Merope Sylvester

Chair

Director/Trustee

I joined the Board of By Brook Valley School in 2024 as a member of the Foundation and Ethos Committee and became Chair of the Governors in 2025. Having grown up in a village within the Bristol Diocese and having benefited enormously from attending the village school with its community spirit and caring environment I am keen to ensure that By Brook Valley can continue to provide the support and broad educational curriculum that have been, and continue to be, one of the principal advantages of Church of England village schools.

In addition to being Chair of Board, I am also the Lay Chair of the Bybrook Benefice Team Council and churchwarden of St. Nicholas, Slaughterford, one of the ten parishes within the ByBrook Benefice. I am also a Trustee and Chair of the HR Committee of Community First, a Wiltshire charity with a particular focus on support for its youth arm, Youth Action Wiltshire.

I strongly believe in the importance of providing a balance of different opportunities to enable all pupils to learn and develop whatever their skills and qualities so that they have strong educational roots to enable them to grow and flourish throughout their lives.

David New

Vice Chair

Director/Trustee

I have spent my life working in schools as teacher, senior leader and headteacher.  I am currently self-employed as an Ofsted inspector and educational consultant I am fortunate to have been elected as a governor of By Brook Valley School from January 2014. Three of my children attended By Brook Valley school, 2 transferring from Biddestone School on its opening.  I have lived in Biddestone since 1993 and bring my expertise in all aspects of school leadership and management, together with a commitment to the best educational outcomes for the children, to the role.    

Deb Henshall

Director/Trustee

I am the Headteacher and also a governor and director/trustee.   I meet regularly with the Chair and Vice Chair of Governors to review the impact that the governors have in supporting the best possible outcomes for the children.

Jaclyn Cross

Director/Trustee

I am a Foundation Governor (appointed by the Bristol Diocese) and the Safeguarding Link Governor (and Chair of the Foundation and Ethos committee).  I am now retired, having worked in the voluntary and community sector, specialising in education and training. As a governor I particularly enjoy visiting lessons and collective worship and often join in with Linger and Learn sessions which give a great insight into the classroom experience. 

Martin Lowe

Director/Trustee

I am a community governor and Vice Chair of the Finance, Premises, Staffing & HR committee.   I am an Engineer Officer in the RAF and we’ve lived in Yatton Keynell since 2013.

Elizabeth Gilbertson

Director/Trustee

I am Chair of Finance Committee and a Parent Governor.    

Craig Parrott

Director/Trustee

I am a Parent Governor and serve on the Finance and Premises Committee. As an architect with extensive experience in designing accessible environments for people with disabilities, I use my professional skills to support the school’s planning, facilities, and long‑term development. I am committed to helping ensure our school provides a safe, inclusive, and high quality environment for all pupils.

Jenny George

Director/Trustee

I became a parent governor because I am enthusiastic about improving public services and wanted to contribute what time I can to my children's school community. With a career dedicated in healthcare improvement, I hope to bring these skills and expertise to support the school's development. Serving on the Board of Governors gives me the opportunity to help shape the school's strategic direction and make a positive difference for pupils, staff and families.

Lisa Nicolson

Director/Trustee

[Bio to follow]

Natasha Nicholas

Director/Trustee

I am a member of Curriculum, Teaching & Learning Committee and Staff Governor.