Our Governors

The Local Governing Board (LGB) of St Mark’s School was formed on 1st May 2020 when the school converted to an academy and joined the MNSP Trust. It consists of 12 members and meets 6-9 times a year, before the MNSP Trust Board meetings. There is also a Christian Vision Focus Group.

Name	Governor Category	Appointment date	Current Term of Office	End of Term / Resignation dates	Attendance 2020/21
Mrs Julie Henderson (Chair)	Director Appointment	12/22/2008	1/10/20	1/10/2022	3/4
Dr John Fox	Foundation – Archdeacon’s Lay Representative	05/01/2019	05/01/2019	05/01/2023	4/4
Mrs Lyndsey Wright	DBE – Foundation	7/15/2014	07/10/2019	10/07/2023	3/4
Mrs Sam Packer	DBE – Foundation	7/28/2015	07/10/2019	10/07/2023	4/4
Mrs Katharine Mortimer	DBE – Foundation	12/10/2015	12/10/2017	12/10/2021	4/4
Mrs Carol Bowery	LEA	12/13/2018	12/13/2018	13/12/2022	3/4
Mr Hilary Kops	Staff	3/20/2017	3/20/2017	20/03/2021	4/4
Mr Strider Cutts	Parent	11/05/2018	11/05/2018	05/11/2022	3/4
Mrs Fiona Clist	Parent	09/10/2017	09/10/2017	17/11/2024	4/4
Mr Barnaby Ash	Headteacher




Mrs Margaret Simmonds-Bird	Director Appointment	Resigned 14/9/2021
Mrs Emma Dumeige	Parent	Resigned 9/10/2021

More Information About Our Governors

Mrs Julie Henderson, Chair of Governors

Declarations of Interest: None
Appointment Date: 22 Dec 2008
Term of Office: 1 Oct 2020 – 1 Oct 2022
Attendance Summary 2021-22: 100%

Contact c/o Clerk to governors : ewalker@msnpartnership.com

Further Information

I began my career as a teacher of French and Spanish in secondary schools and now also teach ESOL in a College of Further Education. I was a governor at Wick Primary School for several years, serving as Chair of Governors in my last year. I have been a governor at St Mark’s School since 2008 and I served as Vice Chair of Governors for 9 years before becoming Chair of Governors in October 2019. I am passionate about education and about St Mark’s School. Both our children attended St Mark’s School.

Dr John Fox

Appointed by: Foundation – Archdeacon’s Lay Representative

Declarations of Interest: None
Appointment Date: 5 Jan 2019
Term of Office: 5 Jan 2019 – 5 Jan 2023
Attendance Summary 2021-22: 100%

Further Information

My professional background is as a scientist working in early stage medical research, but as a parent I have always taken an interest in the development of young people. I have been a Chair of Governors of an infant school in Hampshire, and Vice-Chair of the local Community school before moving to Bath. I have been a Governor of St Marks since 2019 as a Foundation Governor and the Archdeacon’s Representative on the Governing Board, where I have particular roles in Christian Vision and as Safeguarding Governor.

Mrs Katharine Mortimer, Vice Chair of Governors

Appointed by: Diocesan Board of Education

Declarations of Interest: None
Appointment Date: 12 Oct 2015
Term of Office: 12 Oct 2017 – 12 Oct 2022
Attendance Summary 2021-22: 100%

Further Information

Mrs Lyndsey Wright

Appointed by: Diocesan Board of Education

Declarations of Interest: None
Appointment Date: 15 July 2014
Term of Office: 10 July 2019 – 10 July 2023
Attendance Summary 2021-22: 100%

Further Information

Mrs Sam Packer

Appointed by: Diocesan Board of Education

Declarations of Interest: Bath Youth for Christ Schools and Youth Worker
Appointment Date: 28 July 2015
Term of Office: 7 October 2019- 10 July 2023
Attendance Summary 2021-22: 50%

Further Information

I have had two daughters at St Mark’s and work as a part time Schools & Youth Worker for Bath Youth for Christ on the east side of Bath. I work in The Sanctuary one day a week where I run Breakfast Club, and see young people for mentoring. I think St Mark’s is an excellent school and should be supported by the local community. I worship at St Luke’s Church on Wellsway, Bath.

Mrs Carol Bowery

Appointed by: LEA

Declarations of Interest: None
Appointment Date: 13 Dec 2018
Term of Office: From 13 Dec 2018 – 13 Dec 2022
Attendance Summary 2021-22: 100%

Further Information

A teacher since 1978, most of my career has been supporting young people from vulnerable backgrounds. I have been the Headteacher of The Meriton in Bristol for 27 years, giving education and support to young parents, leading the school to 3 ‘Outstanding’ OFSTEDs. In 2002 I was awarded an MBE for this work. Recently retired, I will continue to fight for an education system which promotes equality and progression for all. My children went to St Mark’s. I live locally and believe in St Mark’s, and want it to be at the heart of the local community.

Mrs Fiona Clist

Appointed by: LGB

Declarations of Interest: None
Appointment Date: 9 Oct 2017
Term of Office: 9 Oct 2017 – 9 Nov 2024
Attendance Summary 2021-22: 100%

Further Information

This is my first position as a governor, I was previously chair of the PTA’s at both St Saviours Infants and Junior Schools where my two children attended. Both my children are now at St Mark’s School. I run my own small business and also work for a firm of accountants in Bath. I am not local to Bath, having grown up in the West Midlands but I have lived in Larkhall for the past 16 years with my husband who is an ex pupil of St Saviours Infants, Juniors and St Marks. Our close family ties with the school are the reason I am keen to have a positive impact on the school and try to change people’s attitude towards it.

Mr Strider Cutts

Declarations of Interest: None
Appointment Date: 5 Nov 2018
Term of Office: 5 Nov 2018 – 5 Nov 2022
Attendance Summary 2021-22: 100%

Further Information

I started my own wine company in Bath in 1983, and later sold in 2010, by which time it was importing from all over the world and selling to consumers, restaurant and other wine companies. I now work with a number of small and growing business as a both a consultant and non executive director and am on the board of trustees of three charities. Married with two daughters, I enjoy running and rowing, playing golf (which sadly lacks adequate skill and technique), and watching all sport especially Bath Rugby. I am also determined to help bring wider awareness to the great education that St Mark’s can provide!

Mr Barnaby Ash

Declarations of Interest: Employee of the School
Appointment Date: Sept 2014
Attendance Summary 2021-22: 100%

Further Information

I have been Headteacher of St Mark’s School, and therefore a Governor, since September 2014. I am proud to be leading a school judged to be ‘Good’ by both OFSTED and SIAMS. I think we have an amazing school and it is a joy to see our students flourishing and enjoying their school experience. I have previously worked at four schools, both in the UK and Dubai, which includes working on three senior management teams and completing a headship in southeast London. My subject specialism is Physical Education. I enjoy all sports and enjoy keeping fit. I am married with two daughters.

Mr Hilary Kops

Declarations of Interest: Employee of the School
Appointment Date: 20 Mar 2017
Term of Office: 20 Mar 2017 – 20 Mar 2025
Attendance Summary 2021-22: 100%

Further Information

I have been Assistant Headteacher at St Mark’s since September 2013. I have previously worked at three schools which included working on two management teams. I also completed my NPQH in September 2013. My subject specialism is music. In a previous life I was a professional musician. This involved performing with the BBC concert orchestra, playing and recording with The Stranglers and touring the world for five years. I am married and have a daughter who is at UCL and a son who is at Bath College.

Governors who have resigned or whose office has expired in the last 12 months:

Mr Philip Addis Resigned May 2020

Mrs Jess Barber Resigned September 2020

Our Governors

More Information About Our Governors

Governors who have resigned or whose office has expired in the last 12 months:

Governor Vacancies