Meet the Governors

Gareth Compton - Joint Chair of Governors

Co-opted governor 

Term of office: 03.12.20 - 02.12.24

Declaration of Interest: None

Committees and panels: Finance & Risk Committee

I have been a governor at Bayton since 2020 and have been the vice chairman since 2023.

I decided to become a school governor because I was keen to do some voluntary work in our community. I have had quite a bit of experience as a school governor, having served on the governing body at Burford school for several years and before that at schools in Birmingham and London, when we lived there. 

The range of skills that any governing body needs is incredibly diverse and we are lucky at Bayton to have governors with many different skill-sets. My day-job is a barrister, so I am happy to help when legal issues crop up, as they do with surprising frequency.

Outside of the courtroom or school, I am a very keen gardener and most of my spare time is spent in the garden. For the last few years, we have opened our garden for charity as part of the National Garden Scheme and will do so again this Summer.

Richard Wetherell-Joint Chair of Governors

Chair of Governor

Term of office: 08.12.22 - 07.12.26

Declaration of Interest: None

Committees and panels: Chair of Finance & Risk Committee

Claire Mitchell - Headteacher

Ex-officio headteacher

Date appointed: 01.09.26 ongoing
Declarations of Interest: None

I was delighted to be appointed as Headteacher of Bayton Primary School. It is a real privilege to join such a warm and welcoming school community. Before joining Bayton Primary School, I had 28 years of experience teaching and leading in a variety of schools, which has given me a wide range of knowledge and skills.
I strongly believe that schools should be places where children feel safe, valued and inspired to learn. My aim is to nurture a love of learning while ensuring that every child is supported and challenged to achieve their very best. As we move forward together, I will continue to promote our school values of Nurturing, Growing and Thriving, ensuring that these remain at the heart of our school community. 
Having been brought up on a local farm in a neighbouring village, I have strong roots in this area and share the values that are already embedded within the school. I am excited to work in partnership with pupils, families, staff, governors and the wider community to ensure that Bayton Primary School continues to flourish.

Richard Wetherell

Co-opted Governor

Term of office: 08.12.22 - 07.12.26

Declaration of Interest: None

Committees and panels: Chair of Finance & Risk Committee

Stu Meese - Chair of Governors

Co-opted governor

Term of office: 16.03.23 - 15.03.27

Declarations of Business Interests: Parish Councillor for Pensax and Educational Visits Advisor for Capita Entrust.

Committees and panels: Headteacher performance management

My background has been in leading outdoor education centres since the mid-1990s. I’ve run marine, mountain, woodland, environmental, and multi-activity outdoor centres. I’ve worked in PRUs, been a youth worker, a behaviour support worker, and a youth participation worker. I now work as a lecturer at the University of Worcester and as an Educational Advisor for Capita Entrust. I am passionate about learning beyond and outside the classroom.

My research and interests are in how we can embed young people’s voices into their own outdoor learning experiences and also in aesthetic approaches to outdoor learning. I have led expeditions to Iceland, DofE, ran forest schools and the odd Bikeability course! By being a governor I can contribute to the strategic direction of the school and help the school in providing a wide and holistic education for all children to succeed and enjoy learning.

Lauren Wood

Staff Governor 

Term of office: 02.10.24 - 01.10.25

Declaration of Interest: None

My name is Lauren Wood and I am a class teacher at Bayton Primary School. It was a delight to be offered the position here at Bayton in 2019 within a school that thrives throughout and has such wonderful children to teach. It is a real pleasure to work within this school community as well as sharing the idyllic views surrounding the school. I started my teaching path in 2005 and have never looked back. 

I have lived in the local area for over 20 years and have three children who attend a local school and they keep me very busy when I am not teaching!

Jacky Garbett

Foundation Governor

Term of office: 05.07.23 - 04.07.27

Declaration of Interest: None

Committees and panels: Headteacher performance management

Hello everyone. I am a retired Primary school teacher, having worked in primary and middle schools for nearly 40 years. I was born in Matlock, Derbyshire and moved here to the Wyre Forest to take up my first teaching post, and have made this area of Worcestershire my home.

I am married with a son and daughter in law living locally. I am a member of Riverside Elim church in Bewdley and volunteer with the international relief charity Samaritans Purse through their branch Operation Christmas Child. My hobbies include crocheting, knitting, crafting, reading (especially thrillers!!), visiting National Trust properties and coffee with friends

Reverend Sallie Butcher

Foundation Ex-officio Governor
Term of office: 23.10.23 ongoing

Declaration of Interest governor at another school: Far Forest Lea Memorial CE Primary School.

Declaration of Business Interest: Priest in Charge of Wyre Forest West, includes parish of Mamble cum Bayton

Charlotte Harding

Parent governor

Term of office: 14.02.25 - 13.02.29

Declarations of Interest: None

I’ve really enjoyed being a parent governor at Bayton CE Primary School. It’s a great way to be more involved in the school community, have a voice in how the school develops, and better understand what goes on behind the scenes.

You don’t need any special experience to become a parent governor—just an interest in supporting the school and helping it be the best it can be. It’s a chance to build new skills, meet other parents and staff, and make a real difference.

For the school, having parent governors is so valuable. It ensures decisions reflect the views of families and keeps a strong link between home and school.

If you’ve ever thought about getting more involved, I’d definitely recommend it and would be happy to chat anytime!

Marie Leffen

Parent governor

Term of office: 05.05.26 - 04.05.30

Declarations of Interest: None

Hannah Coleman - Clerk to Governors

Appointed: 01.01.20 ongoing

Declarations of Interest: Clerk to Governors at Abberley VC Primary School; Blakedown CE Primary School; Lindridge St Lawrence CE Primary School; Westacre Middle School; Diocese of Hereford MAT; and Governance Professional at The Four Stones Gateway Trust

I am pleased to be Clerk to Governors at Bayton. I am also Clerk at other schools and academies in Worcestershire and Shropshire.  I worked in local government for 10 years and more recently for the Diocese of Hereford.

Former governors

Laura Paske, Headteacher, 01.09.23 - 31.08.26
Phil Hunter, LA governor, 13.02.23 - 26.09.25

Former Governors:

Jaymie George, Parent Governor 02.10.23-23.01.25

Nick Winks, Co-opted Governor, 11.07.24-23.01.25