Who Are We?
Meet Our Governors
Our Governing Body plays a vital role in supporting and challenging the school to ensure every pupil receives the best possible education. Governors work closely with school leaders to help set the strategic direction of the school, oversee performance, and ensure that resources are used effectively.
The governors bring a wide range of skills, experience and perspectives from education, business, public service and the local community. Together, they are committed to upholding our values, promoting high standards, and helping every child to thrive.
On this page, you can learn more about each governor, their background, areas of responsibility, and the valuable contribution they make to our school community.
Tracey Turri – Chair of Governors
Hello, I'm Tracey.
I joined the Governing Board at Holy Family Catholic Primary School in 2017. When my two daughters left home to attend university, I wanted an opportunity to give something back to our local community by supporting my local primary school. In 2023, I was honoured to become Chair of Governors. I also serve on the Finance and Premises Committee and act as the Link Governor for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
I recently retired from St Bede's Catholic Secondary School, where I taught Mathematics, was Head of Year 7, and led Seacole House. Before and alongside my teaching career, I also gained valuable experience working in both further education and finance. It was always a pleasure to welcome former Holy Family pupils to St Bede's and see them arrive ready to learn, grow and succeed.
As Chair of Governors, I work closely with the Headteacher and leadership team to support staff, provide appropriate challenge, and help ensure the school continues to deliver the highest standards of education and care for all pupils.
Whenever I visit Holy Family, I am struck by the warm welcome from both pupils and staff. The school's strong sense of family is evident in everyday life and reflects its core values. The dedication of the staff shines through in everything they do, including the many hours they give beyond the school day. A wonderful example of this is the annual Summer Fun Day, which is made possible by the commitment of staff and the support of families, past and present.
Liz Townend - LA Governor
Through school, I always wanted to be a teacher. At five years old I hadn’t realised that a class of teddies doesn’t quite prepare you for the onslaught and exhaustion that is part of teaching a whole class of real children or moving into leadership to influence adults!
I was a primary teacher for many years, before joining an advisory team supporting schools in different roles, teaching on national leadership qualifications and being an Ofsted Inspector.
I now work for the Bristol diocese of the Church of England in the Education team. I am able to support schools to develop a vision and core values that encourage the children and young people to flourish. In my role, it’s an immense privilege to visit and support many school communities, each one different but everyone working tremendously hard to meet the needs in their local context. I love to share in their joys and hardships and hopefully can support Holy Family in my governance role as well.
I’m a church warden, organist and service leader at my village church. Walking and gardening are my other passions and I love to see young people developing their spiritual hearts in through all walks of life.
Becky Thornton-Smith - Foundation Governor
Hi, I’m Becky.
I became a foundation governor at Holy Family Catholic Primary School in 2018 and I have just begun my third term of office. I am pupil premium and RE link governor. I have lived locally for over 25 years and I and I volunteer as a catechist at Holy Family parish church where I lead the children’s liturgy group and the first Holy Communion group. These voluntary roles led me the role of foundation governor. I became a governor because I am passionate about ensuring every child receives the best possible education and life experiences. I contribute to this through chairing the strategic committee; the governors’ priority is to give consistent support the school leadership team. I have a specific interest in Religious Education and I have a diploma from Clifton Diocese in Pastoral Ministry. I attend meetings, visit the school and attend school Masses regularly. I am very committed and enthusiastic about this role. Being a school governor can be demanding but it is also very rewarding and gives me the opportunity to give back to my local community.
I work as the head receptionist at a private dental practice and I have three cats.
Samantha Loud - Foundation Governor
I became a Foundation Governor at Holy Family Catholic Primary School in 2025. Having had all three of my children attend Holy Family before moving on to St Bede’s Catholic College for their secondary education, I have been fortunate to spend many years as part of both school communities. My eldest daughter has graduated from the University of Salford, my middle daughter is studying at the University of Reading, and my youngest son is currently in Year 12 at St Bede’s preparing for his A-levels. When he leaves school, I will have spent a combined 20 years supporting my children through their Catholic education at what I believe are two of the best Catholic schools in Bristol. I feel very privileged to have been part of these communities and was delighted to accept the opportunity to become a Foundation Governor and give something back. I also chair the Finance and Premises Committee, and I am the Link Governor for Health and Safety.
Alongside my governor role, I work full-time for the NHS as the Senior Lead for Surgery Research at Southmead Hospital. I trained as a Children's Nurse and spent 12 years at Bristol Children's Hospital before moving into research. In my current role, I manage a team of 8 staff and oversee a budget, giving me valuable experience in leadership, strategic planning, and financial management.
Whenever I visit Holy Family, I am reminded of how much I value being part of such a welcoming community. The children are always happy, enthusiastic, and impeccably behaved, and their laughter and enjoyment are evident throughout the school. The staff are warm, dedicated and incredibly supportive, and I am always made to feel welcome when I visit. It is especially lovely when members of staff remember my children and ask how they are getting on. The strong sense of family that runs through the school is one of the many reasons why Holy Family is such a special place.