Our Governors

Misbah Ashraf

I am the Chief Executive Officer of Lancaster University Students’ Union and my daughter is at the pre-school on campus. As CEO I am responsible for delivery of the huge variety of students’ union support services to almost 17,000 students at the university. So I am responsible for managing our staff teams; engaging with the University’s senior management and external stakeholders; overseeing our budgets, contracts, safeguarding and all the time making sure our students are safe, happy and getting the most out of their time at Lancaster. I see students at the end of their educational journey and appreciate the value to them of good foundations in their early years. I hope to use all these skills to help in whatever way I can in the governance of the school.

Laura Hemingway

I joined Bowerham in 2012 as an NQT, growing into an Assistant Headteacher role at this school that feels like home. I lead the Pastoral Team and contribute to the daily operations of the school. Additionally, I head the Professional Development team, focusing on supporting new teachers. My passion for Bowerham Primary and Nursery School drives me to serve our children, families, and community, believing in making a meaningful difference. Furthering my community involvement, I've recently become a trustee for Lancaster and Morecambe Citizen Advice. This role enhances my connection to the community and deepens my understanding of local needs.

David Knight

I'm David Knight, a Co-opted Governor since 2019, with a background as a deputy head and company director. Retired since 1994, I've focused on improving schools, particularly in challenging situations. My upbringing in a modest household and extensive global travel have shaped my commitment to inclusiveness in education. I've lived in Brent, London, and now Lancaster, near my family. My experience includes leadership in failing schools and consulting roles. At Bowerham, I'm dedicated to securing resources and raising standards, leveraging my diverse experiences to support the school's mission.

Louise Attewell

I'm Louise Attewell, elected Parent Governor in 2023, with a son in year 5 and a daughter in year 4. As a senior social worker in a Regional Adoption Agency, I have extensive experience supporting adoptive families and children with special educational needs. I'm passionate about child well-being and mental health, often collaborating with various agencies for family support. My involvement in community activities and sports with my children further connects me to our local area. I aim to use my professional and personal insights to support our school's mission of nurturing happy, safe, and successful children.

Jane Shepherd

As a parent at Bowerham Primary with a Year 2 child, I bring diverse educational experience. Initially a primary music teacher, specializing in Early Years and KS1, I've recently pivoted to working for Blackpool Virtual School as an Education Officer. Here, I focus on supporting looked-after children. I'm deeply committed to advocating for disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals. As a parent governor, I'm excited to use my expertise to contribute to Bowerham Primary, supporting the staff and community in providing outstanding education for all pupils. It's an honor to be part of this team.

John Marsh

Date of appointment 08/01/26

Katy Dickinson

I have four children very happy at Bowerham: three in school and one at nursery. Since becoming a Parent Governor, I have valued the opportunity to better understand how the school runs behind the gates. I spent 23 years as an Army Officer, specialising in logistics and HR. The later part of my career focused on planning and assurance. I sit on the Resources Committee where I hope to use this prior experience. I am committed to supporting the school to deliver the best primary education experience they can for all children at Bowerham, navigating emergent difficulties and celebrating success.

Dr Pete Thomas

As a governor at Bowerham for over 20 years, starting as a parent and now a co-opted member, I bring valuable experience from my role at Lancaster University's Management School. Specializing in Human Resource Management and Organisation Studies, my expertise aids in understanding school operations and effective resource utilization. My current research focuses on organisational wellbeing, including studies on teacher workload within the school, contributing significantly to Bowerham's educational environment.

Geraldine Pollock

With over twenty years at Bowerham Primary and Nursery School, primarily teaching Key Stage two, I've also been the Senior Lunchtime Supervisor and head of ICT. I'm proud of my role in the school's growth and as a long-serving governor, contributing my extensive educational and retail management experience. Outside school, I manage a charity shop, supporting volunteers with retail qualifications. My personal interests include crown green bowling and spending time with my grandson in the countryside. My commitment to Bowerham's success is unwavering, aiming to provide a nurturing environment for staff and students alike.

Joanne Banks

In my fifteenth year as headteacher at Bowerham Primary and Nursery School, I've brought extensive leadership experience from a 30-year teaching career in Lancashire. Serving as a Governor has been insightful, significantly influencing my leadership approach. Interacting with governors from diverse backgrounds is invigorating, as they bring varied experiences to the table. This diversity is crucial for our school, as the governing body's challenges and perspectives drive our reflection, improvement, and growth, aligning perfectly with our school's aims and ethos. Being a part of this process is a key aspect of my role and commitment to providing the best education for our pupils.

Vicky Booth

My daughter is in Year 2. I am so pleased we chose Bowerham, as I really value the staff’s relational approach to supporting children’s wellbeing and learning, and also the emphasis on learning through play, being outside, and being creative. After graduating, I trained as a teacher at St Martin’s (now the University of Cumbria), and taught for seven years before completing further training to become an Educational and Child Psychologist. I’ve now worked for the same local authority Educational Psychology Service for 18 years. Both in my work, and in my local home community here in Lancaster, I am passionate about enabling connection and belonging, listening and understanding other people’s perspectives, and doing what I can to actively make a positive difference in terms of community spirit and wellbeing (for example play streets and smartphone free childhood). As recently elected parent governor, I’m looking forward to giving something back to our excellent school, and supporting its hardworking staff.

Ben Hanley

As a parent of two boys at Bowerham in Reception and Year 2, I joined the governing body to further support local children's education. My background in emergency services in Lancashire has sparked my interest in child protection and deprivation. Motivated by the school's leadership during the pandemic, this is my first governor role. I also own two digital agencies, keeping me updated on new technologies. I aim to use my IT expertise to help solve problems and improve efficiency for the Bowerham Family, eager to contribute and learn more about the school's focus on key issues.

Eve Elliott

I consider myself a champion in education for children affected by trauma. Leading an independent school, I aim to create safe, nurturing spaces where each child feels valued, supported and equipped to thrive. I have a commitment to reengaging young minds using innovative programs tailored to individual needs. I am an advocate for inclusive environments that prioritise emotional well-being alongside academic success. With two children at Bowerham School, my dedication is personal, fuelling a mission to ensure every child receives the highest quality education. I aim to provide unwavering compassion and a relational perspective that celebrates diversity and unlocks the potential within each child.

Mr Huzaifah Patel

Helen Belbin

I'm Helen Belbin, a Co-opted Governor since March 2025. My background is as a local primary school headteacher, senior school improvement adviser and early years lead for Lancashire County Council. Since leaving a job I was lucky enough to love, I have embraced other opportunities to support children to achieve and thrive, especially the most vulnerable. I am delighted to be a trustee for the local children's mental health charity, Achieve Change and Engagement (A.C.E.) and to support children and families at the St. John's Hospice Forget Me Not Centre. I remain dedicated to school governance; having supported school leadership for so many years, it has been a privilege to now serve on local governing boards. Having once been Bowerham's local authority adviser, I am proud to be on the board. I hope to serve the school family well, bringing together my background in education together with my "best life" as a totally smitten grandparent, community member and arts enthusiast!