December 2009

The following two candidates were elected as parent governors representing Sharnbrook Upper School parents on the newly constituted Federation of North Bedfordshire Schools governing Body

Yours sincerely

J P Clemence

Headteacher

Stephen Harris
My name is Stephen Harris and I am parent of a daughter in year 11 at Sharnbrook Upper School and of a son in year 6 at Harrold Priory Middle School, one of the feeder schools in the Federation.
I have previously been a co-opted Governor of a primary school in East Sussex where we lived before moving to Harrold three years ago.  During the 6 years I served on the Board of Governors I was Chair of the Finance Committee. I am a Chartered Accountant working in Corporate Finance for an international firm advising owner managed businesses on their strategies for the future as well as helping to raise finance and buy/sell businesses.
I have previously been a rugby coach and still play tennis and badminton locally, together with an occasional round of golf.
I believe that there should be opportunities of a wide and diverse nature available to children of all ages from academic study to sport, travel and vocational training.  Sharnbrook and Harrold have impressed me to date with their diversity and commitment to quality education.

Stephen Mortimer
I have children at both Sharnbrook and Lincroft and I believe that, if elected, I have a range of relevant experiences and skills to represent you on the new governing body.

• Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of Bedfordshire for 16 years followed by 4 years in New Zealand as the principal of a polytechnic;  I’m now with Nottingham Trent University.
• Deputy Chair of Governors at Ashcroft High School, Bedfordshire for 4 years and a governor at the University of Bedfordshire for 3 years.
• Early career as a chartered surveyor in campus development; winning capital funding, procurement and contract management. Particular expertise in the establishment and development of satellite campuses.
• Assessor of Universities for the Quality Assurance Agency [similar to Ofsted] and university admissions tutor.
• Parent coach in football, rugby and cricket in both school teams and external clubs.
  

I believe my skills are suited to periods of change, such as our new federation of schools. Key to our success will be the support and advice to the headteacher and staff, I believe I can contribute to this and add value to the governing body.  If elected I am committed to represent all parents/carers from all schools with the common aim of helping our children achieve their best.