St Bartholomews School Brand Shoot

Governors

In May 2024, St Bartholomew’s C of E Primary School became a member of the Quantock Education Trust. As a result of this change, the governance structure and membership has changed and the St Bartholomew’s C of E Primary School Local Governing Committee is now a subsidiary of the Quantock Education Trust (QET) Board of Governors.

The governors meet at least twice every term usually in the early evening. They receive reports from the Headteacher and Subject Leaders concerning relevant school matters and discuss various topics relating to the efficient running of the School.

Stephen Gray - Chair, Foundation Governor
Governor Responsibilities : SEND & Pupil Premium
Revd Stephen Gray moved to Crewkerne with this family in 1999 and has been the Minister at Crewkerne Community Church ever since. A husband, father & grandfather, Stephen has seen his family journey through the local schools in Crewkerne. He has previously served as a governor at another local school for 12 years. Other community involvement included a time as Chaplain to the Royal British Legion and he is also the founder of Be A Good Neighbour which is Crewkerne’s local food bank.
To get some ”down time” Stephen follows Ulster Rugby but you might also see him occasionally watching Yeovil Town FC or down the Gym at Crewkerne Aqua Centre.
Elizabeth Fox - Local Authority Governor
Governor Responsibilities : Safeguarding & Attendance

Elizabeth joined the Governing Body in September 2023 after moving to the area in March 2022. She feels privileged and proud to have the opportunity to be part of the school community and contribute to its success.  Previously a Humanities teacher and Head of Sixth Form in Hertfordshire, Elizabeth now works for Somerset Council supporting vulnerable young people to access and achieve in education. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with friends and family. She also enjoys walking her dogs.

Gemma Coward - Headteacher

Gemma is proud to be the Headteacher of St Bartholomew’s Church of England Primary School and is passionate about providing an excellent Character and academic education for all children. She took up the role of substantive Headteacher in January 2018.

Gemma is committed to continuing to develop St Bartholomew’s as a school of character, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to discover and grow their unique talents and gifts, becoming responsible, compassionate citizens of the world. This passion extends beyond the school through her leadership of social action conferences, bringing together children from across the Quantock Education Trust to collaborate on issues that matter to them.

She also values strong partnership working, enjoying collaboration with colleagues across the Crewkerne and Ilminster partnership. As Chair of the Headteachers’ group, she works closely with others to support and enhance the educational journey of all children in Crewkerne. In addition, Gemma co-facilitates the Crewkerne Leaders Community Breakfast, working with organisations across the local area to support children and families.

Tammy Court - Staff Governor
Responsibilities : SEND

Tammy took up the role of Staff Governor in 2021. She began her career in education as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant and, driven by her passion for teaching and learning, went on to qualify as a teacher. Tammy joined St Bartholomew’s as an Early Career Teacher in 2017.

In 2018, Tammy developed a strong interest in curriculum leadership, taking on the role of Computing and Online Safety Lead. Under her leadership, the school has successfully achieved the 360 Online Safety reaccreditation three times.

Tammy is a Local Authority moderator and works across the county, visiting schools to moderate Year 6 writing. She also leads events across the Quantock Education Trust (QET), supporting the development of English.

Committed to ongoing professional development, Tammy is currently undertaking the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL). She is a valued member of the Senior Leadership Team, serves as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), and is the school’s Curriculum Leader as well as the Key Stage 2 English Leader.

Karen Samuel - Parent Governor

Bio coming soon.

Emma Harwood - Clerk

Emma has been part of the administration team at St Bartholomew’s for a little over two years.  Emma has previously been part of the board of governors as a parent governor.

Emma enjoys reading and exploring the local countryside with her family in her spare time.

Governor Information
Governor Minutes
Governor Value Cups

At the end of every term children are awarded one of the seven Governor Virtue cups, each representing one our Christian virtues of respect, compassion, trust, forgiveness, aspiration, hope and courage.

The Governors are proud to be able to reward the children for embodying our Christian virtues in everyday school life.