Governors

Introducing Our Governors

Katy Bisset, Chair of Governors 

I became a Parent Governor in late 2020 as I wanted to be able to contribute my skills and expertise to Bedgrove Junior School; I joined the governing board not long after my eldest joined BJS. I’ve got three children, and live in Bedgrove, so I have a keen interest in seeing the ongoing progression and improvement of the school from a parental viewpoint.

I’ve been a secondary school teacher for over 10 years; I’m now the Deputy Head of Science at my current workplace. I have an in-depth knowledge of the education system and a passion for seeing improvements in standards of education of not just my children but of all children – inclusive of their ability and background.

I’ve got a particular interest in two areas – STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) progression for all and inclusion of children with additional needs as my middle child has learning disabilities, and hope to use my skills in these and other areas in education to further the great work that BJS does for our children and our community.

Harry Hillier - Headteacher 

I am very proud to be the Headteacher of Bedgrove Junior School. Having started the post in September 2022, I am early into my journey with the school, however, already I am impressed with the strengths of the school. In my previous school, I was in charge of Teaching and Learning, assessment, behaviour and staff development. I am passionate about giving children the best possible school experience as possible. I believe primary school should all be about curiosity, enjoyment and engagement. As Headteacher, I am determined to ensure Bedgrove Junior has an exciting and enriching curriculum that helps children grow and develop so they are ready for the next step in their educational journey. By incorporating in the learning our values of Inspire, Challenge and Succeed I believe that children will be self-motivated, well rounded and will have a love of learning.  

Laura Gregory, Community Governor

I joined the Governing Body of Bedgrove Junior School in 2020 as a Co-opted Governor and became a Community Governor in 2021.  I recognise the valuable role governors have in offering a strategic view to support the school in the development of all children and wanted to use my experience in education to offer an outside perspective whilst having a full understanding of the primary education system.

I have been a primary school teacher for over 20 years. I have previous Leadership experience, including the roles of Deputy Head Teacher, SENDCO, Core Curriculum Leadership and previous Governor experience.  I am currently teaching part-time at a local primary school.

I am passionate about ensuring children leave school with a life-long love of learning and fully support the school and their vision. I have particular interests in curriculum and whole school well-being.

I live in Bedgrove with my husband and 2 children. My eldest attended Bedgrove Junior School and my youngest is currently attending here.  I am pleased to be able to contribute to the continuous development of the school and offer my skills and experience within the local school community.

Ms Ramya Palanisamy, Parent Governor

I joined the parent governor team at Bedgrove Junior School in late 2024, driven by my gratitude for the exceptional support my children have received from the dedicated staff. Their commitment has significantly enhanced my children's educational experience and overall well-being. I believe it is essential for every child to feel valued and understood, with their unique needs met with compassion and dedication. This belief has inspired me to contribute to the parent governor team and support the school in its mission.

I also reflect on the immense support I received from my school during my childhood, alongside the unwavering encouragement from my parents, which inspired me to pursue seven graduate degrees. This experience has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the vital role that supportive educational environments play in a child's development, motivating me to contribute similarly to the community at Bedgrove Junior School.

My vision is to help create a fair, reasonable, and enjoyable environment for all students, with a particular emphasis on supporting those with special needs. This focus is deeply personal to me, as I have navigated the education system while advocating for children with special needs. This journey has been both challenging and rewarding, providing me with profound insights into the importance of empathy, patience, and unwavering support.

Professionally, I come from a background in cancer research and have transitioned into healthcare management over the past 15 years. Currently, I work in a GP practice in South Bucks, where I oversee Business Strategies, Operations, Finance, HR, Compliance, and Governance, all while fostering a positive team environment. I am passionate about the services we provide to the community and dedicated to team building and development, striving to achieve high levels of patient and staff satisfaction. Additionally, I advocate for my colleagues' interests in my role as the South Bucks management representative for the Local Medical Committee, supporting my primary care team in delivering exceptional healthcare services.

Outside of my professional duties, I cherish spending quality time with my children, enjoy travelling and gardening. I look forward to contributing to the parent governor team and working towards the shared goals for the benefit of all students at Bedgrove Junior School.

Parent Governor Bio – Chris Jacob 

Newly appointed as a Parent Governor in Autumn 2024, I’m a Commissioned Officer serving in the Royal Air Force, currently based at RAF High Wycombe. Due to the continuous role and location changes within the RAF, we decided to settle in Aylesbury back in 2015, keen to provide a stable family base and educational continuity for the children. We relocated to Bedgrove in 2022. 

Our youngest is currently in Year 4 here at Bedgrove Junior School with his older sister having also attended Bedgrove Junior School before moving onto Secondary School. I have been keen to become a Parent Governor for some time, primarily to support the fantastic staff and help make a difference where I can. The school has delivered above and beyond for our children and I’m keen to help and give something back. Ensuring the successful delivery of our children’s primary education is a key stepping stone in their journey to adulthood and future careers. Holding an honours degree in Physical Geography and having a keen interest in sports and the outdoors I’m keen to see children’s understanding of the physical environment and personal fitness develop. 

This section tells you who our Local Governors are, what category of governor each person has been appointed as, the responsibilities they hold, the committees they sit on and the end date of their term of office. It includes any governor who has served in the last 12 months.  More information about each current member of our Local Governing Board is available above.  

The LGB appoints Community Governors and Co-opted Governors.  Parents nominate and, where there are more nominations than vacancies, elect Parent Governors.  The same method is used for the Staff Governor positions.   

If you wish to contact Katy Bisset, the Chair of Governors, please email katy.bisset@BJSGLT.co.uk or contact Katy via the school office by calling 01296 487973.  

Bedgrove Junior Local Governing Board grid 2022-23

Abbreviations of offices held: CP = Child Protection, LAC - Children Looked After, Dev = Development, PM = Performance Management Reviewer,  SEND = Special Educational Needs, Data Prot = Data Protection, H&S = Health & Safety

Co-opted governors are appointed by the Local Governing Board for up to a year either to work on a particular project, or because they bring a particular skill or area of knowledge to the board, or with a view to appointing them as full local governors within the year.  

Numbers indicate an order of contact should a committee prove necessary.  Any Governor with prior knowledge of the situation or people involved would withdraw when contacted. Governors from collaborating schools would be contacted to join the Committee if necessary.

The Local Governing Board conducts its business as a board and no longer has a committee structure with the exception of those committees which need to be convened for HR related matters, complaints or pupil discipline matters.