Ellie MacQuarrie

Headteacher

I began my journey in education working as a TA in 2002. I then studied Education with Psychology at Cardiff University, followed by a PGCE. I qualified as a teacher in 2005. I believe in the strength of outdoor learning, play and creativity. When not at school, I can be found in the sea, renovating my house or walking along the coast!

Frances Griffiths

Chair of Governors

Having been associated with Stithians School since 2020 as the Governance Professional, I was delighted to be elected to the role of Chair by the Governing Body in July, when Cath Cullen announced her retirement. She will be a hard act to follow, but I hope to emulate her dedication and commitment to this wonderful school. By way of background, I worked for over forty years in managerial roles in commercial and public service organisations and, in addition, qualified as a music teacher from the Royal College of Music in 1982. Living with my husband and our two dogs just outside the village is a privilege, and it's a pleasure to be part of such a warm, thriving community. 

Janet Taylor

Vice Chair

I have worked in education for 34 years. I have taught throughout the primary age range, most recently as a head teacher in Hackney. I have been a governor at a number of schools and have a strong interest in SEND. I am delighted to be able to use my skills and experience to support the community and the school. In my free time, I like to swim in the sea and walk my dog, exploring the wonderful coast and countryside around me.

Julie Bingham

Governance Professional

I have lived in Stithians all my life and attended Stithians School. My three boys also came here and have gone on to shine in their chosen careers. In 2006, I became a teaching assistant and am now the senior secretary. I enjoy walking my Cockapoo, Junket, and joining in with family 4 x 4 off road adventures! I previously held the role of Clerk for a number of years at Stithians, and have now returned as Governance Professional following Frances becoming Chair.

Ros Bastian

Vice Chair

I live on a small holding on the edge of Stithians. Always having a love of sport, I left school in London to train to become a PE teacher, and have spent the last 36 years teaching at Penryn College, progressing to assistant headteacher with responsibility for the community. Having recently retired, I continue my interest in education and am delighted to be a governor at Stithians School.

Alice West

I am a local parent with two children and became a governor in November 2018. Previously, my career was as a chartered marketer, working across a variety of industries and in the public sector. I will be working to ensure that all the children at the school are encouraged and enabled to fulfil their potential.

William Marshall

Parent Governor

I live with my wife and three young children on the edge of Stithians. I have over 27 years' experience in education; and have spent the last ten years as the headteacher of Humphry Davy School in Penzance. I believe a key part of my role as a governor is to support the headteacher and staff so they can focus on providing that positive and nurturing environment for all our children to succeed.

Natalia Eernstman

Parent Governor

I am a parent governor, with 2 children in the school. We live in Redruth but chose Stithians Primary as our preferred school because of the positive, child-centred and forward-looking attitude of all involved. I work as an educator in a college that helps people develop the skills to make a positive difference in the face of climate change. I am passionate about arts and science, as well as embodied, play-based, real-world learning. 

James Newman

Local Authority Governor

I have been a governor at Stithians School since November 2018, and qualified as a teacher in 2005.  I am currently working as a supply teacher across a range of primary schools in Cornwall. I became a governor in order to help support Stithians School to continue to successfully educate our children and to allow them to develop as kind and caring individuals to the best of their abilities

Trevor Manley

Teacher Governor

Deputy Headteacher/SENDCo/DDSL/MeLSA

I qualified as a in 1996 and my first job was at Stithians covering maternity leave. From 1997, I worked at Weeth School in Camborne but always had a dream of returning. I love living and working in Stithians and being a part of this community. I have a real passion for teaching and inclusive education for all. I love all things historical, and am a fan of all types of music, especially Queen and Depeche Mode!

Becky Poulding

Parent Governor

I joined the governing board at Stithians School in 2023.  As a parent of three, the school and community have become a big part of our lives.  I work as a pediatric physiotherapist which often closely links into the education system especially for children with SENDS. It is a pleasure and privilege to support the school to help our children achieve the school ethos and reach their full potential and aspirations.