Governors

Welcome to our Governors’ section

Every school has a Governing Body. The Education (No 2) Act, 1986, states that from 16th September 2013 the Governing Body will consist of 2 Parent Governors, 1 Staff Governor, 1 Headteacher and 4 Co-Opted Governors.

Briefly the Governors’ duties are:

To see that each school is conducted in accordance with the Education Acts.
Finance - as it affects the needs of the school
To see that the premises are kept in a good state of repair and to direct how the premises might be used out of school hours.
To assist in the appointment of all staff in the school.
To exercise general responsibility for the welfare of the school.
Governors have always had responsibilities regarding the School’s Curriculum, but with the introduction of the National Curriculum, their duties in this area have been clearly defined.
Full Governors’ meetings are held six times a year.
If you wish to contact the Governors for any reason, you may do so through the Clerk to Governors (laura.atwill@plaistowhill.co.uk), the Chair of Governors (paul.cotter@victoriaroad.uk) or via the School Office on 365411.

Full Governing Body Information (January 2025)

Name	Position	Category	Appointing Authority	Date of Appointment	End Date
Paul Cotter	Chair	Co-opted	Governing Board	8.2.24	7.2.2028
Cheryl Brake	Headteacher		Staff	1.9.2024
Sarah-Jayne Collins	AHT	Staff	Staff	New term 1.9.2022	31.8.2026
Leanne Gavin		Staff	Staff	17.10.2024	17.10.2028
Joanna Burke		Co-Opted	Governing Board	13.12.2024	13.12.2028
John Stone		Co-opted	Governing Board	8.2.24	7.2.2028
Scott Kerr		Parent	Governing Board	19.05.24	19.05.2028
Julie Cook	Governor	Co-opted	Governing Board	New term 1.9.2022	31.8.2026 Resigned 13.12.2024
Kevin Cockram		Co-opted	Governing Board	13.10.22	12.10.2026 resigned 1.5.24
Claire Prynne	Vice-Chair	Co-opted	Governing Board	13.10.22	12.10.2026 Resigned 7.10.24

Governing Body Pecuniary Interests (2023-24)

Governor's Name	Pecuniary or Business Interests 2023-24
Sarah-Jayne Collins
John Stone	Azets – Accounting and professional services-Manager Chartered member-ICAEW
Paul Cotter	Plymouth Marjon university tutor Plymouth Diocese RE inspector Education Consultancy NAHT Life membership

Governing Body Attendance at meetings (September 2023 present)

Name	Full Governors' Meeting
Julie Cook	12.10.23, 7.12.23, 8.2.24, 16.5.24
Sharon Burnett	12.10.23, 7.12.23, 8.2.24, 21.3.24,16.5.24
Sarah-Jayne Collins	12.10.23, 7.12.23, 8.2.23, 21.3.24
Claire Prynne	12.10.23, 7.12.23, 21.3.24,16.5.24
Paul Cotter	Joined LGB on 7.12.23, 8.2.24, 21.3.24, 16.5.24
John Stone	Joined LGB on 8.2.24,21.3.24

Meet our Governors

Paul Cotter-Chair of Governors

Having ‘retired' after 23 years in Headship, I look forward to giving a little back in supporting a wonderful school community. As a New Zealander, I arrived in the United Kingdom to enjoy some travel way back in 1988. I then met my English wife and moved to Plymouth in 1990. I enjoyed teaching across several schools, including St Paul's in St Budeaux, before becoming a Head. I also very much enjoyed supporting other schools as a National Leader in Education (NLE) for many years.

I am a keen dog walker and very much enjoy visiting places across the southwest and beyond. We have three daughters and make the most of opportunities to get together. I still do a bit of work for Plymouth Marjon University and the Plymouth Diocese.

It is a privilege to be able to be part of the Victoria Road Primary School family and I look forward to working closely with the governors, the staff and pupils to make sure we are all doing our very best.

Cheryl Brake - Head teacher

Sarah-Jayne Collins-Staff Governor

I’ve had the privilege of serving as a Staff Governor at Victoria Road Primary School since 2016.

I’ve been part of the Victoria Road team since 2014, initially joining as the Key Stage 1 and Early Years Lead. Over the years, I’ve taken on a variety of roles across the school, including Key Stage 2 Leader, Assessment Lead, RWI/English Lead, Computing Lead, and Curriculum Lead.

My current role is Assistant Headteacher, Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENDCo), and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Alongside my hands-on experience, I’ve completed several professional qualifications, including the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership, a Diploma in Trauma and Mental Health Informed Schools (Practitioner Status), and the PG Cert National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination. This September, I’ll be joining the final SW100 cohort—an exciting leadership programme aimed at developing aspirational leaders across the South West.

As a long-standing member of the governing body, I am committed to supporting our school’s vision and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed and flourish. I look forward to continuing this work alongside staff, parents, and the wider school community.

Leanne Gavin - Staff Governor

Hello! I’m Leanne Gavin, a newly appointed staff governor. I have spent the majority of my life (25 years) in the education sector. After I left school I showed quite an interest in children and young people so decided to start an apprenticeship in a nursery setting, over the next few years I worked my way up to nursery manager. During that time, I also took on the roles of Deputy Safeguarding Lead and SENDCo, which deepened my passion for supporting children’s individual needs.

After having my own children, I decided it was time for a new direction and joined Victoria Road as a Teaching Assistant — a role I absolutely love. I’m passionate about making a positive difference in children’s lives, I bring a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to helping every child thrive. I’m proud to be part of the governing body and to contribute to the ongoing success of our school community.

John Stone-Co-opted Governor

Scott Kerr - Co-opted Governor/ Parent Governor

Joanna Burke - Co-opted Governor