I have lived in Wiveliscombe for 40 years, and both of my children attended this school. I was Vice Principal at Richard Huish College for many years and later worked as a consultant and coach with schools and colleges across the UK and the Far East. I am privileged to be Chair of the Governing Board, working alongside our outstanding Headteacher and staff.

I joined the Governing Body to provide support and experience, following a career of over thirty-six years in education. As a scientist, I am particularly interested in developing exciting ways to encourage and enthuse children in the wonders of the world around them. I have experience of helping schools through inspections and review. 

I live in Wiveliscombe, am a Town Councillor and drive for the WiveyLink charity. I think it is important to give back as much as possible to the local community. I have a passion for railways and volunteer on the West Somerset Railway. 

I look forward to working with a great team at a thriving and positive school. 

I have lived locally for nearly 29 years, and my daughters attended Milverton Primary School and later Kingsmead School. My granddaughters are now both pupils at Wiveliscombe Primary School.

I have 40 years’ experience of teaching in the state sector and have taught in a wide range of settings, including both mainstream and special educational needs schools. I have held positions within the Advisory Service and in a Secure Inpatient Special Unit.

In the early years of my career, I was Head of History in a challenging secondary school in the South East, but moved naturally across to SEND as my interest in the learning process and experience evolved. Until retirement, I was, for many years, the SENDCo in a local secondary school, where I was also Head of Year and Safeguarding Lead.

I am a passionate advocate of inclusive education and proud to be a governor of a forward-thinking and dynamically led school.

I am Nicola Topps, the Staff Governor at the school. I am the Year 1 teacher and Lead Teacher for English and Modern Foreign Languages at Wiveliscombe Primary. I have been a teacher for 20 years, predominantly in Key Stage 2. This is my seventh year at Wiveliscombe Primary. I am also a parent, and both of my children have attended the school.

I joined as a Parent Governor to support the school wherever possible. I have 15 years' experience in outdoor education, working with a wide variety of primary and secondary schools, charities and youth groups. I now work in charity fundraising, providing opportunities for children with disabilities and from disadvantaged backgrounds. I am keen to help the school continue to progress and provide the best opportunities for its pupils.

I have recently joined the Governing Body as a governor, initially as a co-opted governor and, more recently, as a Parent Governor. I have lived in the local area for the past 15 years and see this as a good opportunity to give something back to the local community. I have a keen interest in health and safety in the workplace, and I am looking forward to using the knowledge I have gained from my day-to-day employment and applying it in a different setting.

I am proud to be the Headteacher of Wiveliscombe Primary School. It is an absolute honour to work with our wonderful school community. Prior to starting my current role in 2020, I was the Headteacher of Kingfisher Primary School in Yeovil. This was an exciting opportunity to open a brand-new school and lead it to become an ‘Outstanding’ provision within three years.

I have worked within Somerset education for over twenty years, enjoying teaching and leadership positions, along with school improvement roles. I am also a Local Leader of Education for this area.

My family and I live close to Wiveliscombe and have always enjoyed the local amenities. I have many fond memories of my own children enjoying the pool after school on hot summer afternoons. My husband and I have three wonderful children: a daughter and twin boys.