Who are our Governors?
Justin Philcox
Headteacher.
I was appointed Headteacher of Churchfield Church School in September 2017, having previously been Principal of an Outstanding all through special school near Bath. My teaching career has spanned nearly 30 years and I have taught on the Isle of Wight, in East and West Sussex and for 5 years led the Regional Development team of the SSAT. During this time I worked closely with schools across the country and directly with the DfE.
I have also been the Chair of Governors of a large primary and special school in Somerset. One of my sons has additional needs and as a consequence I have a very keen interest in SEN and autism. Outside of school, I enjoy living in a village on the edge of the Somerset Levels, taking an active part in village life; playing in ukulele in the village band and serving on the church PCC. Since 2018, I have developed a passion for beekeeping and enjoy the challenge and frustration of trying to keep bees.
Alison Murkin
MAT Appointed Governor
Chair of Governors
04.09.2019
What drew me to Churchfield Church School iwas hearing Mr Philcox talk about his vision for the school and, most importantly, for the children. There was real commitment to enabling children to achieve their potential, beyond expectations and to experience a rich range of new opportunities, broadening their horizons and future lives. The Christian ethos of the school also appealed to me personally.
Once I had visited, and met the children I was hooked! I joined the governing body in September this year; with experience of having been chair of governors at another school previously.
My back ground is in teaching in different types of special schools, with pupils ranging from 2 to 19 years old and I have held three headships. I retired from headship last year, and am doing some part time leadership support in a special school currently. In my spare time I am involved in our village church; I enjoy walking my two rescue dogs; and I love to read!
I am enjoying my role as governor at Churchfield and am particularly struck by how engaging and welcoming the children are and so pleased to show what they are learning. Together with committed staff who are working hard to bring the best out of every child, I look forward to seeing what our children can achieve.
Helen Meager
Vice Chair of LGB
Elected Parent Governor
18.03.2020
I have recently returned to work as a secondary school Maths teacher, having previously taught Maths and PE in schools as far apart as Leeds and Cornwall. I was elected a Parent Governor in 2016 and both my boys are at Churchfield. I really enjoy being a Governor as it has given me the chance to see a school from the other side - it is real privilege to be able to work alongside the staff whilst supporting and challenging them to move the school forward so that all of our children have the best opportunities to learn and develop their experiences. I'm a member of the Ethos committee and am really keen to see the school develop stronger relationships with the local community to benefit everyone.
Outside of school I enjoy a variety of sports, mainly outdoor sports including walking, climbing and surfing and I'm trying hard to ensure that my boys enjoy them just as much.
Alison Ridley
Elected Parent Governor
SEN Governor
15.05.2022
Peter Selby
Elected Staff Governor
Ethos Committee Member
19.05.2017
Elizabeth Malaiperuman
MAT Appointed Governor
10.01.2021
I started my career over 10 years ago pursuing a specialism in human resources, I currently work for a national charity covering the West of England. Working for a charity has enabled me to develop a strong understanding of managing services on a tight budget, something that is reflected in the role of Governor.
I have lived in Somerset for over 25 years and love the community in Highbridge and surrounding area, we have a lot of great places that I enjoy including Apex Park, the beach, quantocks and mendip hills. I am keen to make a difference to the local community as a Member of Burnham On Sea Community Church and Girlguiding I engage with many in the local area.
As a Mum of 2 children in nursery and school I love to see the children developing and gaining skills, experience and confidence through quality teaching, spending time in the school has helped me develop a better understanding of education. I am delighted to have the opportunity to be Governor and look forward to working with the Board and school to ensure it continues to improve.
Reverend Dan Crouch
Foundation Governor
06.11.2023
I moved to Highbridge with my family in June 2018 to take up the role of Curate at St John's Church, Highbridge under the guidance of Reverend Sharon Crossman. Previously I had lived most of my life in a town called Keynsham, between Bristol and Bath. When Reverend Sharon departed I felt it was important to continue to nurture relationships between the church and the school and that one of the best ways to do so was as part of the governing body. I have a young family and my eldest daughter currently attends Churchfield nursery which she loves. While I am very new to the role of governor I am thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to help shape a school community that serves our children and young people as best it can, recognising the challenges and joys that we all face. I am the governor responsible for Health and Safety and I am also part of the Ethos Committee. I am also one of the local ministers who lead collective worship weekly in the school. Before I was ordained in the Church of England I spent eleven years as a youth worker and my experience with young people shapes my outlook and approach today. It is a privilege to serve the children and families of Churchfield as a member of the board of governors.