Governor Profiles

Gill Ferry

My sons attended Archway School and I live locally, so I have, for many years, had an interest in the school. Now retired, my professional life has been within secondary education and, as a co-opted governor, I hope to bring experience, skills and enthusiasm to the governing body.

I believe that school learning experiences offer the opportunity for individuals to thrive and to be the best they can be.  I have recently completed further university study and wholeheartedly endorse the idea that we all continue to learn through life, building on those important school experiences..

I have no pecuniary interests with Archway School. 

Daryl Smith

I am a parent governor with a son at Archway. I am a Royal Navy veteran and currently work as a consultant in the defence sector. I have a background in public procurement, project delivery and service delivery, and as a parent governor I hope to use these skills to ensure the school delivers the optimum service and facilities for our children, the wider community, and future students of archway.

I have no business or pecuniary interests with the school.

I have no governance roles in other schools or education institutions. I have no relationship with other governors or with school staff. 

Victoria Donoghue

I am a parent governor with a son studying at Archway.

I have worked in primary education most of my working life and, since March 2020, have moved into tutoring home educated students. 

Through this work I have become interested in the mental wellbeing of students and how we can support the development of children and young people.

I have joined the governor team because I believe every child should be supported in a way that helps them thrive.  

Gavin Wilson

I am an ecologist and have worked in a range of research and advice roles in universities, government agencies and commercial consultancies.  I am currently a director of an ecological consultancy, based in offices near Stroud. My two children attend Archway.

This is my first role as a school parent governor, and I am keen to support Archway in its efforts to provide the best learning and support for its students

Ali Tocher

 I am a co-opted governor and joined the governing body in October 2023. This is my first school governor role. 

 I work as a sound designer for video games and am particularly interested in how trends and changes in technology can create education and career opportunities for young people. 

 I have joined the governing body because I see it as a positive local action to support my community. I believe in the potential for our young people to achieve great things.

 I have no pecuniary interests with Archway School. I have no governance roles with any other school or education institution. I have no relationships with other governors or with school staff. 

Mick Fealty

Mick is Town Councillor and a Local Authority governor who sits on the resources committee.

He has a background in community arts and has worked in school system across Europe as well as the UK and Ireland.  

Lucy Thorne

I am a parent governor with a daughter and a son at Archway.

I have a background in science, having completed a PhD in Biochemistry and now work within the life sciences sector as a marketing consultant.

I'm a firm believer in inclusive education and would like to use my skills to help the school continue to develop and ensure all children are equipped for their future having had access to a diverse and enriching education. I have no pecuniary interests in Archway School.

I have no governance roles with any other school or education institution. I have no relationships with other governors or school staff.  

Katie Myerscough

I am a parent governor. I have a background in youth and community development, which continues to be a core interest of mine. I am passionate about young people having a voice in shaping their experiences within society, and specifically education systems. I am interested in thinking about learning environments that support young people with different learning styles, and given resources constraints, how educators can be supported to do this. I now work within the field of emotional wellbeing, primarily with adolescents. 

Justin Penman

With two of my boys currently studying at Archway, serving as a co-opted governor allows me the chance to support the school and my children to achieve the best of themselves through a relational approach to educational excellence.

Michael Thomson

I am a retired Educational Psychologist specialising in dyslexia and other Specific Learning Difficulties.

I founded, and was Principal, of a school for dyslexic children for over 25 years, and ran an Educational Psychology assessment service. Prior to that I was a University lecturer in Psychology. I have written textbooks on dyslexia and children's books with controlled reading ages.

I live in Tetbury and my daughter in law is a teacher at Archway. This is my only Governor role.

Claire Ashbridge-Thomlinson

I am a mother to two children (years 7 and 10) currently at Archway and one who has moved on. A former Archway student myself, I was taught by inspiring, creative, and dedicated people who showed me that state education can be the best there is. I remain passionate in the belief that opportunity is key and that it's up to all of us to help provide it.

Trained as a translator and interpreter, I've worked in communications both in the UK and abroad, and I now hold a role at Stroud Town Council. I believe Stroud’s young people are its greatest asset, and I welcome the chance to contribute to the continued success of Archway and its students as a governor.

Susie Ridley-Marshall

Having worked in Primary and Secondary schools and colleges in London, Bristol and Gloucestershire for nearly 40 years, I believe I have the necessary skills, qualifications and insight to make a meaningful contribution to Archway’s governing body as a staff governor.

I have worked here as EAL teacher/Coordinator since January 2014 (initially part -time then full-time since October 2022) but have also been coming to Archway for the last 25 years to support EAL students in my role as peripatetic Advisory teacher for EAL. My daughter also attended Archway where she stayed until the end of Y13.

Through this long association with Archway, I feel intimately connected to the school and look forward to providing a staff perspective for the governing body