WHS Governors

Jeff Johnson

Chair of Governors

Jeff is a Community Governor and the Chair of Welshpool High School Governors. He currently sits on the Finance and Buildings Committee with responsibility for attendance and link AOLE for Science.  Jeff has been a member of the Committee since 2021.  Prior to this Jeff has been a Foster Carer and Senior Youth Officer for Montgomery.  During this time he worked closely with schools and communities on school improvement plans.

Jeff has spent time working for the Youth Justice Service and in Community Development in both Powys and Manchester.

Alison Davies

Vice-Chair of Governors

Alison, who is the Vice-Chair of Governors, was elected to Welshpool Town Council in October 2017 and is an active member of Planning, Finance and Policy Committees and was elected as Town Mayor in May 2021. She is excited by the future to which Welshpool people can aspire having retired as Director and Principal Consultant with Resources for Change Ltd in March 2021.

Graham Breeze

Local Authority Governor

Graham is enjoying his second term representing Powys County Council at Welshpool High School. He is the elected County Councillor for the Welshpool Llanerchyddol Ward and was a Cabinet Member of the ruling Independent Party prior to the last elections. He serves on several governor’s committees at the school.

Prior to retirement last year Graham spent 50 years working in the media industry. He was Editor of the Powys County Times, Editor in Chief of North Wales Newspapers and launch Editor of the Oswestry Chronicle before launching MyTown Media, the owners of MyWelshpool.

Jeremy Brignell

Local Authority Governor

Jeremy studied Mathematics at Cambridge. This was followed by 8 years in industry working for National Grid, until he decided to return to Mid Wales and for a while ran the family printing business. Jeremy is also a voluntary director of Community Energy Wales and Circular Economy Mid Wales, and a volunteer trustee of Bike to the Future, and Lightfoot Enterprises.

He is a Local Authority Governor and Powys County Councillor for Forden and Montgomery and Cabinet Assistant for the Climate Emergency.

Catherine Davies

Parent Governor

Catherine has two children who are both in Welshpool High School. She wanted to become a governor to support the school and her children’s education.  Catherine and her husband both attended Welshpool High School in the 90’s and 2000’s and have fantastic memories of their school days.

As the Branch Manager at NatWest in Newtown on a job-share basis, Catherine has experience in recruitment, balancing the books, learning and development, policy and compliance as well as relevant skills and training.

Natalie Forsyth Senior AHT

Teacher Governor

Ben Jenkins

Parent Governor

My name is Ben Jenkins, and I work as an IT Manager at the local hospital, focusing on improving digital services and supporting high‑quality care. I have a daughter in Year 10 and a son who will be starting high school soon, giving me a strong understanding of the importance of a supportive and engaging school environment.

I am passionate about making education enjoyable, meaningful, and accessible for all learners. I believe children should feel encouraged to grow and thrive through high‑quality teaching and strong pastoral support. As a governor, I aim to use my experience in digital services, problem‑solving, and strategic planning to help ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Anne Jones

Parent Governor

Anne sits on the Policy Curriculum & Performance group and the ALN working group. Anne is new to the committee having only started September 2023.  Anne has an active role in post 16 education and has done so for the last 25 years.

Steve Jones

Parent Governor

Sharon Lewis

Teacher Governor

Sharon joined Welshpool High School governing body as a teacher governor in September 2022.  She has taught Science, in particular Biology, since 2006.  During her time at Welshpool High School, Sharon has coordinated and run the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme.  She has also led the Global Learning Programme, taking students to Cardiff to meet the then Children’s Commissioner for Wales.

Yvonne Naylor

Local Authority Governor

Yvonne is a retired Headteacher with experience between 1991-2017. The year 2022 saw the third generation of her family starting life at Welshpool High School.

As a Governor, Yvonne offers local knowledge, networking experience and a lifelong relationship with education and learning.

Amy Newby-Wootton

Parent Governor

Amy is a mother of two, one currently attending WHS and her daughter at Leighton CP School. She currently sits on both schools governering boards as a parent Governor.

Amy moved to the area September of 2014, having worked in the Veterinary sector as Clinical Trainer and Technical support , Sales and Business Manager and laterly as Practice Manager of a local veterinary Practice.

Amy currently runs a successful business from home. Amy brings a strong organisational leadership, especially in ‘change’ and financial management to the governing team. Known for having a caring but driven manner, she likes to get things done.

Monica Novick

Parent Governor

Monica is mum to 3, with her eldest child attending WHS. She is an ex pupil and has worked in childcare in the past.   She is also on the governing body of a local primary school in the area and works in a post office where her main duties and experiences are dealing with the public and balancing the books, something she enjoys more than she realised she would. 

Adam Pawley

Community Governor

Adam currently sits on the Policy and Curriculum Committee and is a Link Governor for both numeracy and humanities.  Adam joined the governing body in 2021, having moved back into Montgomeryshire to take up his new post as Vicar of Welshpool.

Prior to moving here, Adam was Rector of Hope, Flintshire, where he also served as a Community Governor in Castell Alun High School, and before this he was Curate in Newtown.

Prior to ministry, Adam worked as a maths teacher in Wrexham, and studied maths, and later, RE, at Cardiff University.  He also has three children at the school.

Sandra Smith

Local Authority Governor

Sandra is a registered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute with over 30 years of leadership experience in retail management and more than 8 years in policing.

Sandra serves as a Mission Ambassador for the Anglican Diocese Pool Mission and as a Local Authority Governor, reflecting her deep commitment to community, education, and faith-led service. 

Sandra continues to champion equity, representation, and growth across the public sector.

Paul Wragg Sykes

Community Governor

Paul is a Community Governor for Welshpool High School, and currently sits on the Finance Committee.

Formerly a Service Delivery Manager with three decades experience in the IT outsourcing industry, Paul changed career to raise his two daughters. Previously the Chair of Governors at Leighton Community Primary School, Paul has worked in collaboration with the Headteacher at Leighton to successfully address Estyn and Change Management targets.

Paul has spent most of his adult life working with various voluntary youth organisations, and is passionate about helping young people to foster confidence, enthusiasm and emotional wellbeing.