Who we are
Updated: 18 January 2024
VACANCIES
We currently have vacancies for governors.
If you’d like the chance to make a real difference to young people, we’d welcome you on our team!
Please contact the Chair of Governors at jtobin@beenham.w-berks.sch.uk if you’d like to join us.
James Tobin – Chair – Co-Opted Governor, and also a parent
Finance governor and link governor for ICT.
Term of office ends 20/09/2026
Our family moved to Beenham in 2015, and our son joined Beenham Primary after attending the Pre-school. An appealing factor of moving to the village was the chance for our son to learn and develop in a more rural location.
I believe that community is very important, so I approached the school to become a governor so that I could help in any way to contribute to the success of the school.
I have a background in IT for over 17 years, and I currently work at Salesforce
focussing on how IT applications can solve business challenges. I have a passion for IT/gadgets and I’m hoping that I can come up with new ideas for technology in the school to help inspire our children.
I will also be helping with any IT challenges that the school may face in the future.
Vicky Thirkell - Vice Chair - Co opted Governor
Link governor for wellbeing.
Term of office ends 01/12/2026
I moved to the local area with my husband in December 2021.
Now that all of our house renovations are almost complete, I have turned my attention to getting more involved in the local community and a school governor position is always something I have had an interest in.
I attended a village school in Cheshire, and I loved my primary school. I personally understand and appreciate how school can have such a huge impact on a child’s future and I hope that I can make a positive contribution to the school.
My professional background is in HR and Leadership.
Hopefully my passion and professional experience can help contribute to the continued success of Beenham Primary School.
Padraig O’Hannelly – Co-Opted Governor, and also a parent
Link Governor for Safeguarding
Term of office ends 20/09/2026
My name is pronounced PAWrick, but some of you may know me as “Tommy’s Dad”.
Claudia and I have lived in Beenham since 2012, and we love the village and the school, which is such an essential part of village life.
I believe that a successful school provides a positive and supportive environment in which children can maximise their potential and be all they can be, not just academically but also socially, emotionally and ethically.
That’s where Beenham Primary School shines, and we are delighted that our son can attend such an excellent school.
My career has taken me through engineering, business development and publishing in Ireland, Germany and UK, and I look forward to contributing to the success of the school and its pupils.
Sophie McBean – Staff Governor
Term of office ends 02/12/2024
I have been a teacher at Beenham since September 2020 and currently teach Torak class (years 3 & 4).
I studied for a PGCE at Oxford Brookes which gave me exposure to many different school environments; I was drawn to Beenham Primary School because of its community feel and strong values education.
I have a background in psychology and mental health and work to promote the social and emotional development of children alongside their academic development. I also believe that fun and creativity are vital aspects of learning both in and out of the classroom!
I am looking forward to working as part of the governing body and progressing the school and the experience we offer our pupils and their families.
Jon Hewitt – Parent Governor
Link governor for Art/ Design
Term of office ends 21/11/2025
Biog to follow.
Stephen Wallace - Parent Governor
Term of office ends 12/10/2027
I have lived in Padworth with my family since 2016. My eldest daughter very much enjoys learning at the school while my youngest currently goes to the neighbouring pre-school. My knowledge of the school goes a lot further back. Both my wife and I grew up locally and several of our school friends attended Beenham Primary, many of whom have their names on the commemorative bricks inside the building.
As a parent governor I have a strong interest in seeing the school maintain its recent successes while helping Beenham to grow over the coming years.
I have enjoyed a career Marketing over the past ten years having studied for a degree in journalism. Having worked at nearby Bradfield College since 2014 I have gained strong knowledge in both governance and safeguarding within education which I hope will help me succeed here at Beenham.
Graham Carr -Co-opted Governor
Term of office ends 7/12/2027
Biog to follow
Clerk – Emma Smith
Having been the Clerk to the Governors at Beenham Primary School a few years ago, I happily returned to the role in September 2021.
I think the work governors do to help their school is so important. It is always wonderful to see a collection of people from different backgrounds come together and work collectively. I am happy to be part of a team which always has children’s best interests as their priority.