At Lawn Primary school we have a total of 13 Governors - 6 Community/Co-Opted governors, 4 Parent governors, 1 staff governor, 1 Local Authority governor and the Headteacher.

We also have a Clerk to support the administration of the Governing Body. 

All governors at Lawn Primary School are appointed initially for a four year term and thereafter can be appointed for an extra year at a time.

Parent governors are selected via a voting process where there are more candidates than places available. Community/Co-Opted governors are selected by the governing body. Our Staff governor is elected by the staff at the school. The LA governor is nominated by the Ward Councillor and appointed by the governing body.

Meet the Governors

Aaron Smith - Co-Opted Governor

Chair of Governors, Staffing Governor

I grew up in Lawn and attended the school. I now live in Lakeside with my wife and two children, both of whom attend Lawn Primary and Nursery School.

I am a Chartered Town Planner providing planning advice to landowners and developers on new residential projects throughout southern England. This role also allows me to promote improving the environmental quality of homes that that serve the health and well-being of their occupants.

My dyslexia was identified post-primary school and I’m eager to ensure that all pupils are provided with the support and resources they require at the earliest opportunity.

In my spare time I’ve taken on various voluntary roles including as a trustee of the Swindon Town Community Mutual (TrustSTFC).  

Lindsay Wood - Headteacher 

I feel very privileged to be the Headteacher of Lawn Primary & Nursery School, a role I have commenced this April 2024. Prior to this, I started my teaching career at Wanborough Primary School which is close in location where I worked for 16 years becoming Deputy Headteacher; teaching all year groups and leading multiple subject areas, before taking on my first Headship. This was at Fir Tree Primary & Nursery School in Newbury from 2018 where I moved the school from Requires Improvement to Good in a successful OFSTED inspection in May 2022.

I have been delighted by the warm, family atmosphere, close community links and polite, well-motivated pupils at Lawn. We have an excellent team of teachers and teaching assistants, together with a very proactive governing body which makes education at the school really enjoyable. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be the Headteacher of such a fabulous school. My husband and I live in Swindon with our three children and enjoy travelling and sports in our spare time. I am driven by the desire for all Lawn pupils to achieve their full potential in a happy and safe environment and I feel sure that we will continue to be a thriving part of the local community for many years to come.

Russell Hall - Vice Chair -  Parent Governor

Progress & Attainment Governor and SEND Governor

I've lived in Swindon my whole life and am married with two children; one of whom attends Lawn Primary and one is a young baby. 

I am a qualified accountant working for a Fintech company in Swindon as a senior finance manager. I lead a team responsible for managing the monthly reporting, quarterly forecasting and annual planning cycles of the business. I also lead on the 3-year strategic plan. All of which requires a large amount of analysis, interpretation of data, challenging performance and working with senior stakeholders across the business.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, watching Swindon Town FC and keeping fit.

David Hitchcock - Co-Opted Governor

Curriculum & SMSC Governor

I moved to Swindon from London in late 2016 following my retirement.

My career had been in Higher Education in which I held various roles finishing as dean of one of the largest university Business Schools in the country. Although many would regard a university and a primary school as very different environments I believe they share many of the same values and ethos and the ways in which success can be achieved are transferable.

Besides education I continue to have an interest in my local surroundings both physical and cultural.

Polly Gillett - Staff Governor

I have been teaching for 9 years, all of which has been at Lawn. I have taught for 4 years in year 1 and 5 years in Reception.

I love teaching the Early Years and learning through play. 

I am phonics/early reading lead for the school and am passionate about supporting children to develop their reading skills through phonics. 

Leanne Lewis - Co Opted Governor

Shadow Safeguarding Governor

I have two daughters attending Lawn, currently in Reception and the Nursery. I work at Nationwide Building Society on change projects delivering benefits for our customers and the society. I also volunteer with my local Rainbows group running weekly sessions for the girls.

My family and I enjoy spending time in nature and can usually be found at the weekend exploring different National Trust houses and gardens or going for walks in the local area. This provides us with many happy memories and my daughters plenty of opportunities to learn whilst having fun.

Janet Busby - Co Opted Governor

Safeguarding Governor and Equality Governor

I’ve lived in Lawn for nearly 25 years and my 3 grown-up children all attended the Lawn Primary School and then local secondary schools.

During my working career as a town planner I have held various roles in local government and the private sector, managing a range of new major developments and regeneration projects.

In my leisure time I enjoy walking, gardening and cultivating our allotment

Tayler Aitken - Parent Governor

Finance Governor

Having spent a lot of my time growing up at my Grandparent's in Lawn, I always had fond memories of the area. Having moved to Lawn with my partner in 2020, our daughter now attends Lawn preschool, with our son to follow in just over a years' time.  My working career has always been in Financial Services, and I am a Financial Adviser, predominantly focusing on private client wealth, helping people invest and make decisions for financially sound futures. I have regularly served on committees whether they have been career focused or for local sporting teams etc.

Outside of work, spending time with family, socialising with friends and playing golf is what gives me greatest enjoyment.

Zak Watson - Co Opted Governor

Finance Governor and Premises, Health & Safety Governor

I live in Lawn with my wife and baby boy, we’ll be looking at Lawn as his school in a few years. So, where I can, I want to help the school be at its best.

My career is across financial services, and financial services regulation. Where I currently help the Financial Conduct Authority deliver on our Data Strategy, to help protect consumers in the UK financial market. Helping us to stay as one of the most stable economies in the world.

Outside of work, family and friends are where I spend my time, as well as the occasional run!

Rachel Piper- Clerk to the Governors

I live in Lawn and have 2 children who both attend the school.

I  have my own business, running a camper van hire company and also do free-lance consultancy/PA work.

I love to spend time with my family, travel and to run when I get the chance.