Chair of Governor and FRP committee
chair@coaley.gloucs.sch.ukMy family have had connections with Coaley C of E Academy for over 50 years. I attended the school and all three of my children have also.
I am and always have been a regular churchgoer and am a member of the Parochial Church Council at St Bartholomew’s and Lay Chair of Wotton Deanery Synod.
Professionally I have worked in the nuclear industry for the last 21 years as a Procurement officer and previously in local government. I have experience in governance, processes and procedures.
Outside of work I am District Commissioner for Cotswold Vale Scout District, overseeing 120 leaders and nearly 500 young people. Safeguarding, health and safety, communications and training as my focus in this role. Working alongside the school curriculum Scouting helps to provide young people with skills for life.
I have a keen interest in the running of the school and it’s future development.
Carole holds the responsibility of safeguarding and Looked After Children governor. She sits on the FRP committee.
Head Teacher
My name is Richard Lucas and I have been a Headteacher for over 10 years, and the Headteacher at Coaley since September 2019. I started teaching more than 20 years ago and absolutely love my job. Working with children and being a Headteacher is such a privilege. Being able to improve children’s lives and make a difference is what makes my job so special and being a part of the school’s journey to improve is very exciting. I am a passionate supporter of Forest Green Rovers (and Arsenal), which I supplement by playing 5-a-side once a week – badly! I also play the drums in two rock bands and record and gig quite often. I love walking my two crazy dogs with my family and I find cooking strangely relaxing.
Ex-officio Governor
I was born and bred in Dursley and have always lived locally.
I have spent most of my working life as a photographer working for both newspapers and as a wedding photographer. For many years I owned a photographic studio in Dursley.
I now live with my wife in Cam and have two grown up children, both married. My daughter lives in Coaley and has two children who both attend Coaley Academy. My other son lives in Nottinghamshire and also has two children.
I am a Diocesan Reader at St. George’s Church, Cam, and have been involved with many local activities. I have been chairman of Dursley Cricket Club, Dursley Operatic and Dramatic Society and founder member and Chairman/Trustee of Kingshill House Arts Centre.
I joined Relate Gloucestershire and Swindon twenty years ago and served for ten years as their CEO. I also served as a Director/Trustee of the Relate National Charity.
I am so proud to be a Governor of Coaley Academy. It is an inspiring place to learn with totally dedicated staff and fantastic children. I hope to play a small part in the future growth and success of the school.
Ken is the Vice Chair of the Governing Board, holds the responsibility of Special Educational Needs governor and sits on both the FRP and S&E committees.
Staff Governor
I landed on my feet in 2019, joining Coaley school at a time of change and growth. I am passionate about Early Years education and am delighted to have the opportunity to teach my class for three years, watching as they grow and flourish through the EYFS and Key Stage one, within our small, nurturing Coaley family. I am a mum of two grown up children and spend my spare time running up and down the many hills around Stroud, walking my two dogs, looking for my cat and keeping up with friends and family.
Becky is a member of the E&S committee.
Co-Opted Governor
I moved to Gloucestershire from Leeds in 1980 and have subsequently lived in Coaley since 1981. Here we raised our son who attended Coaley school. During his early years I became a registered childminder and also a childminder coordinator for Stroud until 1986 when I returned to work. I also helped run the brownie pack in Coaley for a number of years.
Whilst my son became involved in football I became an avid supporter and ultimately Chairman of Everside youth football. I was also the first Child Protection Officer for Stroud Youth League.
The majority of my working careers has been in finance roles most recently Commercial and Treasury Manager for a local manufacturer and then Finance Manager for a telecommunications company.
I have always supported Coaley school and I am very keen to get involved in the development and progress of the school.
Anne is the chair for the FRP committee.
Co-Opted Governor
I have been a member of FCIA's Governing Body since 2014 which included the transition to being part of the DGAT family.
I am also a governor at Field Court Infants School which is another DGAT school and I find that I am able to share the skills I learn with both schools.
I have completed a degree in Business Studies with The Open University, combining work with studying. I have also held a number of roles at work ranging from finance, recruitment and onboarding to working as an administrator with the Defence Intellectual Property Rights team.
What do I bring to FCIA? Passion, experience and the ability to ask awkward questions!
Parent Governor
Coaley CofE Primary Academy is an extraordinary school. Over the last five months our family has felt truly welcomed, supported, and cared for. Our daughter is always excited when we drop her off, and when we collect her, she's briming with enthusiasm. That is why I am applying for the role of Parent Governor - this is an opportunity to use my passion and experience, to give back and to support our school community in a meaningful way.
I was a primary school teacher for eight years, working in a DGAT school for four of those years. I've taught in KS1 & 2, teaching children from age 5 to 9. So, I am familiar with the system, the curriculum, the expectations, and many of the pressures that the children and staff experience in our school. My hope is that as a parent governor, this perspective will help me to steward wisely, scrutinise closely, and support sensitively.
The primary school I attended was a village school like Coaley. I have such fond memories of the school, my teachers, and the opportunities it afforded me. One of my proudest moments was when, almost eleven years later, I joined the staff team as a behaviour support worker. I eventually went on to become a teaching assistant and it was the headteacher who encouraged me to complete my teacher training. Sadly, since then, budget cuts, governing body decisions and organisational changes led to the closure of the school and the loss of a once vital community hub.
We moved to Cam relatively recently, but I already know that Coaley school holds a special place in the life of the village and the wider community. The school's ethos, values and culture make it a desirable choice. However, with rapidly growing housing developments nearby; a successful, thriving school will obviously be in demand. These growing needs and other continuing pressures will call for strong leadership and good governance - I sincerely hope to be able to play my part in facing the opportunities and the challenges ahead.