together, we flourish

Who's who

Nicola Ashley

Category of Governor: Co-opted

Appointed Body: FGB

Term of Office Expires: 12/11/2025

Position/Responsibilities:    Vice-Chair of Governors

Staff Relationships: None

Business Interests: I am now a freelance Marketing professional having gained over 20 years experience with major brands in product marketing and communication roles.

About me: I have three children, 2 of whom are at Minety Primary School. I have served on the PTA and actively participate in a number of fund raising projects for school including securing a National Lottery grant. In my spare time I like swimming and walking and have recently begun working as a befriending volunteer for Age UK.

Johnathon Howard

Category of Governor: Staff

Appointed Body: FGB

Term of Office Expires: N/A

Committee: Curriculum, Pay & Personnel and Finance & Premises

Position/Responsibilities: On all committees

Staff Relationships: Headteacher

Business Interests: None

About me: 

 

Georgina Pilley

Category of Governor: Clerk

Appointed Body: FGB

Term of Office Expires: N/A

Committee: None

Position/Responsibilities: Clerk to the Governing Body

Staff Relationships: School Administrator

Business Interests: Part time administrator and Clerk to the Governors at Minety School.

About me: I live in Minety with my husband and 2 children who attend the school. I re-located back to Wiltshire in 2017 and enjoy being part of the village community. Out of work I really enjoy fitness and play netball and swim. I also love dance and take part in ballet inspired and modern style dance classes. I enjoy walks in the countryside with my family and catching up with friends.

Rachel Swatton

Category of Governor: Foundation

Appointed Body: FGB

Term of Office Expires: 05/10/2026

Committee: Curriculum

Position/Responsibilities: Committee member

Staff Relationships: None

Business Interests: None

About me: I'm married and have two children in Minety School.   I'm part of the local village church here in Minety, and am a licensed lay minister - which means I can officially lead worship and give talks in the church.

As a Foundation governor, I'm appointed by the local church to help support the school in recognising its historic links with the Christian faith, and encouraging a Christian ethos and set of values throughout.  I am a member of the Christian Ethos Committee and also I'm currently lead governor for Collective Worship and R.E. I also work in Minety Pre-school and enjoy dressmaking, baking and running the parish youth group.

Gina Hanson

Category of Governor: Foundation

Appointed Body: FGB

Term of Office Expires: 12/06/2024

Committee: Pay & Personnel

Position/Responsibilities: Committee member

Staff Relationships: None

Business Interests: None

About me: I am a foundation governor and took office in January 2012. I moved to Minety in 2008. I enjoy being part of the community and take an active role in St Leonard's Church groups. I regularly visit the Reception Class for which I am a Link Governor and am also a regular volunteer in the Kickstart club that takes place with our children after school every Wednesday.

Tim Woodhouse 

Category of Governor: Co-opted

Appointed Body: FGB

Term of Office Expires: 1/3/2027

Committee: Finance and Premises

Position/Responsibilities: Committee member

Staff Relationships: My wife is employed as a TA at the school

Business Interests: International Operations Director, Colebrook Bosson Saunders, London

About me: Tim moved to Minety in 2014 but grew up locally, he currently has three Children at the school. He brings a wealth of business knowledge from 25 years owning and running small to corporate businesses. During this period Tim took a two year sabbatical where he worked with children’s charities around the world, improving their management and operational performance as well as teaching English and Math’s. He has a particular passion for helping others develop and grow

Maria Madeley

Category of Governor: Staff

Appointed Body: FGB

Term of Office Expires: 21/3/27

Staff Relationships: EYFS class teacher

Business Interests: None

About me: I am the EYFS teacher at Minety School and am lucky to be involved in other areas in the school, including science club and a book group which is linked to the Cheltenham Literacy Festival.    I have lived in Wiltshire / Gloucestershire for over 20 years.  I have three grown up daughters – who are now all taller than me.   I love reading, the theatre and am a keen open water swimmer, when I am not on my bicycle or walking up hills.  

Jacqui Pugh 

Category of Governor: Parent 

Appointed Body: FGB 

Term of Office Expires: 28/11/2025

Committee: Curriculum

Position/Responsibilities:    Governor

Staff Relationships: None 

Business interests:  None. 

About me:  I have two children, one at Minety Primary School and one at Preschool.  I have a PhD in Biomedical Sciences and have worked in Clinical Trials since completing my doctorate.  Currently I coordinate a team to deliver clinical trials globally. In my free time I enjoy being outside with my family, we’re usually found cycling, climbing or walking with our dog. 

Amanda Shears

Category of Governor: Parent 

Appointed Body:  FGB

Term of Office Expires:  28/11/2025

Committee:  Pay & Personnel

Position/Responsibilities:    Governor

Staff Relationships: None 

Business interests:  None. 

About me:  My partner and I relocated to Wiltshire from Devon in 1999.  In 2010 we moved to Braydon and in 2014 we had our one child who now attends Minety Primary School.  In addition to our child, I’m also kept very busy with our many ‘furry’ children, including ponies, chickens and cats, whom really are part of our extended family!  Professionally, I have a Masters in Human Resource Management, am a Chartered Member of the Institute of Personnel and Development, and have over 20 years’ experience, with a number of years being in the Education Directorate of Swindon Borough Council.  More recently I took a side-step in my career and am now a Business Change Manager specialising in risk management, audit and assurance.

Jennifer Pinkney

Category of Governor: LA Governor 

Appointed Body: FGB

Term of Office Expires: 23/03/2026

Committee: Curriculum Committee 

Position/Responsibilities:    Governor

Staff Relationships: None 

Business interests:  None. 

About me:  I have been teaching since 2008 and have worked at Haydon Wick Primary School in Swindon since then, working in different year groups mainly within KS2 but I have also done some supply with the younger children which I really enjoyed as it helped me get to know children across the whole school. It has been a privilege to watch and be part of this school growing and improving over the last 14 years. Aside from my job, I am on Minety Parish Council and I’ve been on the Minety Rubgy Football Association committee as their Safeguarding Officer.   

I have two of my own children who attend Minety School. In my spare time, I love reading, baking and Pilates as well as regular caravan holidays with my family. I really enjoy walking and have competed two 26 mile Macmillan Mighty Hikes in the last few years.

 

Gemma Van Eady

Category of Governor: Parent 

Appointed Body:  FGB

Term of Office Expires:  26/09/2026

Committee:  Finance

Position/Responsibilities:    Governor

Staff Relationships: None.

Business interests:  None. 

About me:  I spent 10 years as a Secondary Maths Teacher prior to retraining to become a qualified Financial Adviser and joining my husband in our wealth management company.  These positions have enabled me to gain a wealth of knowledge in both the education and business sectors.  I have also previously held the position of Treasurer for the PTA. 

We moved to the village in 2015 and my three children all now attend the school.  In my spare time I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family and dog, exploring new places on holiday where we can, reading and baking.