What is a school governor?

St Mary's CE(VA) Primary School has a group of people known as the school governors. They  are  all volunteers who, together with the Miss Perrett and Senior School Staff, lead the school.  

As a group the governors are known as the Governing Body. . They’re involved in decisions about all aspects of managing the school ; being part of big decision making about the school's long term goals, setting the school budget, supporting staff members , setting standards of school discipline and making sure that the buildings are kept in good order. 

The Governing Body meets at least once a term. At the meetings Miss Perrett and other staff report to the Governing Body and the Governors ask questions to make sure that the school is making good progress. 

Meet our Governing Body

Valerie Houghton - Chair of Governors

I am usually known as Rev Val. I live in Kidderminster and have been a governor at St Mary's for 9 years. I also taught at St Mary's for a year in 2006/7.  I am a priest in the Brierley Hill area; I enjoy leading services and also lead some of the work with Children and Young People as well as with the elderly.  I have three adult children and three grandchildren.  I enjoy music and singing;  singing in the church choir when I have the opportunity .  Life is busy so I relax each day by taking my dog, Pippin, for a long walk in the early morning. 

Hayley Doyle - Vice Chair of Governors

I joined the governing body as link governor for safeguarding 4 years ago however before this I was an employee at St Marys as the family support worker. I was delighted to be asked to join the governing body to continue to support the headteachers vision and be part of the school journey.

 In my spare time I’m a mom to three daughters, two have gone through education and further however my youngest is about to start high school. I’m a nan to my adorable grandson Thoe and have two dogs Otis and Margo. I enjoy taking time out of a busy life going on long walks with my dogs and spending time with my family. I have no exciting or dangerous hobbies other than I’m having a go at learning how to play the guitar.

My day job is working for the local authority as area safeguarding officer for education where I have been working for the past 5 years. I am passionate about the education, welfare and protection of children and young people, to ensure they have every opportunity to succeed a grow into well rounded individuals. St Marys primary school vision very much supports this passion, and I am proud to be working alongside a team ensuring that we always have the highest or expectations of ourselves and children.

Susan Wombell - Vice Chair of Governors

I am very proud to be a Governor at St Mary's school. I have a special interest in SEND and am the link Governor and work with the SENCO in achieving best outcomes for our learners. In addition, I am an Authorised Lay Minister at St Mary's church. In my spare time I enjoy singing in a local choir. 

Franz Ndumbe

I joined the Governing Board in 2022 and bring with me a strong commitment to supporting children's education and well-being. 

With a background in health (I'm a retired NHS Consultant), I hope to contribute valuable insight and experience to help shape the strategic direction of the school. 

As part of my role in supporting and monitoring Attendance at school, I would ensure every child at St Mary's School receives a high quality education in a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment.

John Stevens

Mark Porter - Parent Governor

The role of Parent Governor is a new and exciting opportunity for me, one that I am proud to take on and fully committed to. As a parent of six children, three of whom currently attend St Mary’s, I bring both lived experience and a deep understanding of the realities, challenges, and joys of family life. Managing a busy household has equipped me with resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of responsibility, qualities I will bring to this role.

Professionally, I offer nearly 30 years of experience working with the public, including over two decades in the public sector and emergency services. My career has been diverse, ranging from customer facing roles in retail to community engagement, operational planning, and delivering strategic briefings. I have also responded directly to calls for service, giving me valuable insight into communication, decision making under pressure, and serving the needs of the community.

Alongside my professional and family commitments, I am passionate about personal development and wellbeing. I enjoy staying fit and challenging myself, taking on a new fitness goal each year that pushes me beyond my limits. This mindset of growth, perseverance, and positivity is something I aim to reflect in all areas of my life.

I am truly looking forward to contributing as a Parent Governor. I am committed to supporting St Mary’s in ensuring that every child is given the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. At the heart of everything I do will be a focus on education, wellbeing, and helping every child reach their full potential.

Suzanne Martin - Parent Governor

I joined as a parent governor in 2026 as I want to show support for our school and to make a positive contribution to the governor team. I work in the NHS as an occupational therapist and am a mum to two girls. When I have spare time I enjoy being creative, escaping with a book and finding a good coffee shop with friends.