Meet the Governors

Rev. Chrissie Smart

Chair of Governors

Specific responsibilities: Safeguarding, Looked After Learners, RE

My interests are: walking my dog, reading, cooking outside, photography, exploring cities in Andalusia, helping people and communities to Grow in God. I have been involved with education in some shape of form most of my life - as an Associate Lecturer with the Open University and in my secular work through a variety of contracts to deliver Government Standards of Quality in Education and the public sector per se.

I am committed to serving this parish both as a Governor and as the Reverend of our church and welcome the opportunity to work with all members of the local community in this role.

Contact with Chrissie can be made through the school office number: 01728 628306 or by email: chrissie.smart@

Ms. Imogen Wallis

Executive Headteacher

I consider it a great privilege to have been appointed Headteacher at Bedfield C of England Primary School. I have met parents who attended the school as children and still regard it with great fondness, showing the schools continuing importance to the local community. The primary years are so important, a time when we establish the foundation to a life- time of learning and memories that stay with us. This small school, with its history and family feel, is a place for the children to gain that strong start to their education. Like the parable of The Mustard Seed, which supports our school vision, small beginning can grow and develop into great things. This is our ambition for the children who attend our school, opportunities to grow educationally, emotionally and spiritually, gaining experiences to remember and cherish, prepared for life ahead of them.

I have worked with children and families throughout my professional life which includes working in a range of social services and primary schools in different parts of London. I have taught across primary year groups, as a phase leader and head of school in another church school since I moved to Suffolk twelve years ago. I am also the mother of twin boys and seen them evolve through great education to become the young men I am so proud of today. The combined partnership of our Governors, The Diocesan MAT and partner school, Wetheringsett and the parents and carers who continue to support us, provide enormous scope for us to continue to evolve this school to benefit all the children who attend.

Mr. Alister Gourlay

Foundation Governor

Specific responsibilities: Standards & Progress

My entire professional life has been in the world of education. I can’t recall a time when I didn’t want to be a teacher and once, I realised that vocation I knew I wanted to lead a school as Headteacher – something I attained at age 30 and it filled the next 30 years of my life (24 of them at St Mary’s CEVA Primary in Woodbridge).

Life took a sideways move after that when I was appointed as Deputy Director of Education for the Church of England in Suffolk – able to support the work in over 80 Church Primary, Middle and High schools across the county. What a stimulating nine years that proved to be! I was a founding Director of the Diocesan Multi Academy Trust – a role that continues to this day.

I finally retired five years ago but my wife (a retired CofE Priest), and I are kept busy with two grandchildren – one in Kesgrave and one in Las Vegas!

I recently spent 5 years as a Governor at Eyke PCE Primary School but was asked by the MAT to move to join the Governors at Bedfield. I hope to contribute effectively to their work – conscious that my experience is now aging – whereas Bedfield is a forward-looking and ambitious school.

Ms. Debra Pritchard

Co-opted Governor

Specific responsibility: SEN

My association with Bedfield School first began in the early 1990s when I first became a governor. This first stint lasted around twenty five years. My three daughters attended the school receiving an excellent start that has enabled them to have very successful careers.
Since retiring from 34 years of working in education, including thirteen years in leadership roles, I am now able to support the school once again as a governor. I am committed to helping Bedfield School provide the best educational experience possible to the children in our community.

Mrs Angie Harvey-Soanes

Parent Governor

Specific responsibilities: Wellbeing, Website Compliance & GDPR

I have been involved at Bedfield Primary School for eight years since my daughter started and have seven more years to look forward to with my three sons. I have always actively participated with FABS fundraising and events and have enjoyed assisting on many school trips and school activities. A big determining factor in us choosing to move to Bedfield when our daughter was a toddler was because of the successful school Bedfield Primary is and the family feel it brings.

Following sixth form I attended college to study ILEX Level 3 Law as well as working for Ipswich Borough Council within their Building Control and Legal Departments. Subsequently I worked for a Teachers Union helping teachers with a wide range of contractual, practical and sensitive issues.

I have a real passion to support the school and its dedicated staff, to be a link for communication between governors and parents, to see the school succeed and develop happy, well nurtured children.

Mrs Vicki Langford

Staff Governor