Meet the Governors

Co-Opted Governor
Term of Office from 15th May 2024 to 14th May 2028
First appointed on 15th May 2024
Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: None
Governance Roles in other educational institutions: None
FGB Meeting Attendance 2022/2023: n/a

I am retired after working in Retail Banking for 33 years and a further 15 years in Health Care.
I have been a School Governor in Hertfordshire for 21 years and at Overstone since 2024.

I have two grandchildren who attend the school.

Co-opted Governor
Terms of Office 23.06.2022 to 22.06.2026
First appointed on 23.06.22

Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: Chair of the PTA, Child at Overstone with SEN
Governance roles in other educational institutions: None
FGB Meeting Attendance 2022/2023: 4/4

Having moved back to England from South Africa, where I sat on several school committees and boards, I feel I offer a new and fresh approach to the Schools Governing Board. I love getting involved and stuck in, and feel a school should be like a family, all working together to help our children grow.

As a mum of three, I am always on the go, whilst helping my husband with his business in home services. I also work in a local school as a Family Liaison Officer supporting children and staffs mental health and safeguarding needs. I am always eager to take on new training opportunities in my working role and as a governor. Alongside this I am studying Child Psychology to help me both in my career and supporting the School.

In my spare time, I love long walks and fun days out with my family, and experimenting in the kitchen.

Co-opted Governor
Term of Office 13.03.2019 - 12.03.2027
First appointed 13.03.2019

Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: None
Governance roles in other educational institutions: None
FGB Meeting Attendance 2022/2023: 4/4

Having been a Governor for nearly 9 years at a previous school, I have always found it be a rewarding and enjoyable way of being part of our children’s lives and an active role in the future development of the school. When we moved Jake to Overstone, I was keen to continue to give back and support in the same way and am enjoying my time so far.

I am a Management Accountant, now employed in the software consultancy world where I use my finance skills, analytical mind and willingness to challenge to support and develop my team and organisation. I hope to bring that, and my previous experience in many aspects of Governorship at a Primary School, to Overstone

I enjoy being part of all that the children do with sports and other activities, watching sports, going to watch Luton Town, travelling and just spending quality time as a family.

Headteacher
Fist appointed 01.09.2020

Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: Husband is a civil engineer
Governance roles in other educational institutions: None
FGB Meeting Attendance 2022/2023: 4/4

My name is Kirsty Eales and I am the Headteacher at Overstone Combined School. I joined the school in September 2020 following headship at 4 other schools within Buckinghamshire.

I have been a teacher for over 20 years and worked across the county in both town and village schools. I am passionate about providing our children with high quality education in an effective learning environment and this is something we do well at Overstone.

As the Headteacher of the school I attend all governor meetings and governor training. We work together to provide the best opportunities for each and every child and through careful monitoring we ensure that each child has the chance to shine.

In my spare time I enjoy baking with my family and meeting up with friends.

Parent Governor
Terms of office 15.11.2023 to 14.11.2027
First appointed 15.11.2023

Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: None
Governance roles in other educational institutions: None
FGB Meeting Attendance 2022/2023: N/A

I am a Public Health professional and an accredit practitioner through the UKPHR programme, with a specialist focus on healthy weight and physical activity.

I am responsible for and lead on the development, management, implementation and monitoring of public health strategies and programmes for a local authority. I provide advice on establishing evidence-based programmes and strategies within ethical frameworks to improve health and reduce health inequalities.

As a Governor, I feel my skills and expertise can be of value and hope to contribute to enabling pupils to thrive. I am keen to find opportunities to apply my knowledge and skills to the benefit of the School, pupils and staff. I am passionate about becoming a Governor and being able to contribute to the local community.

My family and I moved to Wing in 2020, my son attends the school and my daughter will be joining in the near future. I really enjoy sport and volunteer to support the local football club. I also enjoy a bit of DIY and spending time with my family.

Co-opted Governor
Terms of Office 13.03.2023 to 12.03.2027
First appointed 13.03.2023

Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: Employed at The Cottesloe School
Governance roles in other educational institutions: None
FGB Meeting Attendance 2022/2023: 2/2

I have worked as a Science teacher in secondary schools for 18 years. Over the past 16 years, I've held additional responsibilities as a leader in a variety of roles. I have experience in training/mentoring teachers, curriculum development, strategic management, as well as pastoral leadership.

At the centre of my work is the drive to always ensure the best outcomes for students and staff. Becoming a governor has provided me with the opportunity to use my enthusiasm and skills within the wider community.

I am passionate about lifelong learning, so discovering similarities and differences between primary and secondary schools has been a great learning opportunity. I have been able to use this new knowledge in my work as a teacher and school leader.

I look forward to being part of the future for Overstone Combined School.

Partnership Governor
Term of Office 16.07.2023 -15.07.2027
First appointed 16.07.2019

Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: None
Governance roles in other educational institutions: None
FGB Meeting Attendance 2022/2023: 3/4

One of my main reasons for becoming a Governor was, having moved to the village a couple of years ago, I wanted to contribute to the community. I see the school as a key part of the community and thought that my skills and experience would be put to good use as a Governor.

I think it is important for schools to have input from people with a variety of skills and experience including from those of us that are not directly involved in the education system. As a Governor I contribute skills and experience I have gained as a HR professional in a commercial business environment such as coaching, workforce planning and change management. I also participate in Governor training which is helping me to develop skills and knowledge to further contribute to the School.

With 2 children under 3 and a full time job my ‘spare time’ is usually spent with my family. However, to unwind I enjoy baking and trying new recipes but you won’t be seeing me on Bake Off any time soon.

Partnership Governor
Term of Office 31.10.2020 - 30.10.2024
Previously appointed 13.10.2016 - 30.10.2020

Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: None
Governance roles in other educational institutions: None
FGB Meeting Attendance 2022/2023: 3/4

A resident of Crafton and then Wing for 36 years, all my children went to Overstone School, with the last one leaving in 2001. I have been a Governor, or Associate Governor of the school for 29 years, fifteen of which I was the chairman of Governors until 2014.

I regard Overstone as a very important part of the Wing community and simply wish to make as much effort as I can to help it be successful.

I have run my own award-winning IT and software development business in Milton Keynes for 40 years in which I employ approximately 60 people. I have run a charity, organised music festivals, and many other events.

I love looking after our grandchildren for at least a day every week. I am member of Wing Singers as well as the Wingrave Community Choir, play various musical instruments, love all sports but can physically only play golf now, spend time gardening and growing our own vegetables and fruit, and help my wife train medical detection dogs. I have spent months at a time travelling in remote parts of the world, including Uganda where my wife and I help to fund a school for deaf children.

Parent Governor
Term of Office 24.06.21 - 23.06.2025
First appointed: 24.06.2021

Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: Owner of a design company; employed at NatureBureau
Governance roles in other educational institutions: None
FGB Meeting Attendance 2022/2023: 4/4

I have two children currently at Overstone and one that just moved up to Secondary School. All have enjoyed the nurturing and interesting setting they are in. I wanted to join the Governing Board not only because I wanted to increase my own understanding of their education, but also to help the welfare and academic progress of all the pupils at the school. I am passionate about helping Overstone to further its vision for the future, while knitting it together with the local community.

I am a Design and Publications Manager for an ecological consultancy and also own a freelance business, working as a science communicator In both roles I manage writing, design and branding projects for a range of environmental organisations, charities and government agencies. With nearly 20 years’ experience in a marketing environment, and an extensive scientific background, I hope that my skills will be valuable to the school. Being a Governor has also given me new skills – it is incredibly rewarding, and I am learning a lot!

In my spare time, I love going for walks with my children, baking and doing a bit of keep fit. A good movie night never goes amiss either!

Co-opted Governor
Term of Office from September 2024 to September 2028
First Appointed on 25th September 2024
Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interest: None
Governance roles in other educational institutions: None
FGB Meeting Attendance 2022/2023: n/a

My name is Mellissa Bignell, and I am passionate about contributing to the development of
quality education in our community. With over 20 years of experience in management with
hospitality. I believe I can bring a unique perspective to the governing body of Overstone and
that my skills and expertise can add value to the school.

I am committed to upholding the school’s values of inclusion, excellence, and holistic
development.

Having grown up in Wing as a child and with my daughter attending the school, my aim is to
work collaboratively with the governing body to ensure that every child receives the best
possible education

With any spare time I enjoy spending my time with my family and also have a passion for
travel.

Co-opted Governor
Term of Office 23.03.2023 - 22.03.2027
First appointed: 23.03.2015

Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: LA Governor at The Cottesloe School
Governance roles in other educational institutions: None
FGB Meeting Attendance 2022/2023: 2/3

As a Governor of Overstone Combined, I have learnt many of the skills needed to be an effective school Governor, including finance, building maintenance and curriculum, with a special interest in maths and science. I’m active in the village community as a Group Scout Leader.

In my working life, I use forensic science skills in a wide variety of different crime scenes and am a line manager for twelve professional leaders across three Forces. What’s that got to do with being a school governor? Well, it’s all in the setting of strategic objectives, analysis of detail, weighing of evidence and questioning what you’ve been told; all key skills for a Governor. With the introduction of accreditation to ISO quality standards within my profession, I am also leading the development and delivery of competency training across the workforce.

I have a real passion for education, both formal and informal, and hope to be able to bring the right level of challenge and support to enable the senior leadership of the school to deliver the very best outcomes for all students and to build upon the excellent work already undertaken.

Co-Opted Governor
Term of Office from 25th September 2024 to 24th September 2028
First appointed on 25th September 2024
Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: None
Governance Roles in other educational institutions: None
FGB Meeting Attendance 2022/2023: n/a

I am a passionate advocate for the transformative power of education and am dedicated to ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to high-quality learning opportunities. With over 20 years as a Secondary Mathematics Teacher in schools serving significant SEN populations in underserved communities, I bring a wealth of experience to my role as a governor.

Throughout my career, I have taken on leadership roles that include managing a department of 20 colleagues, overseeing Maths curriculum development from Primary to Secondary across a Multi-Academy Trust, and managing school-wide data systems to drive informed decision-making. I am deeply committed to advancing STEM initiatives and expanding Pupil Premium resources, ensuring that each student has the support they need to succeed.

As a certified mental health first aider, I prioritize well-being and safeguarding to foster a secure, inclusive environment where all learners can thrive. I also have strong skills in strategic planning, mentoring, and policy advocacy, which I leverage to effectively support staff and students.

Outside of my professional life, I find joy and balance in spending quality time with my two daughters and exploring personal interests. I enjoy going to the gym, learning Spanish, and immersing myself in creative pursuits like dancing, theatre, board games, and murder mystery parties. I look forward to bringing my experience and commitment to the future of Overstone Combined School and contributing to a vibrant, supportive educational community.