.2028

Parent

Maths

I became a governor because I care deeply about High Oakham Primary School and the important role it plays in our children’s lives. As a parent, I’ve seen first-hand how supportive and welcoming the school is, and I want to help it continue to be a place where every child feels valued, encouraged, and able to thrive. Becoming a governor felt like the right way to support the school and contribute to its future. It also gives me the chance to bring a parent’s perspective into the conversations and decisions that shape our children’s experiences, and to make a positive difference for families and pupils alike.     

About me - Outside my role as a governor, life is happily busy with family, work, and the usual everyday chaos that comes with being a parent. I love spending time with my two children and being part of their adventures (even from the sidelines of a wet muddy football pitch). As a family, we love exploring new places and spending quality time together is something we all look forward to, whether it’s a day out, weekend away or getting snuggled up ready to watch a film. When I’m not in “parent mode”, I enjoy reading a good book and catching up with friends and family.

Mr Emmanuel Adgebite

20.05.2025 - 19.5.2029

Co-opted

Equality, Diversity, Inclusion

My name is Emmanuel Adegbite and I have 2 kids at High Oakham. I teach at the University in my day job and pleased to help out as an High Oakham governor in driving standards and positive experience for all pupils.

Mr Colin Huffen

20.05.2025 - 20.05.2028

Co-opted

Science and the Environment

Computing

Ms Elizabeth Ashraf

28.11.2025 - 27.11.2029

Parent

Mrs Tanya Wilson

28.11.2025 - 27.11.2029

Parent

SEND and Inclusion

Mrs Louise Stead

28.11.2025 - 27.11.2029

Parent

Safeguarding Governor

Being a school governor is something that is really important to me. High Oakham has given so much to my family and I want to be part of a team that ensures that it is recognised for all the wonderful opportunities it provides the children. I am not afraid to challenge something that I don’t believe is in the best interest of the children in the school. Education is facing it’s biggest challenges and a strong governing body needs to be there ensure that the leadership of the school is support and challenged in equal measure to ensure the very best outcomes. The leadership of the school has to make difficult choices and it is important that those decisions are overviewed carefully by individuals who are parents of children in the school along with individuals from the wider community.

About me - I have three children all of whom have either been or are currently pupils at High Oakham School. I have been connected to the school since 2013, but our family connection stems back to the 1980’s as my husband was a pupil at the school in its former role as a Middle School; High Oakham is very special to us as a whole family. I have a wide experience working in educational settings; Primary, Secondary and Specialist. Most recently I have worked in Safeguarding and that I firmly where my passions lie- Keeping Children Safe and making sure they have access to every chance in life! I have two children with additional needs so understand the challenges of being an SEN parent and a parent of children with complex medical needs. I am an avid reader of cosy crime fiction- I adore Agatha Christie with my friends and family affectionately nicknaming me Marple. I have a passion for fashion that I share with my daughter. I am a frequent baker although the Great British Bake Off is not on my radar just yet! I am also a new dog mum of the wonderful Wesley the Dachshund

Vacancy

Parent

Vacancy

LA Governor

Recent Former Governors

Governor

Term of Office

Designation

Previous Role on Governing Body

Mr Richard Collins

01.09.2006 – 27.2.2028

RESIGNED 21.4.26

Co-opted

Disciplinary Committee

Data Protection & GDPR Governor

Computing & Technology Governor

Health & Safety Governor

Mrs Kaley Macis-Riley

26.11.2024 - 26.11.2028

RESIGNED 05.03.26

Parent

Safeguarding Governor

Mr Elliott Brown

20.05.2025 - 20.05.2028

RESIGNED 21.2.26

Associate

Mrs Sarah Pembleton

25.11.2021 - 24.11.2025

TERM OF OFFICE EXPIRED

Parent

RE & PSHE

Mr Andrew Grubb

25.11.2021 - 24.11.2025

RESIGNED 5.11.25

Parent

PE & Science

Ms Alison North

25.11.2021 - 24.11.2025

RESIGNED 5.11.25

Parent

Pupil Premium & Inclusion