School Governors

Our school is proud to be part of Crofty Education Trust, the governance of which is the responsibility of a Board of Trustees – chaired by Mr Mike Hosking.

Crofty Governance – Crofty Education Trust

Our school has a Local Governance Committee (LGC) – this is a committee of the Board of Trustees. Our Local Governors are all volunteers and have an important role in supporting and challenging our school leaders to achieve the best possible outcomes for every child in the school.

Governors are responsible for monitoring the schools’ arrangements for Safeguarding and progress towards their School Development Plan. Governors do this by speaking with pupils and staff and by receiving regular reports from both the Headteacher and the Trust about their progress.

Governors also have a responsibility for engaging with stakeholders – parents, pupils and staff – so a range of views can help shape the future of everyone within the wider Crofty Education Trust community.

If you are interested in becoming a governor at one of our schools, please contact our Governance Coordinator: Contact – Crofty Education Trust

You can contact the Chair of Governors, Matt Leech, via the following methods:

Email: Matt.Leech@croftymat.org

Post: C/O Portreath School, Penberthy Road, Redruth, Cornwall. TR16 4LU

Local Governance Committee minutes are available from the School Office, upon request.

Portreath Local Governance Committee (LGC) – Register of Interests, Membership, Attendance       Updated: January 2025

 Appointments – Staff governors are elected by school staff, Community governors are appointed by the LGC

GOVERNOR’S NAME POSITION GOVERNOR

CATEGORY

 TERM OF OFFICE

From/To

 REGISTER of INTERESTS ATTENDANCE

2023/2024

Matthew Leach

 Chair Parent –
appointed		 15/11/21

14/11/25

 Parent

 

 5/5
Elizabeth Ball Vice Chair Parent –
appointed		 29/01/24

28/01/28

 Parent 5/5
Christopher Shaw Parent –
elected		 28/02/24

27/02/28

 Parent 2/2
Elizabeth Gerrish Community 01/07/224

17/09/28

 None 4/5
Jessica Cafe  

 

 Parent –
appointed		 06/03/23

05/03/27

 Parent

Trust Employee

 5/5
Lucie Clarke  

 

 Staff 01/10/22

30/09/26

 Parent

Trust Employee

 4/5
Marcus Way  

 

 Parent –
elected		 25/03/24

24/03/28

 Parent 2/2
Previous members (last 12 months)

Meet the Governors

Marcus Way –

I grew up in Perranarworthal and after college I worked as a photographer for the BBC in London and then Scotland. I returned to Cornwall in my late 20s and worked as a photography lecturer at Falmouth College of Arts and Truro College. I enjoy cycling and getting in the sea as much as possible. I live in Portreath and I have a young son.

Jessica Cafe –

I have been Parent Governor at Portreath School since Spring 2019. I’m a mum to 2 girls. My hobbies include reading, spending time with my family and walking our Springer Spaniel. I really enjoy the varied role of being a parent governor. This academic year my responsibilities include English, EYFS and the website. I am also Maple Tree Class governor.

Chris Shaw –

I am a new Parent Governor for the 2024 school year. My daughter is the third generation of my family to attend the school, so I am very proud to take on the role and help serve the Local Governance Committee. I have fulfilled several roles over the years including teaching life skills to young offenders whilst working as a prison officer (boy do I have some stories from that job); however, I now work in the NHS as a Diagnostic Radiographer for Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust. I have an interest in Special Educational Needs so will be taking on responsibility for this for the Local Governance Committee over the coming year.

Elizabeth (Libby) Ball –

Following a 20 year career in Brand Marketing for Nestle, Coca-Cola and Rowes Cornish Bakers I have retrained as a soft tissue massage therapist. I love the outdoors, yoga, road biking and travelling adventures! I recently joined the Board of Governors at Portreath School in September 2020.

Elizabeth (Liz) Gerrish –

I have lived in the village for many years and have been associated with the school in many roles, parent, employee and for the last 10 years Governor, where I previously held the role of Chair. My work in Educational Finance has been a great help to me. It is an honour to serve on the local governance committee and be involved in the day to day life of the school.

Matt Leech –

I grew up in Lancashire but made Cornwall my home after becoming a teacher. I’ve taught geography in three local secondary schools for over 15 years and I still love the job. I’ve lived in the village since 2020 with my wife and two children. I am happiest outdoors, cycling, playing football and watching my beloved Preston North End.