In April 2015, the school left the Crewkerne and Misterton federation and reconstituted its own smaller, more focused governing body. Under this constitution it was agreed that the school’s governing body should be made up of the following representatives:

  • One governor appointed by Somerset Local Authority
  • Two parent governors
  • One staff governor
  • Two foundation governors appointed by the diocese
  • Two co-opted governors
  • One headteacher

The governors meet at least twice every term usually during the school day. They receive reports from the Head concerning relevant school matters and discuss various topics relating to the efficient running of the School.

Cheryl Govier - Chair and Foundation Governor
Responsibilities: Safeguarding, Christian Distinctiveness and RE

Cheryl became the Chair of Governors in September 2018. She has a heart for education and helping children discover their gifts and talents, enabling them to live life in all its fullness. Cheryl joined the Education Department at the Diocese of Bath and Wells in September 2017. She is a Youth & Children’s Adviser, working with churches, local communities and schools, supporting, resourcing and helping them in sharing the Christian story. Cheryl started out as a secondary PE Teacher in 2008, but shortly after took a different direction and started working for the Church of England. Cheryl has been in parish based roles across the Diocese, working first as a children’s, schools and families worker in the Taunton area, before becoming the Chaplain at Wadham School and the Schools and Families Work leader for St Bartholo​mew’s Church, Crewkerne, in September 2016. Outside of work, Cheryl is a keen sportsperson, playing hockey and running. She loves living in the countryside and enjoying the beautiful places we have all around us in the South West.

Steve Briggs - Vice Chair and Co-opted Governor
Responsibilities: Health & Safety

Steve, with his wife Julia and their young family arrived in Crewkerne in 1987 and both boys attended St Barts between 1987 and 1994. Steve was previously appointed as a St Barts school governor in 1989 and as Chair in 1992 and 1993 he worked closely with headteacher, staff, FSA and governing body in the planning, design and development of the new school on the Kithill site. A further close connection with the school came through his wife, Julia, teaching at the school for 10 years up until 2005. Steve recently retired from a career in town planning and development, working in both the public and private sector. This included local authority planning with City of Birmingham, South Somerset and finally with Torridge District Council as Head of Planning, Development and Community Services. Steve also worked with the Science Museum on a major development project between 2003 and 2007 and concluded his career as partner (Smiths Gore) and director (Savills) as head of their planning consultancy in the south west of England.​

Gemma Coward - Headteacher

Gemma is proud to be the Headteacher of St Bartholomew’s Church of England Primary School. She took up the role of substantive Headteacher in January 2018 after being Acting Headteacher from April 2017. Gemma began her teaching career in 2001 and quickly progressed to become an Advanced Skills Teacher in 2004. Moving to Somerset in 2005, she worked as a Senior Teacher and became a EYFS and KS1 moderator for Somerset Local Education Authority. After two years of working for the Local Authority as an AfL (Assessment For Learning) consultant, Gemma took up the Deputy Headship at St Bart’s. Gemma lives in Yeovil with her husband and young son. In her spare time, she is keen on yoga and pilates. At weekends, she enjoys being with her family in the peace of local nature reserves and walking in the countryside.

Tammy Court - Staff Governor
Responsibilities : SEND

More information 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 Value cups, each representing one our Christian values, respect, compassion, trust, forgiveness, aspiration, hope and courage.

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