Governors

On behalf of the Governing Body, I would like to warmly welcome you to Langford Village Community Primary School. We are a large, thriving, inclusive school serving the Langford Village area of Bicester and the local community. Your Governors are committed, passionate people and comprise parents, staff, representatives from the Local Authority and members of the community. We are organised in committees and work closely with the Head Teacher to ensure that all children at our school are given access to the very best teaching, are offered exceptional learning opportunities and above all, enjoy coming to a very happy, respectful environment where creativity thrives.

Our role at the school is that of a ‘critical friend’ – we support the Headteacher and the staff in developing the very best opportunities for our children, and help keep everything in good working order, continually challenging ourselves to improve, and ensure that every child can reach their potential as a unique individual.

The Governors have a noticeboard which is located just through the main entrance of the school where you can see who we are and read a short biography.

Should you wish to talk to me for any reason, I can be contacted through the school office.

Sam Porteous

Chair of Governors

Langford Village Community Primary School

I was elected as a parent governor in June 2022 and have been the Chair of Governors since September 2023. I also sit on the Finance and Resources Committee.  I have one son, who is currently in Key Stage 2 of the school.  I wanted to join the governing board to support the school in enabling every child to achieve their full potential and to have the best primary school experience they can. 

I am a Chartered Management Accountant and have worked in a range of businesses, from well known global organisations to much smaller companies, focusing on operational and financial business improvements, setting and monitoring strategic direction and cultural change.  In my current role, I support entrepreneurs and start-up companies on their paths to growth and financial success.  I have also previously held volunteer roles in charities and community groups, supporting financial, administrative and strategic objectives.

I like to spend my spare time out and about with my husband, son and crazy cockapoo, exploring different places and spending time with family and friends.  Before moving to Bicester we lived for 10 years on the island of Jersey, we miss being so close to the sea so we love to get to the coast when we can.  

Please talk to me if you wish to discuss anything; I can be contacted via the school office.

My name is Sarah Tomlin I am currently the Headteacher at Langford Village Community Primary School and hope to bring my teaching experience, leadership and safeguarding knowledge to the governing body and for the benefit of all of our pupils. 

I have taught at Langford since 2005 and have enjoyed many varied roles such as Literacy Coordinator, FSU Phase Leader, Assistant Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher. 

I have two children, both have attended Langford, and both have thrived in the ethos, nurture and expertise offered by the amazing staff at Langford. 

I currently serve on the QTS Governors Sub-committee, often presenting up to date school information, progress and attainment, ensuring that as Governors we are accountable for the school as a whole.

I have the honour of being the longest serving Governor at Langford Village Primary School having been a Governor since 1999. Whilst my 3 children were at the school I was a parent Governor and then I became a Local Authority Governor. Now I am a co-opted Governor. I have taught at The Cooper School since 2004 and feel it is useful for the Governors and the school to have a link with our feeder secondary school. I am chair of the Teaching Quality and Standards committee. I believe as a Governor it is my role to work with the school to ensure that the school delivers a good quality of education and help them to set the school's aims and policies.

I was elected as a parent governor in June 2022 and currently serve on the QTS committee. I have lived in Langford for the past 21 years and I have a daughter who is currently in KS2 at the school.

I have been teaching for 24 years, in the north of the country and now in Buckinghamshire. I am currently a Deputy Headteacher of a large Primary School. My roles include teaching in KS2, English Lead, Pupil Premium Lead and EVC Lead. I am also a Specialist Leader in Education for English and support schools in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire with their school improvement work. This role also involves delivering the Early Career Teacher training to newly qualified teachers.

I wanted to join the governing board at Langford to support the school with its journey of school improvement, whilst also being able to draw upon my professional knowledge and experience.

Outside of school, I like to spend time with my family. I have an older son who also used to attend the school. We like to spend time exploring and visiting new places. Before moving to Bicester, my husband and I lived in Sheffield so we like to visit there often and see family. I also enjoy running, reading, baking and doing crochet!

Mellissa was elected as a Parent Governor in September 2023.

Bio and photograph to follow.

Since my children started Nursery I continue to be impressed by our School. With my son, in year 4 and daughter year 2 I hope to have links with the school for many years.

It is important to me that our children have a safe and nurturing environment to learn and thrive, having the opportunity to reach their full potential.

I work as The Practice Manager in a Veterinary Hospital. I am also an active member of the PTA - FOLVS team. I hope my skills and experience would be of benefit in the role as a School Governor.

I have been an LA Clerk since March 2014 and have 20+ years of administration experience. I have clerked for two other schools in Oxfordshire and I am currently undergoing the clerk's accreditation process.