Meet the Governors

Mark Gallacher - Co-opted Governor and Chair of the Governing Board

My wife and I moved into the area four years ago and I have two grandsons in the school.

I was involved in education for most of my working life, as a teacher, a headteacher, a consultant headteacher and a visiting lecturer. During that time, I was head of fifteen schools. Six of the schools were Church of England establishments, one in the Diocese of Lichfield, and the others in the Diocese of Lincoln. I have a higher degree in school leadership and management.

My belief is that children’s happiness and wellbeing is as important as their academic progress, and I think that this school strikes the right balance. From what I’ve seen I know the school also encourages children to think about the wonder of the spiritual aspects of life which should help guide them to strong moral integrity.

I am grateful to have joined the governing body and will hopefully support and assist them in continuing their good work in moving the school forward.

Mary McKay, Local Authority Governor

In the autumn of 2013 I was privileged to be appointed to lead our governing board for the next three years. I had two reasons for accepting this role.

The first is to do with my commitment to the school and to the wider community of Lapworth. Gordon and I moved here in 1981. Our sons were five and seven at the time and attended Lapworth school in the days before it moved into the current premises in Station Lane. Our sons loved their time at the school and were well prepared for their move to secondary education in Stratford. I want to make sure that the primary education experienced by my sons continues i.e. one which recognises the importance of academic achievement but also, crucially, provides a caring atmosphere in which all our pupils learn and grow.

My second reason is about my being able to contribute something to the governance of the school and, therefore, support the continued improvement of our school. I continue to work all over the country in my chosen career in education – as a specialist in school governance - training, reviewing and supporting governing bodies.

Father Patrick - Ex Officio Foundation Governor

Fr Patrick has been an ex-officio Foundation Governor since his institution as Rector of Lapworth in May 2010. Fr Patrick has degrees in Mathematics and Theology. He worked for British Gas for 16 years, including postings in India and Brazil negotiating pipeline contracts. He entered full-time ordained ministry in 2006.

Rena Patel - Co-opted Governor

I was born and brought up fairly locally (in Birmingham), and education has always been really important to me. I studied Modern Languages at Cambridge University before moving to London to begin my career in investment banking. I was there for six years but knew that education was my true passion, so I returned home to complete my PGCE at Birmingham University in 2008. Since 2009 I have worked as a teacher in Birmingham. I moved to Lapworth in 2022 and I love being part of such a welcoming and warm-hearted community. Currently studying for a Masters in Applied Educational Leadership at UCL, I hope to be able to share evidence-based research to school settings to enhance pupil outcomes. It is a privilege to be part of the Lapworth School governing board.

Liam McKenna -Co-opted Governor & Vice Chair

In 2022 my family and I moved to Lapworth, where my wife grew up. We love being a part of the local village community and feel incredibly lucky to be able to raise our family here. Lapworth has so much to offer, particularly for young families, and the school is at the heart of it. Our son joined Little Oaks Pre-school last year and his sister will join him next year.

Being part of the governing board allows me to give back to the local community and it is especially meaningful as this is where my wife went to school. It is a privilege to be part of its continued success and growth. On a professional note, I work in Finance within the fitness industry and have done so for the last 10 years. I am also a qualified accountant with a 1st class degree in Accounting & Management from the University of Reading.