Meet the Governors
Mrs R Bale, Chair of Governors – Local Authority Governor
Rachel is a solicitor. She has three, now adult, children, the youngest of whom attended Isbourne Valley School. She passionately believes that all children should thrive, be supported in and celebrated for their individual personalities and strengths, enabled to enjoy learning and achieve their full potential and that school is not just about educating children in terms of subjects and curriculum, but also encouraging them to see beyond their formal education, to develop skills and to prepare for successful lives beyond school. She has been Chair of Governors since May 2016.
Safeguarding governor
Appointed by governing body
Mr J Godding - Head Teacher
Justin studied history at university in London before completing his PGCE in Nottingham. He taught history at inner city comprehensive schools in Nottingham and Derby for a number of years until he moved back to Cheltenham and changed to teaching in primary schools. He particularly enjoys maths, history and Forest School. He joined Isbourne Valley School as Headteacher in September 2016. When he is not in school he runs, cycles, swims, watches cricket and is a Leeds United supporter.
Mrs P Warner - Staff Governor
Mrs M Hill - Parent Governor
Mel’s professional background is in the local authority field, specifically within the education and skills directorate. She has significant experience in and understanding of education, community needs, and family support. She currently leads a local charity that provides early years education alongside community and family services, helping children and parents access the support they need to thrive. As well as being a parent governor at Isbourne Valley School since 2022 she also serves on the governing body of a local primary school federation.
Mel brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her role – she has two children who have attended or currently attend Isbourne Valley School. She has also been an active member of the Friends of Isbourne Valley throughout her time as a school parent, supporting school initiatives and raising much needed funds for our children. In the time she has left (!) she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. By the end of the day you'll find her, in her words, "either collapsing into bed like a deflated balloon or sandwiched between the kids on the sofa, answering life's big questions one hug at a time".
Mr A Keen - Parent Governor
Alistair is a zookeeper who grew up locally. Having completed a degree in animal biology at the University of Birmingham he has worked at Birdland since 2001, becoming head keeper in 2007. Specialising in penguins, he has been fortunate enough to be involved in conservation projects both locally and internationally. He has two children, one currently in Avon class, and the other recently moved to secondary school after spending her primary years at Isbourne Valley School. Out of work he enjoys chocolate eating challenges, playing cricket, watching West Bromwich Albion, Lord of the Rings, and has an interest in dinosaurs - he loves to visit the Natural History Museum, watch documentaries and really loves Jurassic Park (the book, film and game!).
Lord Wemyss - Co-opted Governor
Mrs D Holland - Co-opted Governor
Debbie retired from business when she moved to The Cotswolds from Kent in 2020. She has 3 adult children and was very active in their primary school as a parent helper and Chair of the PTA for 7 years. She has been Chair of The Winchcombe Show for 3 years and volunteers for Home-Start, supporting families who have children under 5 and are facing difficulties. She has always enjoyed sports, especially netball, swimming and rounders and has recently taken up golf.
Co-opted Governor - 1 vacancy
Clerk to the Governors - vacancy
If you are interested in becoming a governor, please contact the Chair of Governors.
You can contact our Governors via the following email addresses: