At The Orchards Primary School, governors, staff, parents and children work as a team, building on success, in a happy, creative, high attaining environment where everyone feels valued.


We believe the role of governors is distinct from that of the management of the school. The prime role of governors is challenge and support the Headteacher and the Leadership Team in running and developing the school; this is sometimes referred to as being the “critical friend”. In doing so the Governors act collectively to secure the best possible performance by the academy with the one primary aim is to maximise the life chances of every one of the pupils in our care. Along with this comes a recognition of our role as a school at the heart of its local community.


We are justifiably very proud of the children in our school.  In a good school, such as ours, parents take a great interest in their child’s learning and development.  During the early years of primary education, academic, personal, social and creative skills are nurtured and developed. 


Parents and Governors have key roles in helping The Orchards Primary School to maintain high standards for all our children both now, and for future generations.

Introducing the Orchards LGB

Sean Starr - Chair of Governors, Lecturer at the Institute of Education.

I am a Senior Lecture in Education, working for the University of Wolverhampton. I support the developing of new teachers entering the profession. I also deliver on the Master in Education programme. I have recently been appointed as interim Head of Partnerships (shared role). I have a research focus on school improvement and school effectiveness, with an emphasis on school leadership.

Before joining the university, I worked for a local authority as a school improvement adviser. I supported teachers and senior leaders to focus on teaching and learning and to develop themselves and their organisation. Prior to the advisory role, I had been a National Strategies consultant, a member of the senior leadership in a secondary school, a head of department and initially a classroom teacher.

Neil Thompson

My name is Neil Thompson.
35 of my 52 years on planet earth were dedicated to a career in Banking. I gave it a fair chance, decided it wasn’t for me, and am now committed to making a difference to the neighbourhood where I was born, grew up and raised my family. I have lived in Northfield for 47 years and am proud to be involved with local voluntary organisations including the Friends of Ley Hill Park, Neighbourhood Watch, Active Citizens and Holloway Hall Community Association.
The Orchards Board of Governors approached me in 2016 and asked if I would consider joining them as a co-opted member specialising in Resources (Finances).
I was appointed in February 2017 for a 4 year term and am looking forward to working with fellow Governors, staff, parents and pupils.
In my spare time I enjoy cycling, hill walking, gardening and photography.

Graham Andrews - Safeguarding Link Governor

My name is Graham Andrews. I am a local retired resident who was lucky to have had a good career at the Cadbury chocolate mines for 30yrs. I have lived in the area for 35 years having moved here from Devon. I became involved with the school 6yrs ago as a Community Governor and currently have responsibility on behalf of the LGB for Safeguarding. I was lucky to have good teachers when I was young and that inspired me and led to a very good career.  I want to ensure that The Orchards pupils get the same inspiration and quality of education, so they too “can be the best that they can be” and that is why I am governor.

Angela Clewer

I’m a teacher and mother of 1 lovely daughter. I have a love of the arts and nature. My little family can often be found walking in the woods on the weekend. I love going to the cinema to see the latest Marvel film and am a huge Star Wars fan. I enjoy painting and drawing, but don’

Elaine Woodall

I have spent the majority of my career working as a Junior School Teacher where I specialised in supporting pupils with learning differences and disabilities. As well as being an Inclusion Manager, I did become Deputy Head Teacher in the last school where I worked. My passion has always been to secure the best possible provision for children who may experience difficulties accessing the curriculum.

I have previously supported the Orchards Primary Academy for almost three years as a Special Educational Needs Consultant where I got the opportunity to see the children during their working day and thus become acquainted with many of the pupils and their families.

It is important that all of the people who are involved with your school work together to support Mrs. Carrier in ensuring that all of the pupils at The Orchards Primary Academy achieve their best, develop a passion for lifelong learning and are equipped to excel in further studies.

Alicia Flynn, Support Staff Representative

I am Alicia Flynn and I am a support staff member of the LGB. I have worked at The Orchards Primary Academy for over a year, after training at the school. Currently I work in Year 4 as a Teaching Assistant. I am a mother to Ella and wife of Andrew. In my spare time I enjoy different aspects of art, creating my own for personal use or school and visiting galleries. I enjoy many sports, taking part in and watching, such as football and tennis. I enjoy cooking for my friends, socialising and spending quality time with my family.

Laura Bowker

My name is Laura Bowker and I joined the LGB as a parent governor in Spring 2018. I am a mother of one, and my son is currently in Year 1 at The Orchards.

Professionally I am a Primary School Teacher and my aim, through education, is to improve life chances for children regardless of social or economic background.

I joined the LGB as I have both a personal and professional interest in ensuring the school is the best it can be in all areas.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, running and dancing.

Matrix for Publication of Members Info on Web - 2016-17

Register and Declaration of Interest 2017-18