Governors

Erin Blake - Chair of Governors - Parent Governor

(Term of office expires 01/04/27)

I was delighted to join the Bow Community Primary School team in November 2018. I have three children, one of which is at Bow CP School. I wanted to join the Governing Body, as I want to help make Bow CP School the best school it can be for both my children and the rest of the community. With business experience in several industries and a drive to achieve the best, I am looking forward to the challenges ahead. My background is mixed and varied; I was studying primary teaching in New Zealand prior to meeting my husband. On moving to England, I entered the insurance industry and managed a small brokerage. After having children, I started my own business working with children in the creative arts, promoting creativity and problem-solving, an area, which I am particularly passionate about. I am also a dairy farmer's wife and, the majority of the time, I can be found helping run the office side of the business.

Julia Hiil - Vice - Chair of Governors - Parent Governor

(Term of office expires 01/11/25)

I was delighted to join the governing board in November 2021, after my eldest son, Luke, started school in the September. As a family we decided to move to Devon to be closer to friends and family who live across the South-West and therefore new to the mid-Devon area, joining the board has allowed me to get to know more about the school and the community that it supports. Having worked for an accountancy firm for over 14 years and having gained vast experience in finance and governance, I wanted to bring my knowledge and skills to the board and to support the school as much as I could. I look forward to working with the CP team over the next couple of years.

Richard Drake - Parent Governor

(Term of office 26/01/2028)

I am a dad to Abigail and Thomas. In my career background I am a dairy farmer's son and spent much of my teenage years working on the farm whilst studying up to A-levels. I gained 17 years of local government experience in the Estate Departments of several Councils. I started at apprenticeship level and progressed to become a qualified building surveyor and also gained considerable departmental management experience as Property Maintenance Manager which included budgeting, day to day management and HR tasks. 7 years ago I made the decision to have a career change and became an active partner in my wife’s family’s artisan cheese making business and that is where you will find me today. Aside from work and family duties my interests include rugby, cricket and cycling. I also coach 5 -11 year old children to play cricket. I hope my broad experiences can add value to our schools governing body and Bow Community Primary School to be the best that it can be

Melanie Bishop - Co-Opted Governor

(Term of office expires 31/10/2026)

I have been a governor since November 2018 as a Co-opted governor. I have 3 children, my eldest Harry started Bow school in September 2018. Having worked for a bank for the past 20 years with fairly extensive knowledge in HR and personnel I wanted to try and be involved in the school to help and support as much as I could. Sharing my knowledge and helping the school to be the best it can be, for not only my children but also for the community. When I am not at work or looking after my children I am usually doing something sporty triathlons, netball, running or horse riding. 

Beth Lecoq - Co-Opted Governor

(Term of office 19/09/2026)

I joined the governing board in September 2022. Following my eldest son starting at Bow CPS in 2021, becoming a governor presented a great opportunity to support the school for the benefit of my own and other children, as well as the local community. After beginning my early career in Environmental Conservation, I took a side step into Human Resources and developed a passion for helping employees, managers and organisations to reach their full potential. I have worked in Human Resources across the charitable, private and public sectors for over 10 years. I am looking forward to getting more involved in the school community and learning a lot along the way. I hope the transferable skills I have gained, alongside my knowledge and experience within HR, will add value to the governing board - and ultimately help to support the school and our children to shine their brightest!

Kathryn Taylor - Co-Opted Governor

(Term of office expires 20/09/25)

Alice Humberstone - Staff Governor

(Term of Office expires 18/09/27)

Clare Willmott - Headteacher

Lucie Hiscock - LA Governor

(Term of Office 18/09/2027)

Lindsay Lucas - Parent Governor

(Term of Office 20/01/2028)

I am Mum to Daniel who joined the school in September 2021 and I was delighted to join the governing board in January 2024 so I can use my skills to support the school and its community. I have over 17 years’ experience in the Tech industry including running a successful Digital Transformation and Custom Software Organisation and an Insurtech startup. I have worked with global insurance brands, large charities as well as healthcare, retail and logistics organisations to help them digitally evolve, develop software systems and ultimately transform through the use of technology.

I’m passionate about the school’s success and developing future STEM (Science Technology, Engineering and Maths) talent. In my executive roles I have worked with local schools, colleges and universities to help bridge the gap between business and education and I now work with one of the leading social enterprises in the South West who are recognised across the UK for its achievements in digital transformation and digital inclusion through skills development.

My style is collaborative teamworking with a focus on continual improvement and I believe in good transparent communication and fostering an inclusive and diverse culture.

Natalie Chandler - Clerk

Email: clerk@bowcps.devon.sch.uk