Our Governors
Headteacher & ExOfficio
Mr Tony Larner
Having been in education for over 25 years I have seen a huge amount of change and experienced a wide variety of systems and schools. I have worked within the Gloucestershire Local Authority for the entirety of my teaching career (spending time in Stroud, Forest of Dean, Cheltenham and Gloucester). I have worked in large schools, small schools, Church Schools and non-denominational schools but Kingsholm is by far the largest school that I have led as a Headteacher.
My leadership career has allowed me to have the pleasure of leading multiple schools from a 'Requires Improvement' position to 'Good' under the previous OFSTED framework and help ensure that the highest quality education is delivered to all young people.
I am passionate about making education a fun and engaging process and developing a life-long love of learning. I truly believe that Primary school should be about making memories and preparing children for the next stage in their journey - wherever that may take them.
Working at Kingsholm has brought me full circle in my leadership journey - having completed my NPQH placement here some 15 years ago under the leadership of Jan Buckland. The school has the most incredible children, serves a brilliant community and has passionate and committed staff that really do make a difference. For me, that is what education is all about!
Co-opted Governor & Chair of Governors
Mrs Sophie Kingscote
I have been a governor at Kingsholm Primary School for over ten years and currently serve as Chair of Governors. Both of my children attended Kingsholm, which gives me a strong personal connection to the school and its community.
I work as a secondary school teacher, bringing experience from across the education sector to my role. I am passionate about inclusion and ensuring that every child feels supported, valued and able to thrive. As Chair, I am committed to working with staff and fellow governors to help the school provide the very best opportunities for all pupils.
Term of Office Starts: 29.01.2024
Term of Office Ends: 28.01.2028
Local Authority Governor & Vice-Chair of Governors
Mrs Nina Hargrave
Hello I am the LA Governor, live locally and like to be involved with the neighbourhood and community.
I have been retired for a few years now and enjoy voluntering at Forest School and Gloucester Foodbank.
In my spare time I enjoy playing tennis, gardening and seeing friends and family.
Nina was appointed by the Local Authority in 2002 and has served as a governor at the school for 22 years.
Nina attends Full Governing Body meetings and Resource Committee meetings and has full voting rights.
Term of Office Starts: 01.09.2024
Term of Office Ends: 31.08.2026
Foundation Governor (Ex-Officio)
Revd Jo Pestell
Revd Pestell is the vicar of St Catharine's Church.
Jo has done a range of jobs from working in the defence industry to a charity working with prodoundly Deaf people, as well as being operations director for two theological colleges. Jo started out being a vicar in Cheltenham and worked closely with the community primary school in her parish. Jo is really passionate about children being confident in their own identity and gifts, and for them to have as many opportunities as possible to discover, explore and develop those gifts. As well as for the church to support the school in helping the children explore their spirituality, and in developing community partnerships that benefit our children and local families.
Revd Pestell attends Full Governing Body meetings and Curriculum and Standards Committee and has full voting rights.
Term of Office Starts: 05.09.2019
Term of Office Ends: N/A (ex-officio)
Parent Governor
Mr Adam May
Since moving to Gloucester, my children have genuinely flourished in the environment that the school and surrounding area provides, and look forward to exploring how I can contribute over the next four years and for future generations.
I run a dynamic media company that has allowed me to collaborate with a small and large teams on innovative projects.
I will support the staff, school governing body and committees in working toward making Kingsholm truly the best it can be.
Adam attends Full Governing Body meetings and Resources Committee and has full voting rights.
Term of Office Starts: 29.01.2024
Term of Office Ends: 28.01.2028
Foundation Governor
Ally Hardy
Ally joined the Governors as a Foudation Governor to continue the link between the school and Gloucester Cathedral. Ally is an active member of the Cathedral congregation, sits on the congreational development team, volunteers as a server, and has also recently become a member of the Chapter. Ally is passionate about the links that can be established and celebrated between churches and their communities, including schools, and has a particular interest in this school as a resident of Kingsholm since 2015.
Ally works for Wiltshire Council as the Heritage Services Manager and Principal Archivist.
Term of Office Starts: 01.10.2025
Term of Office Ends: 30.09.2029
Co-opted Governor
Miss Bethan Morgan
Is a co-opted Governor, who is the safeguarding link governor for Kingsholm. Bethan comes from an educational background, working as a Deputy Head in a local Cheltenham secondary school with a particular interest in SEND and pastoral care.
Bethan attends Full Governing Body meetings and Curriculum and Standards Committee and has full votiing rights.
Term of Office Starts: 21.10.2024
Term of Office Ends: 20.10.2028
Parent Governor
Mrs Dorota Cann
My daughter attends the school and as a parent I would like to contribute to making the school the best it can be, for her, other pupils and next generations to come. Help to prepare them well for the next chapter of their lives to nurture their curiosity and to challenge and inspire their young minds to become the best versions of themselves.
I work in the higher education sector and strongly believe that education is our children's passport to a better future.
Dorota joins the Full Governing Body and Resources Committee and has full voting rights.
Term of Office Starts: 25.09.2024
Term of Office Ends: 24.09.2028
Co-opted Governor
Mrs Hilary Murray Hill
Hilary was born in Gloucester and was a pupil at Kingsholm in the 1970s. She has a degree in Social Sciences but has spent the 40 years working in book publishing, mainly for children. For the last 11 years she was CEO of the Hachette Children's Group and retired at the end of 2025. She is a former school governor and currently a trustee at Booktrust, which is the largest children’s reading charity.
In her spare time, Hilary raises money for cancer charities, is a keen reader, enjoys cooking, socialising, and art and music of all kinds. She lives in London.
Term of Office Starts: 07.07.25
Term of Office Ends: 06.07.29
Parent Governor
Ms Jacqui Pinnell
As a former pupil of Kingsholm School, it's a privilege to now be a governor and part of a community where diversity and inclusion really matter. So much has changed, but the energy and passion throughout the school is still evident!
My day job working in executive search across all industry sectors has highlighted the lack of diverse talent at senior levels: I truly believe that recognising, encouraging and supporting diversity in all its forms from an early age can change this, and I am looking forward to helping the school achieve its 'everyone matters' philosophy.
My son is following in my footsteps by attending Kingsholm (now in year 5!), and I am excited to see what we as a school can achieve over the next few years.
Term of Office starts 04.03.2025
Term of Office ends 03.03.2029
Parent Governor
Mr Jody Gooding
Term of Office starts 04.03.2025
Term of Office ends 03.03.2029
Parent Governor
Dr Louisa Dunlop
I am a working mum of three, who has a background in Science and Law. I am keen to work with the parents of the school to gather their viewpoints and concerns, to ensure that our diverse school community have their voice heard at the governing body level.
I have a particular ambition to be a `critical friend' to the school leadership team to help support the school in being the best it can be for all our children. I have experience of being a parent governor at the school from 2018-2022. I have transferable skills in respect of strategy formation, budget management, positive challenge and team leadership.
Louisa joins the Full Governing Body and Curriculum and Standards Committee and has full voting rights.
Term of Office Starts: 25.09.2024
Term of Office Ends: 24.09.2028
Foundation Governor
Lucy Bowdler
Lucy is a Foundation Governor who was appointed by the Diocese of Gloucester from our local church, St Catharine’s. Foundation Governors are charged with bringing a Christian perspective to the life and work of the school and represent the Church's first line of support for it.
Lucy has worked for most of her career in Early Years in London, and so has a particular interest in our under 5’s and in working in a multi-cultural community.
Lucy attends Full Governing Body meetings and has full voting rights.
Term of Office starts: 01.10.2025
Term of Office ends: 30.09.2029
Staff Governor
Mr Michael Liston
Michael was elected by staff in March 2025
Term of Office starts 04.03.2025
Term of Office ends 03.03.2029
Governance Professional
Mrs Maxine Godfrey
Maxine joined Kingsholm School as the Governance Professional in November 2025.
Maxine works with several schools within the county advising on Governance and complaince. Previously from a book publishing background, Maxine made the transition to working within Education whilst living in Asia, where she worked as a Kindergarten and Year 1 Teacher. Upon moving back to the UK, Maxine wished to continue working in Education using her business skills and qualifications to support the governance of schools.