Meet the Governors
The governors are responsible for oversight of the strategic direction of the school, oversight of the financial position of the school and to support and challenge the school leadership team. Any questions or queries regarding the school operation or day to day running of the school should be referred to the Office, Head of School or Executive Headteacher in the first instance.
Our Annual Governance Statement for 2021-22 can be found here.
Other documents related to the Governance of Hempnall Primary School:
Who are we?
Neil Batchelor - Chair
I have been on the governing board as a parent governor since January 2020. I have 2 children currently at the school.
I am keen to ensure we make the school a great success and with my 25 years experience in work focused on strategic thinking, communication, leadership and building great teams I look forward to bringing those skills to Hempnall and setting the school up for a great future and creating a great place to be for the staff, pupils, parents and community.
Laura Cowan
Mikhaela Neequaye
Robert Hodges
Hannah Gray
Sally Green
Emily King
Paul Garton
Alex Griffiths - Executive Headteacher
After three years as Headteacher at Brooke Primary, I joined Hempnall to develop the new partnership of the two schools together in September 2021 as Executive Headteacher.
I split my time equally between the two schools, and consider myself very fortunate to be able to do a job I love in two amazing - similar yet distinctly different schools!
I moved to Norfolk in 2018, with my wife and our two children, from Hertfordshire. We absolutely love Norfolk for the range of great things you can do, with the best of city life in Norwich, and the opportunities to get to the beach, be active, paddleboard and explore all within easy reach.
Alison Toombs
I am a Local Authority Governor with responsibility for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
I have worked in education for over 20 years as a teacher, middle and senior leader within primary, secondary and complex needs settings. I have worked at the Local Authority for over 3 years now and am a Senior Adviser for Inclusion within the Inclusion and SEND Team.
My area of responsibility is Learning and SEND, supporting Norfolk mainstream schools to make excellent provision for children and young people with SEND.
Jen Cooper
David Ayres - Clerk
Rev. Lynn Chapman
Clare Oakley
Holly Greenwood
I joined the board of governors at the start of 2021 during lockdown. I thought it was a perfect time to become involved in supporting the local community and with my background in teaching it seemed like the perfect fit!
I have been a teacher for a number of years and have always worked in schools in some capacity. I have had experience in working in both rural and inner city schools and enjoy my job immensely.
My degree was dance and art based and I feel this has contributed to my creative view on education.
I live locally with my husband and 3 year old son who likes to keep me busy. Outside of school I enjoy fitness, socialising with friends and renovating my house.
Sarah Lewis - Head of School
I joined Hempnall this year as Head of School, after teaching for many years in a large junior school in Norwich. I have also lived and taught in Italy.
I have worked in education for 20 years and I have a love of languages and the English language.
My family enjoy a variety of sports and outdoor activities and I can often be seen on a rugby or football pitch at weekends.