Governor Pen Portraits
Mr Matt Nicholls
Children and Parents will know me as Headteacher at Nanpean School, and, as Headteacher, I am automatically a member of the Governing Board, and this is a role I relish. I enjoy working with Governors as we all have the common goal of celebrating success but continually working hard to strive for further school improvement. I enjoy meetings, trying to ensure Governors are aware of priorities and progress within school.
I had always wanted to be a Teacher, even doing my Year 10 work experience (when at secondary school) in a local primary school. I began my career in education officially as a Teacher in 2004, following four years of 'teacher training', first at King Alfred's (Winchester) University and then at St Mark and St John (Marjon), Plymouth. I was fortunate to gain a job at Charlestown School when I finished University, as this is where I did my final teaching practice placement while at University. After four years of being a Teacher, I became Deputy Headteacher, moving to Bugle School five years later in the same role, and then becoming Head of School there, before moving to Nanpean in 2019. At both of my previous schools I also spent time as a member of the Governing Board, sometimes as the Staff Governor and sometimes as an Associate Governor when I was asked to attend meetings when the school already had a Staff Governor.
My personal interests include playing Squash and watching Football (when Man Utd are winning!) and relaxing with Kate, my wife. However, my main hobby is spending time with Thea, my little girl who is 3, and there is never a dull moment when I am with her as she always makes me laugh and smile!
Mr Mark Tucker
Who am I? Well I’m a 67 years young retired manager of disabled children’s services. I grew up in Crinnis going to the old Charlestown Primary School and Penrice Secondary Modern School and have lived in Whitemoor for the past 35 years. I married and moved away from Cornwall for about 10 years after securing my professional qualifications at Plymouth Polytechnic. On returning to Cornwall I worked for Cornwall Council and NCH Action for Children. Now retired, alongside school governing and supporting my family I also teach advanced motorcycling with the Institute of Advanced Motorists and am secretary to the local group.
I have 2 daughters and 3 grandsons, 2 of whom currently attend Nanpean School and this is how I come to have joined the Governing body just 12 months ago.
The coming year will be quite challenging as we move into the MAT with Truro and Penwith Academy Trust (TPAT) but having realised the necessity of this change it’s a challenge that I and my fellow governors are excited to meet. I am keen to be a visible support to the school; children, staff and parents and look forward to meeting you all soon
Mrs Anne Bullock
My name is Anne Bullock and I was a teacher for 35 years+ in both secondary and primary schools until I retired in 2016. I am a ‘Cornish maid’ living in and around the St Austell area for nearly all my life, apart from a spell in Gloucester and Birmingham for teacher training and my first teaching post! I was the deputy headteacher and staff governor, in a local primary school, before my retirement and I was proud to have these roles. During my teaching career I really enjoyed teaching my Y6 classes and seeing the children progress into young adults. I loved seeing them flourish in outdoor settings and in particular on the Isles of Scilly residentials for which I was the leader for 20 years. I have a lot experience in Safeguarding and Pastoral care for both children and staff alike, a role which is so important in a school. Following my retirement, I took up a part time post at Cornwall Councils Early Help Hub as the Education Lead, advising both schools and parents on the support available and enabling them to access the most appropriate to them. I am now fully retired and have enjoyed my first year as a Governor at Nanpean School. I now look forward to supporting Mark Tucker, Chair of Governors, as Vice Chair of Governors as well as supporting all the staff, children and Mr. Nicholls as best I can.
Mrs Lee Whitford - Haines
My name is Lee Whitford - Haines and I have been a Governor for over 15 years. All of my children have attended the school, as did I, and I am therefore passionate about the school and all the wonderful things it brings to our children and the community. I also manage Nanpean Nippers, the onsite Nursery, and this allows a fantastic transition for our children to the school. I am very proud of the school and the staff within the school, and although our Governing Board has gone through much change, I am delighted with the group of Governors we now have supporting and challenging school staff.
Mr Innes Dowlen
I am a retired Police Sergeant. Throughout my adult life I have been significantly involved in working with children. I dedicated myself to my eldest boys primary school for over a decade supporting a variety of school activities in addition to being the Chair of Governors taking the entire school community through the Academy and MAT process, including the building of a new school. At the heart of everything I do is genuine care with a personal belief that we can all make a difference. I am grateful for the opportunity this role will give me and I will apply myself to support Nanpean School in any capacity that I can.
Mrs Jen Jago
I have grown up and studied in Cornwall, with my original inspiration to teach coming from a previous role in training. This meant I studied at degree level in my mid-twenties. It was the best decision I ever made; my passion for English and raising children's aspirations is unshakable, even in testing times. The resilience I maintained to gain my English degree, and then my teaching qualification, at a later stage in my life is a constant reminder that belief and positive outlook are key to success. As a teacher, I try to encourage that idea with the children and families I have the opportunity to work with each year.
I've been a teacher for over ten years and joined Nanpean CP in 2016. I've taught in EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. I feel fortunate to have gained that experience because it's helped me really understand the journey children take across the primary phase. At the moment, I'm a Year 5 teacher and very grateful to be on the governing body as a staff governor. I enjoy being part of the governing body, it's great to be part of such a lovely team who all bring a different area of expertise to the role.
Mrs Bex Dyer
My name is Bex, I am parent Governor at Nanpean School. I have been a Governor for almost 3 years. I have 2 children that currently attend Nanpean School. I am dedicated to supporting the school, the children, school staff and most of all the community that I grew up in. I gain great satisfaction from the Parent Governor role and would recommend this position to other parents when vacancies become available.
Miss Bryony Tucker
Most of you will know me as Miss Tucker and I am one of the 2 secretaries we have here at Nanpean School. I am currently a non-teaching staff Governor, however, I joined the board as a parent Governor back in December of 2019. I am very passionate about the children and the school, and this is why I initially took up the role of Governor so I could give the views of parents in a non-biased way. I grew up locally, and enjoy living in the area. Before coming to work at the school, I have worked for a high street bank for 9 years, and then as a bookkeeper for 4 years, so am able to offer my financial knowledge to the Governing board and school. If you ever have any questions for the Governing board, please feel free to pass them on through me!
Mr Jon Mayman
My name is Jon Mayman and I have recently joined the Board of Governors at Nanpean School. I have been working in the education sector since 2010 and have over 10 years teaching experience in the primary education. More recently I have been employed in a specialist SEMH school, working across a number of year groups from primary to secondary level. Having moved to Cornwall in 2010, from Bath, where I worked in the recruitment industry, I was lucky enough to find a teaching position at Biscovey Junior School, where I gained experience in Yr4, Yr5 and Yr6. I am looking forward to being involved with Nanpean School and hope that my experience can help the Board support the school moving forward.
Mrs Patricia Greet
My name is Tricia Greet and I joined the Board of Governors in May 2022. I was brought up in Nanpean and attended Nanpean School. I lived here for a number of years into adulthood before moving to Plymouth. I returned to Cornwall about 15 years ago. I have worked locally within Imerys and North Cornwall District Council. Latterly, I worked for 24 years in a law firm with offices throughout the country. My role was working for the Managing Partner and have had many years experience of working at Board level and the governance of the Partnership. Many members of my close family have attended Nanpean School, as I am now fully retired I feel that I would like to be involved with, and give my support to, Nanpean School in whatever way I can.