Governors

Welcome to our Governors’ section. Please find below details of how the Governing body for the East Somerset Federation (Bruton and Upton Noble primary schools) is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor. 

Meet the East Somerset Federation Governors 

Currently there are 11 members of the Governing Body, representing the Local Authority, local community, parents and staff. We are all volunteers, and we all have the same aims and ambitions for the schools. We are interested in children, their education and their development.  The Full Governing Body meets 6 times a year, with sub-committees in and Business & Finance and Pay meeting 3 times a year, Pay and Appraisal meeting 2 times a year and Ethos meeting a minimum of twice a year.

We recognise that there are three important core roles to our contribution at both Bruton Primary School and Upton Noble Church of England Primary School.

• The first is strategic. It is our responsibility to agree policies and to monitor their impact.
• The second is to be a ‘critical friend’. It is important that we ask relevant but probing questions. We examine the performance of the children in the school, and we give praise where it is good and seek ways of making improvements when expectations are not achieved.
• Thirdly, we must ensure accountability. For instance, if we delegate a task to a committee or working party, the terms of reference for the group must be clearly set. We must evaluate ourselves and the actions we take.

Introducing the members of the Governing Body (2025/26 school year):

Suzanne McCutcheon (Co-Chair)

Appointed as a Foundation Governor by the Diocese of Bath and Wells as from 18/07/202 3.  I am a member of the PCC for my local church.  My children attended Upton Noble Primary School in the past.  I am employed as a Local Government Manager with 40 years experience in the role.  I am also a Finance Director of Trading Standards South West CIC having held this position since 2017.  I am the chair of the Safety at Sports and Events Group in BANES and liaise regularly with the emergency services, alongside this I hold the post of lead officer for Modern Slavery for the council. 

Anna Chubb (Co-Chair)

I became a Governor in September 2023 having previously been a Parent Governor from 2008 until 2012 when my children were at School.  With my husband and son we run a longstanding family business within the farming community. I look forward to getting to know and become involved with the School Federation. 

Rachael Bisset

Executive Headteacher of the East Somerset Federation from 1 September 2019.

Jack Tucker

Appointed to the governing board as from 23rd February 2026.  Jack has worked for the East Somerset Federation, specifically Bruton, for nearly eight years he is passionate and knowledgable about the federation.  He is currently English lead and is the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead at Bruton.  He has taught all year groups from year 1 to year 6 so has a unique insight into the journey our children take through their primary education.

Emily Simper

Emily Simper is the partnership Governor and has oversight of curriculum. She is the Deputy Head Pastoral at King’s School, Bruton as well as a DSL, Head of PSHE and a History teacher. She has three children who all attend Bruton Primary School and she was formerly Chair of Community Kids Management committee before it was incorporated into the Federation.

Susan Nurse

Co-opted in July 2025.  Retired secondary school teacher who has lived and worked in the area for over 20 years. 

Ashley Marshfield

Elected parent governor as from 5th December 2025.  I have 16 years of experience in education and pastoral leadership,  I bring experience in safeguarding, SEND, equality and  management.  

My work as Director of Music at King’s Bruton and involvement  with local organisations such as Bruton Choral Society reflect my  commitment to the community.  Combined with my training in  basic first aid, health and safety and safer recruitment, I bring both practical and strategic insight to help ensure every  child thrives in a safe, inclusive and inspiring environment.

Sophie Price

Elected parent governor as from 5th December 2025.  I am passionate about education and  creating an environment where all children can thrive.  Having spent nine years working as a teacher before having  children, I have a strong understanding of the education system. I  have taught in both primary and secondary schools, specialising  in Drama and Music and believe deeply in the value of the arts for  building confidence and creativity.  Since becoming self-employed, I now work with children and  adults to improve mental health and overcome anxiety or other  issues that may hold them back.

Elaine Cosser

Appointed as a associate governor as from 1st January 2023 when she was appointed to the role of Head of School at Ditcheat Primary School.  She is an experienced Deputy Head and brings a wealth of experience to the board.

Rev Helen Drever

Associate Ex: Offico governor as from September 2023.

Thelma Hartnell (Clerk)

Clerk to the Governing Body of the East Somerset Federation.  As first point of contact for the governors, please get in touch at clerk@eastsomersetfederation.co.uk