School Governors

Deborah Reeve – Chair, Co-Opted Governor

I have lived in Cornwall for over 25 years. On leaving school I trained as a primary school teacher. My background prior to living here was in local government, but I have also had positions within the tourism industry and more recently as a local business owner.

I am the parent of two grown up children and am very active in the local community. I have been a Redruth Town Councillor since 2013 and at this time I am the Deputy Town Mayor. I also chair the Town’s Amenities Committee and the Redruth Christmas Festival; both roles I am passionate about. I hope I have helped to give something back to the community which is my home.

In my spare time; please note the use of humour- I am the secretary of the Redruth-Real del Monte Twinning Association, a member of the Redruth and District Chamber of Commerce, part of the committee that runs Murdoch House and I organise the Redruth Community Christmas Breakfast. I also sing in the Cornwall Symphony Chorus.

I am privileged to be a governor at Pennoweth and work hard to ensure that, alongside all my fellow governors, we support the staff and children to make Pennoweth an outstanding school. I will always take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions if I can, or if I not I will find someone who can! I will fight to protect our schools & public services, and of course our young people, in order to ensure they get the education and opportunities they deserve.

I can be contacted c/o Pennoweth School, Drump Road, Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 1NA

Sarah Jones – Parent Governor

I’m proud to support Pennoweth as a Parent Governor, a role I hold with great enthusiasm and dedication. Growing up in Redruth and now running a local business, I’ve always felt strongly about supporting our community. As a parent of two children at the school, I am committed to ensuring that Pennoweth remains a positive, inclusive and supportive environment for all students. I bring to the role my experience working in various businesses where I’ve learned the importance of collaboration, planning and open communication, which are essential in supporting the school’s success. I am committed to working collaboratively with Parents and Staff to help shape decisions that benefit and support the growth and development of our students, ensuring they thrive academically, emotionally and socially.
On a personal note, I am a crazy cat lady! I love coffee, eating out- especially Thai food, sparkly things and am often found with my head in a book! I spend the majority of my free time with my husband and young boys, exploring the beaches and our local area and parks!

Sarah Shami – Community Governors

Sarah is a qualified primary teacher with 14 years’ experience working within Education. Sarah has experience of working with a wide variety of families and children within the Redruth area. Sarah has a passion to hear each child’s voice and ensure they feel loved and safe. Sarah believes if these fundamental needs are not met, then children cannot access learning or be ready for the world so this must come first. Sarah is a firm believer in teamwork and when the whole team including the child, parents/carers and other agencies have the same passion and goal, barriers can be broken down and magic can happen! Sarah has worked within the Education Welfare Service for over a year and has thoroughly enjoyed working with schools, families, young people and other professionals to ensure barriers to attendance and education are broken down. When Sarah is not working, you can find her baking, enjoying a book snuggled on the sofa (with chocolate in hand, of course!), on the beach spending quality time with her husband and two sons or getting wet on the side of a football pitch for her eldest son and building train tracks with her youngest son.Sarah loves chocolate, music, reading, beach walks, Harry Potter, Black Books, Gavin and Stacey and a big roast dinner! Her speciality is huge Yorkshire puddings!Sarah hates baked beans, being disorganised, being late, rudeness and slow drivers!

Ann O’Hagan – Parent Governor

I am a Qualified Teacher with 24 years’ experience at working in educational settings, 14 years’ experience in leadership roles.  I have extensive knowledge and understanding of Autism and teaching; with a vast amount of experience in Outreach, mentoring and delivering continued professional development sessions.

My husband grew up in Redruth so we had a strong connection here and as a family we decided to moved from London to Cornwall in August 2023.  My children joined Pennoweth School in September 2023.  I was enthusiastic about sharing my knowledge and skills and supporting Pennoweth in its educational journey, so I decided to volunteer as a parent Governor.  I really enjoy supporting the school in this role.

On a personal level I enjoy spending time with friends and family.  We especially love going to the glorious beaches in Cornwall and visiting our friends and family in London.