Caroline Sommerville

Chair of Governors

Hi, my name is Caroline Sommerville, and I joined the board of Governors in 2019.

I live locally in Carnkie and my son is in Year 3 at Pencoys.

In my working life, I am the Operations Director of a homecare company based in Truro and I have worked in the health and social care sector for over 20 years.
I like meeting new people and helping them get the most out of life. I work hard to ensure that I always provide the best service possible.

I am actively involved in our local community; I am the Chair of Carnkie Village Hall and my husband and I run a social club in Portreath for adults with learning disabilities. I am also the trustee of a charity that supports learning and development for health and social care within Cornwall.

Spending quality time with my family is important and we love to travel so I’m always looking at where we can go next, the list just keeps getting longer!

I am committed to doing my best for Pencoys and am looking forward to the challenges that the new school year brings.

I can be contacted via the school: Pencoys Primary School, Loscombe Rd, Four Lanes, TR16 6RB

Craig Walker

Vice Chair of Governors

I stated work in the voluntary youth work sector, where I found my calling and eventually secured a position with Cornwall Youth Service. Here, I worked tirelessly to empower young people, encouraging life skills and positive life choices in challenging environments and with hard-to-reach groups.

During my time with Cornwall Youth Service, I was funded in further education and completed a degree in youth and community work, eventually rising to the role of youth work manager. I oversaw various projects, including the successful “Red Youth Radio,” which aimed to mentor young individuals in radio broadcasting.

Following the government’s funding cuts to the youth service, I seized the opportunity to purchase a small chain of day nurseries, which my wife and I have successfully operated for the past 9 years. It brings me immense joy to see the young people I once worked with now starting families of their own and reminiscing about our shared experiences.

Frances Thurston

Parent Governor

Hi I’m Fran and I have been a parent at the school since September 2014 and a Governor since 2019. I have 2 children, my daughter, who has just moved up to secondary school from Pencoys and my son who is still here.

I enjoy being a part of the community and helping others. I run a weekly toddler group at St Andrews Church in Redruth, where I am also part of both the church council and the team who produces the Churches Festival of Arts each year.

In my spare time I am usually found curled up with a good book or movie, out with my family and friends exploring somewhere, or singing, dancing and laughing with one of the singing groups I am part of.

I am a positive person who likes to make things better for families living in our local area. I am looking forward to another year of governing at Pencoys.

Jess Thomas

Staff Governor

Hello, my name is Jess Thomas, and joined the governing body in September 2021 as the teacher governor.

I started working at Pencoys as a trainee teacher, in Year 4 with Mrs Johns, in 2010. I was only meant to be at the school on a placement for 10 weeks but over 11 years later, I am still here! I knew from day 1 that Pencoys was a very special school and I am very proud to work here alongside such dedicated staff.

I feel incredibly fortunate to live in Cornwall and, in my spare time, I can often be found exploring the outdoors with my young family. We love heading to the beach, woods or parks.

I am committed to supporting the children, families and staff of Pencoys as we continue to navigate through these uncertain times.