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Greg Hall
Hilary Spurrier (Chair of Governors)
After a career in education, I became a governor in 2016.
In 1972 I graduated from the University of Leeds and embarked on a post graduate Certificate of Education at Lancaster University.
My teaching career started in Cwmbran, South Wales and just under two years later I became head of history at Chichele School, Rushden. Internal promotion five years later saw me become head of sixth form. I was also invited to join a government sponsored development studies project, which involved a month in Sierra Leone and the production of materials for use in schools.
In 1983 I became Deputy Head at Kingsbrook School, Deanshanger. Whilst there I experienced every facet of school leadership, including two lengthy spells as Acting Head Teacher. I was invited to train as an Ofsted Inspector and also completed an MA in Education with the University of Leicester.
In 2001, after 20 years in senior leadership, I became an advisor for Milton Keynes Local Authority. I became the senior advisor with responsibility for secondary schools. During this time I continued to undertake Ofsted inspections and became a registered School Improvement Partner, carrying out Head Teacher performance management. In 2008 I retired from Milton Keynes Council and set up my own consultancy working with schools in Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire on a wide range of school improvement issues.
When I finally fully retired in 2016 I decided I wanted to become a school governor, a role I enjoy enormously. School should be fun and inspire pupils to want to learn and find things out. Blisworth School does all of these!
Suzanne Cox Cert. Ed. Adv Dip Ed, NPQH (Vice Chair)
Hello. My name is Suzanne and I have been a member of Blisworth Governing Board since 2018.
I have lived in the village since 1980 and both of my children attended Blisworth School. When they were at the school I served as a member of FoBS and my husband (Rob) was a Parent Governor.
I qualified as a teacher in 1977 and have spent most of my career in Education. Early in my career I worked with children and young people in Residential Care, some of whom had been through the criminal justice system. During this time, I learnt that ALL children deserve the best chance of an outstanding education and to be taught by individuals who strive to make this possible.
My qualities include a sense of fairness, integrity, a genuine passion to see children do well in whatever they choose to do and the ability not to take myself too seriously!
As a Governor I feel I bring the following strengths to the role: School Leadership: planning for and teaching vulnerable children; and making sure that each child can be the best they can be!
June Hawkins
I attended Art College after winning an award in my early school years. I went into teaching in a Primary School very much like Blisworth Community Primary School. It was a wonderful experience.
I married and we went to live in Switzerland. On my return I took a position in a private school, teaching main stream pupils and Art at all levels.
During the time off with my son, I went to help with the 8000 non readers in Northampton and during this time I became interested in pupils with learning difficulties so worked in Summer schools set up for them. I also attended courses to help me to understand their learning difficulties. These experiences encouraged me to understand and find ways of teaching pupils in the way that they could access learning. For example, through Art, Sports, Drama and gardening.
I was approached to open two schools as headteacher, one in Hampstead and one near Buckingham for pupils with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and so on. It was a tremendous challenge, but incredibly rewarding and both schools gained final registration through Ofsted. I was found to be running a “very orderly community with a sense of purpose, harmony and well being” and it was very rewarding. I went on to be a consultant for an Oxford school. I have now come full circule and enjoy being a Governor of Blisworth Community Primary School.
My ethos is to assist by using my knowledge to develop the whole child through a multi-sensory approach and to encourage pupils to believe in themselves and to work to the best of their ability.
Nicola Ellis-Randall
Liz Carter
James Murphy
Lauren Costello
I have only recently (in 2023) become a school governor and have two children who attend the school with a third due to join next year. I believe in the importance of making school fun whilst providing a quality education and the role it plays in shaping the future of our children – every child deserves the best possible learning experience. Since my daughter started attending the school, I have seen first-hand the positive impact of a well-managed and nurturing educational environment. One we are all proud to be part of.
My professional background includes working in legal services for 15 years, with the last 10 years focused on marketing and business development. Notably, the firm I work for has a dedicated team of experts who advise daily on education-related issues. This experience has given me an understanding of the education sector, including its challenges and opportunities. I am hopeful to provide strategic insights and solutions to support the school’s growth and development.
As a family we are actively involved in community and charitable initiatives, such as bringing Santa on his sleigh to the school and local villages whilst raising money for charity. These activities have allowed me to connect with students, parents, and staff, fostering a sense of togetherness within the school community.
Chris Sweatman
