Rushbury School Governors

The School governing body comprises two members of staff, including the headteacher, and up to 10 persons drawn from the local community. The following provides brief details of the current non-teaching governors, with some direct contact details. Please feel free to contact the governors either directly or via the school office (01694 771233)

Laraine Oxley (Chair of Rushbury Governing Body)

• Term of office from 01/09/2022 until 31/08/2026

With both a son and daughter who have now moved on from Rushbury School, Laraine has actively supported the school for many years through volunteering by providing support in classes, as well as one of the school's minibus drivers. Laraine has also served on the school governing body and is now in her second term and historically was part of the Friends' Group (PTA).

Laraine moved to Rushbury from Derby some years ago. Since moving to Rushbury, she has focused her time on her house renovation project. In her previous professional life, she worked as an ergonomist and manager for the Health and Safety Executive, supporting organisations to improve employees' health and safety. 

Kevin Hercock ( Parent Governor)

• Term of office 01/06/2019 until 01/02/2026

With a family of three young girls, two of whom attend Rushbury School, Kevin is an integral part of the school governing body and is committed to helping and supporting staff, parents and the local community.

Originally from Lincoln, Kevin has lived and worked in Shropshire for many years now, as a design consultant - enabling organisations to understand and develop new creative environments. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys running across the Shropshire hills and family trips away in his campervan.

Becky Hotchkiss (Co-opted Governor)

• Term of office 20/05/2020 until 20/05/2028

Hello, I’m Rebecca Hotchkiss, but everyone calls me Becky.

I am married to a local farmer and have 3 children, who all attended Little Acorns and Rushbury School.

Before children I worked for a number of years as a Midwife, now I am kept busy running the administration side of our farming business.

Having seen my children grow I strongly believe that their start at a small local school has helped them with confidence, a joy of learning and a sense of community that they have carried forward and as a Governor I look forward to seeing this continue with the current students.

Rev Lisa Harper (Governor)

• Term of office from 01/10/2024

My name is Reverend Lisa Harper I am a priest in the Church of England for several churches in the Apedale Benefice and Wenlock Team Ministry. I specialise in school’s ministry and minister to four Primary schools and one secondary along with some nurseries in the area.  I am a single parent to a 20 year old daughter, a dog and a cat.  I have a passion for social justice and helping people to live their life to the fullest.  Hobbies include singing, dancing and reading.

Phaedra Mcgill (Governor)

• Term of office 03/03/2022 until 30/03/2026

Darren Atkins (Vice-Chair of Governors and Parent Governor)

• Term of office 08/04/2024 until 07/04/2028

I currently have two young children at Rushbury School, and felt I had something to offer in the role of a governor. I am an integrative, children, young persons, and adult psychotherapist specialising in neurodiversity. Having a professional understanding of the link between mental health and the impact this can have on a child’s enjoyment of the education process is something I keen to share with others. Steve and his team have created a wonderful nurturing and supportive environment for the children, and I will be doing all I can to assist them in maintaining this for many years to come.  

Fin Somerville (Parent Governor)

• Term of office - tbc

I was born in Scotland but have moved around and spent many years traveling to places like the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Australia and more recently Turkey, as part of my work. I am a marine engineer working with super yachts, previously on board as a chief engineer.  I now project manage new yacht constructions for very wealthy individuals. This still takes me abroad to visit shipyards, which is a little less exotic than my past adventures.

Currently we live in Leintwardine, with our two children who both now attend Rushbury school.  In my free time, around family life, I like to cycle and run.

Kate Reeves (Teacher Governor)

• Term of office 01/11/2020 until 01/11/2028

Kate joined Rushbury CE Primary School in September 2019. She teaches the Upper Key Stage 2 pupils - known as Stanway Class.  Before her career in teaching, Kate had careers in journalism, television production and global equine tourism before teaching English overseas. Kate graduated from Oxford University with a BA honours degree in politics, philosophy and economics. She qualified as a teacher in 2019 with a PGCE from the University of Cumbria.