The Governing Body of Finlay Community School consists of:

4 co-opted governors appointed by the governing body

2 partnership governors appointed by the governing body

1 governor recommended by the Local Authority

1 Headteacher governor

2 parent governors

1 staff governor

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Finlay Community School Constitution

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What does the Governing Body do?

The core functions of the governing board include, but are not limited to ensuring:

• That the vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school are clearly defined

• That the headteacher performs their responsibilities for the educational performance of the school

• The sound, proper and effective use of the school’s financial resources

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Their role involves working closely with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure all children at Finlay Community School get the best possible education in an environment where they feel safe and valued.

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Meet the Governors

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Michael Adlam - I’m Michael Adlam, a former pupil of Finlay Road Junior School (1957–1961), and I’ve

spent over 50 years working in the pharmaceutical industry. I currently run two small pharmaceutical

companies and hold a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). Alongside my professional

work, I’ve been deeply involved in education and charities for more than 35 years as a school governor

and trustee, and I’m now a trustee and director of a Special Educational Needs (SEN) Schools Trust.

I’m a passionate believer that education is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children - it shapes

futures and opens doors. Outside of work, I enjoy running and cycling, and recently completed the

Land’s End to John O’Groats ride.

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Andrew Merrick - I’m thrilled to be joining the governing board. I’m a proud dad to Elsie (4) and George

(6 months), with Elsie starting Reception this September. Watching her excitement has reminded me

how pivotal a great school community is, and I’m eager to play an active part. Professional Background

For the past 15 years I’ve worked in the technology sector—first in telecoms and enterprise

communications, and now in cyber-resilience—partnering with some of the world’s best-known blue-chip

companies. My day-to-day focus is helping organisations stay connected, secure and future-ready in an

increasingly digital world.

 

Why I Put My Hand Up 

• Mutual learning. I’m keen to understand the real-world challenges of running a vibrant school—from budgeting and curriculum design to pupil wellbeing—and I expect to learn every bit as much as I contribute

• Digital insight. I hope my experience in technology, risk management and data security can add value as the school navigates online-safety, digital literacy and STEM opportunities.

• Community first. Above all, I want every decision we make to put children, families and staff at the centre—starting with my own little learner and extending to every pupil who walks through our gate

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Dan Williams - I am an insurance professional with a strong background in internal audit, governance,

and risk management. In my current role, I regularly attend Board meetings and present to

subcommittees, which has given me a solid understanding of strategic oversight and accountability at

a senior level. I am also a founding member of my employer’s Social Impact Team, where I played a key

role in shaping the strategy and framework for charitable giving and employee volunteering. I also lead

on partnership management with our long-term sustainable nonprofit partners around the globe, helping

to build meaningful, purpose-driven relationships that deliver lasting impact. Although the role of

school governor is new to me, I’m eager to apply my professional experience in a meaningful way.

I look forward to learning more about the education sector and supporting the school’s leadership

and staff in creating an environment where all pupils are empowered to thrive.

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Dominic Johnson - I am a qualified lawyer currently working within Her Majesty’s Government, with a

strong commitment to public service and governance. Outside of my legal career, I volunteer as a

football coach for an under-18s girls' team, supporting the personal development and confidence

of young people through sport. I previously served as a governor at The Rosary RC Primary School in

Stroud (circa 2015), where I gained valuable experience in school governance, including contributing

to strategic decision-making and ensuring accountability in educational outcomes. I am keen to bring

my professional skills and community-focused perspective to support the continued success of local

schools.

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Hannah Williams - I’m Hannah Williams, proud Co-Headteacher of Finlay Community School. I first

joined Finlay as a class teacher in 2012, became part of the leadership team in 2015, and have

had the privilege of serving as a Headteacher since 2020.During my time here, I’ve seen our school

grow from strength to strength, and I feel incredibly proud to be part of such a vibrant, bustling

two-form entry primary school, which really is at the heart of the community. One of my favourite parts

of the role is seeing what all of our children can achieve and celebrating those achievements together.

I also love our wonderful community events, which really show what a special place Finlay is. As a

governor, I am committed to working alongside our families, staff, and the wider community to ensure

that the school continues to thrive. Outside of school, I’m a proud mum to my lovely boys, and I enjoy

spending weekends in the caravan, usually at the beach when the sun is shining!

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Tyler Harding - I am the Global Head of Marketing at Elevate Education, a company who specialises

in teaching students how to study through their in-school workshops, and parents how to help at home

through their fortnightly webinars. In my current role, I work closely with Elevate's offices in London,

Syndey, Cape Town and New York, overseeing bringing new schools onboard right across the globe.

Prior to joining Elevate, I received my PGCE through Teach First in the West Midlands, and was a

Secondary School Mathematics Teacher in Birmingham, teaching students from Year 7 through to

Year 11.

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Heather Willis - With over 12 years of dedicated service to Finlay Community School, I bring a deep

understanding of the school’s ethos, values, and day-to-day life. Within my role on the leadership team,

I play a role in shaping the school’s strategic direction and supporting high standards of teaching and

learning across all year groups, but with a focus on EYFS and Key Stage 1. I lead on Pupil Premium

and am the Designated Teacher for Children in Care. I am passionate about ensuring that every child

reaches their full potential in a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment. I am proud to contribute to a

governing body that strives for continuous improvement and puts children at the heart of every decision.

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Mark Ricketts - My name is Mark Ricketts, I sit on the governing board as a representative of the staff

body. I have worked at Finlay Community School for almost a decade now and have been a governor

here for the last three years. My wife and I have three school aged children who keep me busy during

the evenings and weekends. I also play an active role in the life of our local church by teaching and

leading the singing. I enjoy watching football and eating food!!

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Rob Hopkins - A Gloucester native, I was a Civil Servant for over 40 years, taking early retirement in

November 2017. Not ready to stop working completely, I now occupy a part-time position as a member

of the Gardens Team at Cheltenham College; which allows me to indulge my love of gardening but is a

far cry from sitting behind a desk. I am married to Sue who also works in education. Together we have

two daughters and 3 grandchildren. My other hobbies include an interest in sport, particularly football,

rugby and cricket although this now very much from a viewing perspective rather than participation. I

can often be found on the terraces supporting Gloucester City FC at the weekend when time permits.

I am looking forward to contributing to Finlay Community School as the new Board of Governors begin

their support of the school.

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Rosie Hart - What a delight and joy to be elected to the Governing Board for Finlay Community School.

Since my son came to this school I have been repeated impressed by the team with their inclusiveness,

support, hard work and up beat warm welcomes. I’ve been lucky enough to have a very interesting life!

I hope the variety of skills I have learnt as an Engineer, stay at home mum, BFN volunteer, refill shop

manager and basket weaver will equip me to support the team at Finlay.

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Gavin Evens - I am delighted to be a Parent Governor at Finlay Community School. As a parent governor,

I am eager to use my experiences in education to support the school and to ensure that parents are

represented and heard with transparency and respect.

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Alison Croft - I have been the School Business Manager at Finlay Community School since September

2023 and can honestly say that I love my role! No two days are ever the same and I really enjoy the

balance of supporting the day-to-day operations of the school as well as strategic decision making.

I have a strong background in finance, operations, HR and compliance having worked in both the public

and private sectors for the past 25 years. During my time at the school, I have led on process and policy

improvements to ensure transparency and accountability within the school’s operations. I am passionate

about ensuring that children and young people achieve the best possible outcomes and work closely

with the leadership team to ensure that our decision making processes support school improvement and

student achievement. Although the role of Associate Governor is new to me, I am looking forward to

working with the new Governing Body to support financial understanding and development opportunities.

Outside of work, I enjoy frequent trips away in our campervan – especially those to the coast! I also

enjoy walking, swimming and socialising with friends.

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