Local Committee
At St Mary's C of E Primary School, we are proud to be part of an academy trust that is committed to providing the highest quality education for our children. The Local Committee, also known as the governing body, plays a central role in ensuring the smooth running and success of our school. The Committee works with the officers and trustees of The Good Shepherd’s Trust, the Multi Academy Trust which oversees the work of the school.
The Local Committee is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the school, working closely with the headteacher, and the senior leadership team. The LC’s main duty is to quality assure the school to ensure it provides a broad, balanced, and inclusive curriculum that enables all children to thrive. This includes monitoring the effectiveness of teaching and learning, reviewing policies, and ensuring the school's resources are managed effectively.
Furthermore, the local committee is dedicated to nurturing an environment where our school values are understood and lived out by all our children. These values are not only fundamental in shaping their character during their time at St Mary's but also in preparing them for their futures. We believe that by instilling these values, our children will develop into responsible, caring, and compassionate individuals who will make a positive difference in society.
As a Church of England school, we aspire to do something meaningful and give back to the community which shapes the lives of all our pupils. The Local Committee actively seeks opportunities for our school to contribute to the local area, fostering a sense of civic responsibility among our children. We firmly believe that by engaging in community service and outreach programmes, our children will develop a deep sense of gratitude, empathy, and social awareness.
Jane Bell, Chairperson
email: bell@stmarys-godalming.surrey.sch.uk
Local Committee Members
Jane Bell
I have lived in the village for over 30 years and been associated with St Mary’s School for most of that time as a parent, employee and more recently serving on the Local Committee. As an active member of St Mary’s Church, a volunteer at The Chiddingfold Archive, a driver for CARGo and the Lunch Club, and a keen supporter of local groups, I am passionate about our village community and all it offers to enhance the lives of the young people who grow up here. When I am not involved in village activities, I enjoy watching sport, particularly rugby, cricket and tennis, going walking, gardening and travelling whenever an opportunity arises.
Alison Evans - Headteacher, email:aevans@stmarys-godalming.surrey.sch.uk
Emma Hampshire - Assistant Headteacher, email: ehampshire@stmarys-godalming.surrey.sch.uk
I have been a teacher since 2003 and have had experience of working across all primary age phases, in a range of settings. I consider myself very fortunate to have been appointed as a class teacher at St Mary’s CE Primary School in 2018. I currently teach in Year 6 and am Acting Assistant Head Teacher. I absolutely love being a member of the staff team here and feel very privileged to live and work in this community. I was appointed as a Local Committee Member in 2025, and I am enjoying being part of this dedicated team who want the best for our school and pupils. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, going on walks, visits to the theatre and looking after my pet rabbits!
Rev Rachel Greene - email: greene@stmarys-godalming.surrey.sch.uk
Rachel is the Rector of Chiddingfold. She joined the Local Committee in Spring Term 2019, as the parent of a pupil, to contribute to its strategic direction and vision, and to ensure the school is enabling pupils and adults to flourish. She has taught theology, ethics and literature to undergraduate and graduate students and RE to students in Key Stages 1 and 2. Rachel has held specialist roles as a mentor and advocate to young people with disabilities and young people in the care system, and is passionate about getting young people's voices heard.
Geof Todd
My name is Geof Todd and I have had the great pleasure of enjoying multiple and varied interests over many years. For work, I have been in media and tech for several decades, which I am still involved with today, through my independent consultancy, run with my wife Sandy. I chose to offer my services recently as a reading volunteer, as I felt it was appropriate to use my time, experience and love of reading (and teaching) and to share it with new generations. We are in our 5th year in Chiddingfold having already participated in 2 Chiddfests and I look forward to making a useful contribution to St Mary's as part of the Local Committee.
email: todd@stmarys-godalming.surrey.sch.uk
Jeanette Cochrane, email: cochrane@stmarys-godalming.surrey.sch.uk
Sarah Moore
Hello, my name is Sarah Moore and I am delighted to be part of the Local Committee at St Mary’s. With a degree in Theology Religious Studies, 14 years of experience in secondary education, I have had the privilege of teaching both Religious Studies and Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education. These subjects are close to my heart as they encourage young people to ask important questions, explore diverse perspectives, and develop a strong sense of self and community. I have lived in Chiddingfold for the past 30 years and I particularly enjoy walking with friends through the village and surrounding countryside, and tending to my fruit and vegetables at the allotment and am proud to call this wonderful village my home. Being so rooted in the local area gives me a great appreciation for the community spirit that makes St Mary’s truly special.
email: moore@stmarys-godalming.surrey.sch.uk
Gary Simpson, email: simpson@stmarys-godalming.surrey.sch.uk
Yvette Oqvist - Local Governance Professional, email: yoqvist@stmarys-godalming.surrey.sch.uk
LC Register of Interests 2024 2025
LGC Members List 2024 2025 Jan 25