'Governance is excellent. Governors meticulously ensure that pupils have all their needs fully met and no one is left behind. They champion the school because they assiduously check it is as good as it can be.' Ofsted, 2016

On this page you will find details of the names and terms of office for all of our Governors, together with details of their category of Governor, positions of responsibility and details of any additional committees that they serve on. We have also included details of the business and financial interests of each Governor and information about any Governance role they play in other schools, as well as a full breakdown of the structure and responsibilities of the governing body of our school and its committees.  All governors sit on the local governing committee (LGC), each governor then sits on either the resources or quality of education committees.  The pay committee meets once per year and is usually made up of some or all of the resources committee.  

To contact the governors please email: clerk.buckland@faringdonlearningtrust.org 

The Board of Trustees at Cambrian Learning Trust

The structure and remit of the CLT Members, Trustees, and its committees including the LGCs is available on the Trust website and can be found here https://www.cambrianlearningtrust.org/page/?title=Governance&pid=22

The Local Govering Committee Governors 

Mrs Emma Brown (Current Term Began – Sep 2024) – Headteacher 

Committees: LGC, Pay
Key Responsibility: Oversees all responsibilities 
Term: 01/09/2024 - ongoing 
Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: None
Meetings Attended 23/2024: 83% (as Associate Governor) 

I am proud to have been Headteacher at Buckland School since September 2024, after serving as Deputy Headteacher here since 2021. With over 20 years of experience in education, I am passionate about creating a nurturing, inclusive and inspiring learning environment for every child. Alongside my role as Headteacher, I am also the Designated Safeguarding Lead and have responsibility for Pupil Premium, Attendance, English, Reading, RE and Worship, Science, and as the lead for our Rights Respecting Schools work. My vision for Buckland is rooted in the belief that strong, caring relationships are at the heart of all great learning. I believe that love, kindness and connection must come first – when children feel safe, valued and understood, they can truly flourish. Our school is a warm, inclusive and ambitious community where high-quality teaching, curiosity and creativity go hand in hand. We nurture the whole child – academically, socially and emotionally – through a rich and diverse curriculum that celebrates individuality and encourages every pupil to find their voice.

Mrs Lucy Gildersleeves 

Committee: LGC (Chair), Headteacher Appraisal, Disciplinary Panel
Key Responsibilities: PHSE, Science, Collective Worship, Mental Heath and Well Being, Personal Development
Term: 27/03/2022 - 26/03/2026 Trust Appointed Governor
First appointed on 27 March 2018
Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: CHAFT Trustee
Meetings Attended 23/2024: 83%

My name is Lucy Gildersleeves and I am one of three Foundation Governors appointed by the Church to the school’s governing committee because Buckland School is a Church of England primary school.

My professional background was as a librarian and in training future children’s and schools’ librarians, where my specialism was in evaluation of outcomes and impact.  I am an authorised lay member of the local benefice ministry team.  I have a particular interest in the place of creative reflection and prayer within the development of children’s spiritual awareness and wellbeing.  I became involved with Buckland School through helping with the Prayer Space, and then as Governor because I was inspired by the strong sense of the school’s ‘whole family together’ commitment to its vision and values.

I am a member of the Quality of Education sub-committee and am subject link governor for PHSE and for science. 

I also have a supporting subject link role for RE.

Mr Steven Houston 

Committee: LGC (Vice Chair), Pay
Key Responsibilities:  Health & Safety, PE
Term 03/02/2025 - 02/02/2029 Trust Appointed Governor
First appointed on 3rd February 2021
Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests:  None
Meetings Attended 23/2024: 100%

I am a parent and community governor, starting as a governor in 2021 after having been incredibly impressed with the teaching team, leadership and whole school ethos and its positive impact on my children. There is an extremely strong community feeling to the school and to contribute to its development as a governor, by providing both challenge and support, is very rewarding. My particular responsibilities are supporting health & safety and premises planning. My background is in sports consultancy, and I have used my analytics and sustainability focus experience in my governance role. I have a passion for sport and the positive impact it can have on physical and mental health.

Mr James Stevens

Committees: LGC      
Key Responsibility: Assessment 
Term: 01/09/2025 - 31/08/2029 Staff Governor 
First appointed 1 Sep 2021
Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: Employee - Cambrian Learning Trust @Meetings Attended 23/2024:  100%
 

I am the year 5 & 6 Oak class teacher and have taught at Buckland School for over 11 years. During my time here, I have also gained experience teaching throughout KS1 and KS2. I have enjoyed many responsibilities across school. I am currently the Computing, Assessment and Maths Mastery Development Lead. I have also been PE subject lead, Maths Academy lead and been responsible for overseeing remote learning during the pandemic. I am Deputy Safeguarding Lead and provide Senior Leadership support. I am passionate about teaching and inspiring children, and I believe that learning is a lifelong journey that does not stop when you leave school. Over recent years, I have completed a Mathematics Specialist Teacher degree and achieved a National Professional Qualification Middle Leadership award. In my role as governor, I aim to represent my teaching colleagues whilst supporting the development of the school to ensure all children receive the best quality education.

Mrs Mary Lines 

Committee: LGC, Disciplinary Panel 
Key Responsibilities: SEND, EYFS, Whistleblowing, Prevent, Equality, Behaviour and Attitudes, PLAC
Term: 23/07/2022 - 22/07/2026 Foundation Governor
First appointed on 23 July 2018
Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: Wesley Memorial Methodist Church Trustee, Westminster College Oxford Trust Trustee, Oxford Phab Club Trustee
Meetings Attended 23/2024: 100%

I have been an active member of Buckland Governing Committee for many years. I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in September 2014 when I retired from teaching and am now in the second year of my second term of office.

Prior to retirement I was a teacher and staff governor at Buckland. My 37 years of teaching have given me a good background for being a Governor. My experience teaching a range of age groups from 3 to 11, also as a SENCO and Designated Safeguarding Lead have given me relevant experience for my specific Governor Roles. I was appointed as a Foundation Governor and have come into school regularly to lead assemblies and Prayer days. I am currently Early Years and SEND Governor. I am keen to develop good links with the village and church.

Dr Tim Saunders 

Committee: LGC, Disciplinary Panel 
Key Responsibilities: Achievement,  Geography, Looked After Children
Term: 10/07/2022 - 09/07/2026 - Trust Appointed Governor
Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: None Declared
Meetings Attended 23/2024: 66%

Tim has been a community governor since 2018.  His four sons previously attended the school, having now moved on to secondary.  Tim is a Consultant at The Great Western Hospital, Swindon.  Tim leads on progress, assessment and achievement in school.  

Mrs Kayleigh Taylor

Committee: LGC
Key Responsibilities: Safeguarding, Pupil Premium and English
Term: 08/10/2025 -  Trust Appointed Governor
Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: None
Meetings Attended: N/A

Having had a range of roles within education, including leadership positions throughout my 10 years’ experience within the Cambrian Learning Trust, I am deeply committed to supporting Buckland Primary School. I have previously served as a school governor, which has given me valuable insight into effective governance and the importance of strong challenge and support.

I am very much looking forward to supporting Buckland Primary school in my roles as Safeguarding Governor, Pupil Premium Governor and as the Subject Link Governor for English. These areas are particularly important to me, and I am passionate about ensuring that all pupils feel safe, supported and able to achieve their full potential.

Buckland Primary school is a truly unique gem, and I am proud to be part of a governing body that works collaboratively to nurture its strong sense of community, high standards and inclusive ethos.

Mr Adam Solley

Committee: LGC

Key Responsibilities: Health and Safety
Term: 04/10/2023 - 03/10/2027 Parent Governor
First appointed on 4th October 2023
Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: None
Meetings Attended: 23/2024 100% 

I am a devoted husband and father of 3 young children, and am excited to be a part of the Buckland Board of Governors to be able to help shape the learning foundation for my children as they go through this fantastic school. I will use the experience I have gained in my career and personal life to help inform and guide my inputs and challenges to the curriculum and school management topics, whilst taking a hands-on approach to being an active member of the wider school community. Since moving to Oxfordshire and Buckland in 2021, the welcome me and my family have felt from those associated with the school and the Buckland villagers alike has been incredibly warm, friendly and inclusive and that is how I aim to govern.

Mrs Kerry Spurry 

Committee: LGC

Key Responsibilities: 
Term: 13/06/2025 - 12/06/2029 Parent Governor
First appointed on 13th June 2025
Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: None
Meetings Attended: N/A

I joined the Governing Body as a Parent Governor in June 2025 and am delighted to have been given the opportunity to support this wonderful school. We live in the village of Buckland, and our daughter has been a pupil here since 2021. She is now happily enjoying life in Oak Class.

My professional background is in operations and business management within global electronics companies. In more recent years, I have run my own retail business and worked in a more creative field. I look forward to using my broad experience and eye for detail in my role as Governor, helping the school continue to thrive and deliver an exceptional experience for its pupils and families.

In 2025/26, my primary areas of focus will be Behaviour, Attendance and Personal Development. I will also support the OPAL and Rights Respecting Schools initiatives, as well as Art and Design Technology.

Clerk - Keeley Davis

Resigned in the last 12 months:

Louise Warren (31/12/24)

Paul Cullinan (19/03/25) 

Rosamund Willis (6/7/25)

Phillippa Riviero-Bosch (9/10/25)

Rev Talisker Macleod (3/12/25)