Llywodraethwyr (Governors)

Mike Davies (Chair of Governors)

I am a parent governor. I serve as vice-chair of the Finance & Personnel Committee and the link governor for ICT.  I have a son in Y6 and am passionate about supporting the education of all children in the school. I work  in Digital Transformation as a Scrum Master and Agile Coach, helping organisations manage change with transparency and value-driven outcomes. With a PGCE and a background in Learning & Development, my role includes coaching, designing, and delivering training. I am committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every child thrives and nurturing a lifelong love of learning. I  also volunteer for the RNLI on The Mumbles All-Weather Lifeboat.

Rosie Greenaway (Vice-Chair of Governors)

I am a community governor with children in land and mountain phase and a toddler at home. Currently working as an artist I also have an extensive background in Play. I’m community-minded and a trustee of Bishopston Play Association taking an active role on the playscheme committee. Before becoming a parent I worked as a TA gaining insight into the daily running of primary school life as well as a greater understanding of the responsibility of educators. Since joining the governors in 2020 I have found the role to be insightful, collaborative and highly rewarding. I am especially interested in Curriculum and wellbeing and feel privileged to be part of this school community.

I aim to bring a supportive, creative and reflective presence to the governing body.

John Owen

As Headteacher, I serve on all Governor committees. I have worked for over 12 years at Bishopston Primary. My teaching career has spanned several schools across both Wales and England, as well as international experience in Tanzania and Sri Lanka. I am guided by strong values and am committed to leading our school in a way that supports both staff and pupils to feel confident and happy, wanting to do things well. I believe in celebrating individual strengths while providing the right support in areas of challenge. My aim is for everyone who comes to Bishopston—whether for work, learning, play, or support—to enjoy their time in the school and be better for it.

Melinda Canning
I am a Local Authority (LA) governor. I sit on the Finance & Personnel committee. I am proud to serve as the Health and Safety Governor.

I first became involved with Bishopston Primary in 1983 when my daughter joined the Nursery, followed by my son two years later. Over the years, I volunteered at the school in various roles, worked as a supervisory and kitchen assistant, and was an active member of the PTA. I also served as Clerk to Governors for eight years.

In 1988, I began working in school administration at another local school, where I stayed for 31 years.

In 2014, I became a  Local Authority Governor at Bishopston Primary, hoping to use my experience in education to support the school. Both of my grandchildren attended the school before moving on to the Comprehensive, and my daughter is currently a teacher.

Lyndon Jones

It is a privilege to be the Local Authority Governor at Bishopston Primary School, as well as being the Councillor on the City & County of Swansea Council for the Bishopston Ward.

I chair the Community Committee at the school, which works to ensure that the school has got great links with the Community.  During the year, the school takes part in litter picks, the Remembrance Service, switching on the Christmas Lights etc.

I am Chair the Education Scrutiny Panel at Swansea Council, which scrutinises education across Swansea, which I find helpful in my role at the school, because it gives me great links with everyone in the Education Department at the Council.

I am keen that children at the school get the best opportunities and the school continues to be successful.

Andy Walker
I am a Community governor. I meet with the school and report back to the Governors in relation to Community Links. 

Rev. Andy is a local Minister with the Methodist Church across South Gower, and locally based with the Murton congregation. The school has strong links with Murton Chapel; visiting for Harvest Festival services and occasionally participating in shared events such as the Community act of Remembrance. Rev Andy takes occasional school assemblies. Rev. Andy and the Chapel team run a weekly Youth Club which remains popular with local young people.

Rev Andy brings a breadth of life experience, having worked in the banking industry; and as an Account Manager in business-to-business media sales before becoming a full-time Minister. Upon graduating in Marketing and IT (DeMontfort University, 1994), Rev. Andy led a mission team to Estonia, and established an English Language school alongside the local Methodist Church.

Pastorally, Rev Andy is interested in the well-being and flourishing of the children, parents / guardians and the staff of the school. He is also keen to offer relevant support to staff and to parents and carers who may need pastoral or practical help along the way.

Jemma Cowling

I am a Senior Teacher in the School, I lead Maths & Numeracy. I have taught in Bishopston Primary for over 15 years - in classes from Year 1 to Year 6. I am currently teaching in Mountain Phase (Year 3/4). I run dance club, the Health and Wellbeing Committee and the second-hand school uniform shop.

As a Teaching and Staff Governor, I sit on the Finance & Personnel committee.

Lisa Boat

I am a Local Authority Governor. I sit on the Curriculum & Personnel committee. I have served as a governor for the past 10 years and have loved watching all Bishopston has achieved and its heart-led commitment to continual improvement, always for the benefit of the children. 
As a mother of 3, I am passionate about the importance of primary education in positively shaping the future of the child and its fundamental role in setting a strong foundation and love for lifelong learning, critical thinking and curiosity.
I currently work as Strategic Programme Manager at Swansea University, established and am Chair of Swansea Bay Maternity Voices Partnership and also sit on the Council of the Coop. Always really happy to chat and feedback anything to the Governors.

Emily Davies

I have enjoyed serving as a community governor since 2021 and am currently the link governor for Wellbeing, Welsh and Biodiversity. I am also a member of the Curriculum and Appointments committee. My background is in education, law and local government; and I currently work in education capital development. As a parent, I enjoy contributing to discussions around pupil wellbeing and the wider school experience.

David Mason

I became a (local authority) governor in 2024. I have four children with one in Infants and three in Bishopston Comp. This year I have taken on the role of Chair of the Finance and Personnel committee. I also have assignments for equity & diversity, and curriculum. I have experience as Chair of Governors (and chair of finance) at another primary school. I am passionate about education and creating a love for learning at an early age.  

I work for a financial services technology company, with focus on project, risk & contract management. However I would always prefer to be outdoors especially anywhere on Gower or in the sea.

Helen Hartshorn

I’m a Bishopston Community Councillor and serve on the Governing board as part of this remit. I’m committed to ensuring all age groups are heard and represented within our community, particularly our younger generation. I’m keen to help enable pupils to participate in our local events (e.g. May Day, fireworks display, Christmas lantern parades) aiding them to contribute to, and feel part of, our community.

I have over 20 years’ experience in HR, working in a number of blue-chip organisations and currently work in a digital challenger bank. I sit on the Personnel & Finance Committee.

I first became involved with the school when my step-daughter attended

Henry Barnes

I am a parent governor and the father of two children in Bishopton Primary School, one in year three and one in year one. I sit on the curriculum and community committees. I have spent my career working in the Voluntary and Community Sector through a number of different charities in various roles - policy and campaigning, fundraising, membership and support, and emergency response. I now work at the British Red Cross as UK Community Resilience Lead. It's my job to think about what communities might need in order to be well prepared if a disaster ever hit, with a focus on reaching those with the greatest need. I try to bring some of my varied experience to the role of Governor.

Faye Clarke

I am a parent governor with two children in Foundation Phase and experience working in classrooms. I’ve seen how much children thrive when they feel happy, supported, and understood.

Teaching in different schools across South Wales has shown me that every child is unique and that their wellbeing is just as important as their learning. Having lived and worked locally, I care deeply about our community and want to help the school be a place where every child feels valued and encouraged to do their best.

Daniaal Awais-Dean

I am a parent governor, sit on the Finance and Personnel Committee and am a father of two boys, one of whom is currently in Year 1 at Bishopston Primary School. I have a background in economics and finance, have run businesses and currently work with early-stage businesses, helping solve a variety of commercial challenges, experience which I hope can be of value to the school. I also run the Junior section of the local football team, Murton Rovers, which has allowed me to gain first-hand experience of working with and coaching children. 

As an adopted member of the Bishopston community, having moved from London four years ago, I am looking forward to bringing a fresh perspective to the Board of Governors as we look to find new ways to improve the school experience.