Welcome to our Governor page for Coney Hill Community Primary School...
...I'm Ceri and I am the Chair of Governors and it is a pleasure to welcome you to our school.
As Chair of Governors, it is my role to provide leadership to the governing board, ensuring we fulfil our function well and to work closely with the headteachers and leadership teams to support, advise, challenge and to help shape proposals to be discussed at our board meetings and ensuring the focus is strategic. My role is to provide direction to the governing body, keeping it focused on its core educational, financial and safeguarding responsibilities.
When I'm not 'governing', I advocate for disabled, adopted and looked-after children after working with them for many years and adopting my disabled son. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going on walks, health and fitness and spending far too much time on YouTube!
I am so proud to be a Governor at Coney Hill Community Primary School.
Meet the Governors
Amy Ward - Co-opted Governor
Hello!
I’m Amy Ward and I’m really privileged to be a governor at your wonderful school. I’m a teacher so I know lots about what the children are learning.
I love reading all sorts of books and I enjoy going for walks with my family and our chocolate Labrador called Molly.
Lisa Daniels - Co-Opted Governor
I’m really pleased to serve as a Governor at the school, with a particular focus on safeguarding. I care deeply about creating an environment where every child feels safe, known, and able to flourish.
I have personally felt the impact of the school community on my two children who are very proud to be Hillers!!
In my professional life, as a Minister,I specialise in leadership and communication. I’m passionate about developing people, building healthy communities, and creating spaces where others can grow.
It’s a privilege to play a part in supporting the school’s continued growth and to help ensure it remains a place where every child is encouraged, supported, and given every opportunity to thrive.
Sophie Hipkiss - Staff Governor
Sophie Hipkiss is a passionate and dedicated member of our governing body, committed to supporting every pupil in achieving their full potential. With over 15 years of experience working in education, Sophie brings a wealth of insight and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the school environment.
She’s currently studying for a BA in Primary Education with the Open University. Outside of her studies, Sophie is a proud wife and mum. She’s also a big part of the PTFA, raising funds and helping to build strong links between the school and the wider community.
Beyond school, Sophie is involved with Coney Hill Rugby Football Club, where she’s the Safeguarding Lead, making sure everyone feels safe and supported. Her passion for safeguarding and community work shows just how much she cares about creating welcoming, inclusive spaces for children to thrive.
Gemma Taylor - Parent Governor
Having been part of this community for many years, and with my child attending Coney Hill Community School, I feel a deep connection to the school and the families it serves. I’m passionate about giving back and helping to create the best possible environment for every child to learn and thrive.
Professionally, I’ve spent over fourteen years working in the housing sector and have also been a manger in the charity sector where I helped support people and communities to reach their full potential. I hope to bring this experience, along with my commitment and care for our local area, to help represent parents and work together with the board to make a positive difference for all pupils.
Kat Thompson - Co-opted Governor
Kat Thompson is a passionate education professional whose career has taken her from reinsurance into more than nine years in education. With an Open University HND and a qualification in School Business Management, she combines academic knowledge with hands-on experience. Kat is deeply committed to supporting Coney Hill Community Primary School school in achieving its vision for all pupils, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
Outside of work, she’s a proud mum of two boys and a wife, with plenty of personal interests that keep life colourful.
Anthony Hayward - Parent Governor
I’m a proud dad of four who loves spending time with my family. Three of my boys have gone through Coney Hill School, and I now have a daughter left at the school. I work in utilities, designing new electricity networks, and have done for the past 20 years. I’m big into football, fitness, and darts, and I enjoy keeping active and having a laugh with friends. I have been coaching youth sports for 15 years across various age ranges. People know me as someone who’s reliable, easy-going, and always happy to help. Whether I’m coaching, competing, or just enjoying good company, I like to keep things positive and make the most of every day.
Phil Corcoran - Co-opted Governor
I am a married Dad of three children currently with one at Coney Hill Primary School. Professionally I work as a Continuous Improvements Manager in cyber, space and defence. My role is to data gather, root cause analysis, and write recommendations for improvements across all sites in the UK and our overseas sites too. Outside of work I enjoy cycling and going on long walks with my family. We also love the beach and head to Cornwall whenever we can. A lot of you may know my wife, Emily, better than myself as she works as a Send TP at the school. I am approachable and a great problem solver.
