Governor Name: Mr Butcher

Type of Governor:  Head Teacher

Member of: Finance & Staffing, Pupil & Curriculum

Connections to Staff: Head Teacher

Other governing posts held: Chair of Governors at The Meadows

Business Declarations: None

Attendance to meetings: 100%

I have been Head Teacher at The Priory Primary School for over 11 years and have seen the school develop and expand into a very well-respected school. I have been an educationalist for over 20 years, although I first qualified and practiced as a Social Worker. I have been fortunate to work in a diverse range of schools and settings as a Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher, Primary Strategy Consultant, and then Head Teacher of an International School in Shanghai before moving to Wednesbury.

It has been through these posts that I have learnt a great deal about leadership, accelerating progress, enhancing the curriculum, and creating change to improve standards. I believe that high-quality teaching is at the heart of every good school and I am very much looking forward to continuing our journey toward excellence; ably supported by a very committed and knowledgeable group of governors.

Governor Name: Mrs Dickenson

Type of Governor:  Associate

Member of: Finance & Staffing and

Premises Health & Safety

Connections to Staff: School Business Manager

Other governing posts held: None

Business Declarations: None

Attendance to meetings: 100%

Elaine Dickenson - Pen Portrait

I have worked at The Priory since February 2006 when I was first employed as a part-time administrator.

In 2014, I was successful in gaining the position of School Business Manager. I am responsible for the strategic development of all business, financial, administrative, operational, and facilities in relation to the school.

I have been an Associate Governor on the Premises, Health and Safety Committee since April 2015 and an advisory member of the Finance and Staffing Committee.

Governor Name: Mrs. Holden

Type of Governor:  Chair of Governors

Date of Appointment: 27/11/14 - 26/11/2026

Member of: Finance & Staffing and

Premises, Health & Safety

Connections to Staff: No

Other governing posts held: None

Business Declarations: None

Attendance to meetings: 100%

Diane Holden - Pen Portrait

I became a Co-opted Governor many years ago whilst teaching at the local secondary school on Friar Park. During my long teaching career there (39 years) I had many roles both academic and pastoral which helped me gain a good knowledge and understanding of the local community.

For the last 8 years, I have been privileged to be Chair of Governors at this wonderful school. Ofsted recognised in November 2021 that 'governors work with leaders to provide the support and challenge needed to develop the school.  They understand the strengths but are also clear about the actions required to improve school further'.

I am determined that pupils attending The Priory receive the best education possible and leave the school with the skills required to succeed in later life.

Governor Name: Mrs. McLaughlan

Type of Governor:  Parent

Vice Chair of Governors

Chair of Finance and Staffing

Date of Appointment:

08/02/16 - 07/02/2024

Member of: Finance & Staffing and

Pupil & Curriculum

Connections to Staff: No

Other governing posts held: None

Business Declarations: None

Attendance to meetings: 100%

Claire McLaughlan - Pen Portrait

I have spent all my life on friar park and attended JEC, and now my child attends The Priory.  I became a parent governor to gain a better understanding of my children’s education.  I use my parent’s perspective to give my opinion on things such as the curriculum, and my experience working in finance to contribute to overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure money is well spent.  I want to help give all pupils the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Governor Name: Margaret Francis

Type of Governor:  Parent 

Date of Appointment:

30/06/17 - 13/09/2025

Member of: Finance & Staffing and

Premises, Health & Safety

Connections to Staff: No

Other governing posts held: None

Business Declarations: None

Attendance to meetings: 92%

Margret Francis - Pen Portrait

I have worked for over 16 years in an informal and formal educational environment.  Firstly as a Full-Time Youth Worker, and currently as a Learning Support practitioner working with students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health difficulties.

I joined the Priory Primary Governing Body as a parent governor as I felt that to truly understand how education was working for my children and the wider community I needed to get involved.  I have gained a vast amount of knowledge and experience within the several areas of the Governing Body which has helped me to ensure that pupils of The Priory get the best value and support from all staff and that we continue to offer a quality service to the community.  I'm so delighted to say that I’m a member of this committed team.

Governor Name: Mr. Patel

Type of Governor:  STA

Date of Appointment: 

12/01/16 - 06/02/2024

Member of: 

Connections to Staff: Member of staff

Other governing posts held: None

Business Declarations: None

Attendance to meetings: 100%

Vijay Patel - Pen Portrait

I have worked in Friar Park for twenty years, starting at Tameside Primary and then moving to The Priory. I have been a senior leader for eighteen years and have led on most areas, specifically maths, computing, and science. I am now a facilitator for STEM and I am leading the school in its development.

I have three young children, this enables me to view actions implemented from a parent's perspective. I am a keen sports person, holding the rank of 3rd Dan Black Belt in Kick Boxing and level 10 in Kali.

Being a Teacher Governor at The Priory is always informative and challenging, it gives me the opportunity in driving the school forward and making decisions that have an impact on the life choices of the children that we serve on Friar Park.

Governor Name: Ann Reeves

Type of Governor:  COP

Date of Appointment: 

03/12/15 - 19/01/2024

Member of: Pupil & Curriculum

Connections to Staff: No

Other governing posts held: None

Business Declarations: Yes Employed by SIPS Educ Music Dept

Attendance to meetings: 100%

Ann Reeves - Pen Portrait

I have always had a passion for music and over time this has developed into the perfect job, teaching and playing musical instruments.

I work for many schools and lots of children under SIPs music service. I believe that every child should have an opportunity in developing their musical ability through a range of instruments.

I have worked with The Priory Primary School for many years and together we have been able to develop our skills into a school band.

Governor Name: Ivy Taylor

Type of Governor:  Parent

Date of Appointment        - 06/10/2023

Member of: Pupil and Curriculum

Connections to Staff: No

Other governing posts held: None

Business Declarations: None

Attendance to meetings:  

Ivy Taylor - Pen Portrait

I have experience living and working in Africa, the USA, and England with a diverse group of people. My experience includes Hospitality, Health & Social Care, Voluntary Sector, and Mental Health Services. I currently facilitate courses for the NHS Recovery College.

I have three children and am proud to say they have all studied at The Priory Primary. I have always been passionate about giving back to the school as a way of acknowledging all the hard work that all staff does.  As a passionate baker, helping with baking for school events has been one way of saying thank you and raising funds for the school.

I also have experience in bid writing which I hope I can use to support the school with any required projects. As a Mental Health First Aid Instructor Trainer delivering both Youth and Adult Training, now more than ever it's so important to think about pupils' and staff’s well-being and this is another area I’m happy to support the school with.

I believe all pupils have potential and with the proper support in place, we can all continue to give them hope to aspire to a brighter future. I  believe in empowering young people to dream big. My mantra is “When you Learn, Teach. When you Get, Give.” Paying it Forward is the way we inspire the future generation.

Governor Name: Nicola Davies

Type of Governor:  Parent

Date of Appointment: 06/10/2022-

Member of: 

Connections to Staff: No

Other governing posts held: None

Business Declarations: None

Attendance to meetings: