Local Governing Body


Structure of the Local Governing Body

The local governing body of Brannel School are all volunteers who represent the community and help shape the direction and aims of the School. The local governing body meets at least once every term. Our local governing body is currently comprised as follows:

  • Three community governors
  • Three parent governors
  • Two staff governors
  • Headteacher of Brannel School

The term of office for any governor is four years, with the exception of the Headteacher who remains a governor for the duration of their employment in post. Parent governors may continue to hold office until the end of their term of office even if their child leaves the school.

Remit of the Local Governing Body

Brannel School is part of the Cornwall Education Learning Trust (CELT) which is a multi-academy trust. The CELT Scheme of Delegation clarifies the responsibilities and powers of governors and members of staff employed at the school in respect of key aspects of the management and compliance with the Articles of Association. 

Local Governing Body Members

Sarah Karkeek
Chair of Governors, Lead Governor for Pupil Premium  
Appointed 01.11.2017-Present
Term of Office: for the duration of employment in post
I have been a school governor for over thirty years and have been a National Leader of Governance for seven years. I have had the privilege of working with young people, their families and the staff who teach and support them at all key stages of the education journey from Early Years to the end of Key Stage 5. This oversight has helped me to understand the importance of good education and the vital role our schools play in preparing each young person for the next stage of their life journey.


Chris Liles
Headteacher of Brannel School, ex officio staff governor
Appointed 01.09.2019-Present
Term of Office: for the duration of employment in post


Martin Buck
Community Governor, Governor Lead for Safeguarding
Appointed 01.02.2018, Re-Appointed 01.02.2022
Term of Office: 4 years

Martin qualified as a teacher in 1970. After teaching art in Sheffield and Germany, he took a job with the English Schools Foundation in Hong Kong for 21 years. He now volunteers for a large national charity including organising outreach talks to local schools and groups and is responsible for IT.


Robert Lane
Community Governor
Appointed 20.10.2022
Term of Office: 4 years


Samantha Lilley
Community Governor
Appointed 20.10.2022
Term of Office: 4 years


Lisa Martin
Parent Governor
Appointed 15.12.2020
Term of Office: 4 years
I have been qualified as a nurse since 1996 and have always worked at RCHT until I left to join the Duchy Hospital in December 2019. I am fortunate enough to love nursing and have pretty much always worked as a surgical nurse and this continues in my current role. I have always lived in Cornwall and have been a Parent Governor at St Stephen Churchtown Academy while my children went to school there. It is important to me that children and staff are supported and happy in a school environment as I believe that the path of every child’s education matters and forms a base for their futures in whatever role that they choose.


Matthew Dean
Parent Governor
Appointed 22.04.2021
Term of Office: 4 years
I am a former student of Brannel School where I completed my GCSEs. I have progressed my learning by earning a BA (Hons) in Professional Practice (Education), putting this qualification to good use as a self-employed CAD Technician working mainly in the construction industry. At present two of my sons attend Brannel, my eldest having had success in his education now attends Truro College, I also have several nieces and nephews enrolled at Brannel. I have strong ties with, and a vested interest in, the educational experience of all current students of Brannel School.


Dennis Morrell
Staff Governor (Support Staff), Lead Governor for Staff Wellbeing
Appointed 3.11.2020
Term of Office: 4 years


Sarah Carbis
Staff Governor (Teaching Staff), Lead Governor for Health & Safety
Appointed 3.11.2020
Term of Office: 4 years
I have worked at Brannel school for 5 years as a Mathematics teacher and have a passion for ensuring that we provide a quality education for all our students. I completed my Masters in Chemistry at Edinburgh University with a year’s experience working as an industrial Chemist for Imerys. I then completed my teaching qualification at Exeter University. I taught at a local secondary school before working as the Education Coordinator for the Royal Society of Chemistry for the South West then moving to Brannel and switching subjects to Maths. I am passionate about all our students achieving their best and about raising aspirations.