The Governing Board is responsible for the strategic management of the school. It ensures accountability to the local community, and acts as a ‘critical friend’, supporting the headteacher and Senior Leadership Team in achieving our school vision.
The Full Governing Board normally meets four times a year.
- Mr Michael Martell – Headteacher
- I’m Michael and I have been Headteacher at Ysgol Bro Carmel since September 2024. Prior to that, I was a headteacher on the Wirral for two years, leading my school through successful Ofsted and SIAMS inspections. My educational philosophy has always been to develop the whole child. We want the pupils at Ysgol Bro Carmel to leave our school as responsible, kind, hardworking young citizens, and equip them will the skills and rich experiences to allow them to achieve their full potential, whatever that may be
- Mr Shaun Thomas – Local Authority Governor & Chair of Governors
- I am the Chair of Governors and I have been a Local Authority Governor for the past 14 years. Through working in the Engineering Sector, I am passionate about developing our young people especially around STEM subjects.
- Mrs Katie Hardcastle – Community Governor
- When I moved to the village in 2018, I approached the school and expressed interest in joining as a Community Governor. I was keen to become more involved in and serve my local community, and I believe that children are the absolute heart of that. I thoroughly enjoy being a governor and supporting the strategic leadership of our school. Many of my favourite moments have been engaging with our fantastic School Council and being able to embed pupil voice in our decision making. I have a background in public health and in my day-to-day life I lead the research and evidence functions for a national mental health charity. So I am particularly interested in children’s wellbeing, and am able to bring my analytical skills to the governing body.
- Mr Steve Doleman – Parent Governor
- I am a parent governor at Ysgol Bro Carmel, I’m 46-years-old who is married with three children, I work for North Wales Fire & Rescue Service, and have a passion for sports
- Miss Carla Redshaw – Staff Governor
- My name is Miss Redshaw, and I’ve been involved in Ysgol Bro Carmel for the last 21 years, and a governor for the last 3 years. Alongside my role as an HLTA, I am also the school business manager and the manager of Discover and Do. Outside of school, I enjoy the outdoors, looking after our horses, walking our dogs and being by the sea
- Mr Jonathan Peart – Staff Governor
- My name is Mr. Peart, and I’ve been a class teacher at Ysgol Bro Carmel for five years, as well as a governor for two. I genuinely enjoy my work at the school because it allows me to help children learn and grow while I also get to work with a great team of people. Outside of school, I love traveling, walking, rock climbing, and playing the cello.
- Mr Peter Jackson – Community Governor
- I am a Community Governor having joined the school Governing Body in 2023. I am a retired police officer and currently work for North Wales Police in a support role. I live locally in Holywell and have had links to Ysgol Bro Carmel for many years. I am a keen woodturner and spend a lot of time raising funds for a local children’s charity
- Mrs Emma Eden
- My name is Emma Eden and I am the Vice Chair of Governors. In my previous career as a primary school teacher, I was a representative on the governing body, in both the schools I worked at. At the end of my 17 years in education, I had also progressed to a senior leadership position so bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, as well as a passion for always wanting to improve our children’s experience and opportunities to enhance their learning. Now, I own a very successful baby group business which arose after the birth of my twin boys in 2022. They are now almost of an age to start their school journey which we hope to continue at the school and follow in the footsteps of my son, who is in Year 6, and my daughter who is now in Year 9
- Mr Luxman Parimelalagan – Local Authority Governor
- My name is Luxman Parimelalagan. I have been a doctor working in Mental health for the last 20 years, the last five of which have been working in North Wales. I moved to North Wales 2 years ago so that my 5-year daughter could have a better quality of life growing up. I am an avid Chelsea FC fan, a collector of vinyl records and comics
- Mr Conor Merrick – Local Authority Governor
- I have recently joined Ysgol Bro Carmel as a Governor in December 2024. I have two children, one who attended YBC a few years ago and is now at High School, and the other is currently a pupil at the school. Therefore, l am very happy and pleased to become a governor. I am very committed to supporting the school, staff and children. I work within the Further Education sector in a managerial role which also includes working with secondary schools and universities. I’m passionate about education and believe every child deserves the best learning experience. As a school governor, I’m committed to supporting the school in creating an environment that encourages academic excellence, personal growth, and inclusivity. But my real passion lies in ensuring each pupil is treated as a unique individual to help them reach their full potential.
- Mr Gareth Sharp – Community Council Governor
- I have lived in the Carmel community for over 25 years and am a married father of two daughters, aged 22 and 19. My eldest daughter has recently qualified as a teacher, and my wife’s family have all dedicated their careers to education as teachers and headteachers. This has given me a strong appreciation of the value of education and a personal insight into both the opportunities and challenges currently faced within the sector. I am deeply committed to the Carmel community and have been an active member of the Carmel Village Hall Committee for almost 13 years, serving as Vice Chairman and, more recently, as Chairman. In this role, I have gained valuable experience in leadership, collaboration, and community development, always working to ensure that the hall remains at the heart of village life. I previously served as a parent governor at Ysgol Gwenffrwd while my children attended the school. During this time, I undertook learning walks and was an active member of the curriculum committee, gaining first-hand experience of school governance and the importance of strategic oversight in supporting teaching and learning. Professionally, I am a Production Manager within the computer circuit industry. My role requires strong organisational, problem-solving, and people-management skills, all of which I bring to my work as a school governor. I understand the importance of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement—qualities that are equally relevant to education. Beyond my professional and governance commitments, I volunteer as coach of the Airbus Under-17 Girls’ football team and take great pride in encouraging young people to develop their skills and confidence. I also enjoy supporting my daughter as she represents her team in cricket across Wales. I am passionate about supporting the school and using my community ties, professional expertise, and experience in governance to help the school continue to prosper. I recognise the significant constraints currently facing the education system but firmly believe that, by working together, governors can play a vital role in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
- Caroline Firth – Local Authority Governor
- My name is Caroline Firth, Local Authority Governor. I’m a mum of 3 girls and a resident of Carmel Village. Two of my daughters go to Ysgol Bro Carmel which is why I am very happy and pleased to become a governor. I am committed to supporting the school, staff and children so that everyone can have a positive experience. I currently work in a GP surgery as part of the Medicines Management Team as a Pharmacy Technician and in my spare time I enjoy walking, being outdoors and spending time with my girls.
- Mrs Natalia Walker – Parent Governor
- I am a Natalia Walker and I am a parent governor. I am 39 years old and am working as an artist and polish interpreter for the NHS and Councils and I have one daughter that attends Ysgol Bro Carmel. I have a background in art, education and performance arts and I hope I will be able to use my experience in organising fundraising events to support our school.
- Mr Jonathan Catt – Parent Governor
- Hello all, my name is Jonathan, and I’m delighted to have been elected as a parent governor in November 2025. My daughter joined the nursery class of the school in September 2025, and I’m proud to say I’m also a former pupil of Ysgol Bro Carmel (1989–1994). Having lived in the village for most of my life, I feel deeply connected to our school and community.
- I’m honoured to take on this role and will give it my full commitment. I’m passionate about supporting the educational journey of every child at Ysgol Bro Carmel. I believe in strong communication, transparency, and collaboration, and I’m keen to see our school thrive
- Mr Carl Pearce
- I’m a freelance illustrator and have worked mainly in publishing for children and education since 2003.
- My two children, James and Katie, have attended Ysgol Bro Carmel since we moved to the village in 2020.
- My wife is a primary teacher which gives me a unique perspective of both sides of the parent / teacher relationship in a school.
- It also means that I’m the one doing the school runs allowing me to meet and chat with many other Bro Carmel parents, who I hope will see me as an approachable presence on the Ysgol Bro Carmel governing body.
Please find below our annual report to parents for the academic year 2024/25.
There are current vacancies for Local Authority and Community Governors on our board – please reach out to the school office if you feel you would like to become involved!
