Meet the Governors

Governing Body Membership – 2025/26 Academic Year

Chair: Alice McGowan                                    Vice Chair: Patrice Meredith

A Mcgowan

I’m Alice McGowan and I am very excited to be a Co-operative Governor here at Blackheath Primary School. I currently sit on the Quality of Education Committee and will focused on supporting the staff and pupils in achieving the best teaching and learning possible.   In my day job, I support young people across the West Midlands to achieve their full potential within Higher Education and in my spare time, I work with much younger children in my role as Brown Owl at a local Brownie Unit. I grew up on the Isle of Wight so I spend school holidays there visiting friends and family.  I enjoy playing netball and am often found exploring the local canals on weekends.

Marjorie Morris 

I am a Co-operative Governor at Blackheath Primary School. I currently work for the local authority in the early years team in Birmingham.  My previous work experience includes working for the local authority and then a private education company supporting schools with curriculum training, IT training and education technologies for over 25 years. I am a practising Christian and regularly attend St. James Church. I am active in the Church and a member of the Parochial Church Committee (PCC).  On Wednesday, I commit to serving the community by providing dinners for those less fortunate or those seeking interaction with others. My other interests include going to the gym to keep fit and healthy.

Patrice Meredith

I joined Blackheath as a Local Authority governor in December 2023.  I’m pleased to have the opportunity to be part of the vibrant community around the school.

My professional background is in primary schools ,as a senior leader in Smethwick schools .I retired a few years ago but retain a passion for local education. I have a particular interest in learning and teaching, inclusion, and children’s well-being.

I came to this part of the world from Liverpool to train as a teacher. I never planned to stay but did, my accent softened , and I have become an enthusiastic supporter of all that’s good about the area, especially its’ children , schools, and teachers.

I love the arts, any music ,theatre ,museums or galleries ! I sing with Brandhall Community Choir ( anything from Tina Turner to sea shanties).

Diane

I currently work in Democratic Services within the Local Authority, but my background in the majority was working for a large high street bank underwriting mortgages and in my final role as a member of the Property Management team, looking after all the large multi occupied buildings across the UK. I also have experience of working within a Primary Academy as PA to the Principal and I have worked in Further Education.

I was born in Sandwell and now live in the local area, with the exception of living in Scotland for a number of years.

I am a mom and a Nanna and love to spend time with my grandson going on visits to see the animals. I love the theatre (musicals and ballets mainly or a good murder mystery) and one of my favourite things is travelling, although I don’t much like travelling on aeroplanes.

I am looking forward to supporting Blackheath Primary and the children who attend and hope that my time as a Governor will also help me, in turn, to learn and expand my knowledge.

Naila Khodabukus

Governor Disclosure

Governing Board Membership and Terms of Reference

Governor Diversity Data