School Governors

Karen Brokenshire – Chair of Governors

Karen has an extensive background is in Education.

In her early career she taught across a range of schools working in different management and leadership roles to finally become headteacher. On leaving headship she became an Associate Adviser for Edison Learning working on the NAHT Aspire TLIF programme.

As an experienced headteacher she contributed to the NPQH programme and was also an Associate Adviser for Cornwall Association of Primary Headteachers, (CAPH) delivering leadership training and supporting schools with their improvement. Karen was an active me

mber of an Independent Advisory Board for a school in special measures and worked as a Challenge Partner for a local Multi Academy Trust.

In recent years she has developed her role as governor making a positive contribution to schools within the MAT. She is currently the Trustee Lead for Governance within the Trust.

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

Sarah Johns – 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.

Olivia Mather-Crane – Staff Governor

Olivia has been working at Pennoweth for the last 6 years, primarily based in year 5/6. She now is in the role of Assistant Headteacher, whilst still teaching for 3 days a week. Olivia previously worked in an inner-city Birmingham school but moved down to Cornwall to be near to the coast! Olivia went into teaching straight after University and is passionate about changing children’s lives and letting them see what they are truly capable of.

Outside of teaching, Olivia loves spending time at the beach and with her dog, Bodhi. Being outside is something that matters hugely to her, which is one of the reasons why she moved down to Cornwall from Birmingham in the first place. Reading is another passion of Olivia’s, and during school holidays you will often find her in a cafe with Bodhi having a drink and a read.

Jim Seth – Community Governor

I am a retired primary school teacher, and I spent most of my career in Cornwall as a deputy head and headteacher. I also spent a term as acting deputy head at Cardew Junior School, the forerunner to Pennoweth.

Since retiring in 2009, I have remained closely involved in the life of Pennoweth School, first as a classroom volunteer and then as a governor, including a long period as chair. I spend time in the nursery every Monday afternoon telling stories and singing, and in the summer I share stories across the school, so many of the children know me well. Two of my four grandchildren have attended Pennoweth, with the youngest leaving for Redruth School in July 2026.

I am also a volunteer safeguarding trainer for the Truro Diocese and Chaplain for Lay Ministers in Cornwall. In addition, I am a Licensed Minister in the Redruth Parish Churches, where I lead Sunday services, occasional funerals, and some of the school events held in the church.

Peter Howells – Parent Governor

I have been a Parent Governor at Pennoweth School since Spring 2019. Having moved to Cornwall in 2016, I was keen to become more involved in the local community and gain a better understanding of the school environment that would play such an important role in my children’s lives.

My professional background is in estates management, project management and capital development, with more than 20 years’ experience across higher education and both the public and private sectors. I currently work in the Capital Development team at the University of Exeter and hold a postgraduate degree and professional project management qualifications.

As a governor, I enjoy supporting the school’s continued success and bringing a strategic perspective while keeping the needs of pupils, staff and families at the heart of discussions.

My two daughters attend Pennoweth School. What attracted me to the school was its grounded, community-focused approach and the positive atmosphere that was evident from my first visit.

I am passionate about sport, health and wellbeing. I was First Team Captain of Redruth Cricket Club for seven years and currently serve as a Director of the Cornwall Cricket Board. I strongly believe that sport, teamwork and collaboration help young people develop confidence, resilience and valuable life skills.  I’m a lifelong Sunderland AFC supporter which is something to be proud of again after a great 2025/26 season!!