Being a governor at Vale School is a true privilege and over the last 20 years in that role I have witnessed hundreds of pupils join and move through the school onto secondary education, including my own four children, who to today still have a deep passion for the school. 

I came to governorship with an initial interest in my own child/rens education, but quickly grew to realise that as governors, alongside the school staff, we are charged with ensuring that every child gets the best opportunity to learn and thrive. One size does not fit all and the need to ensure inclusivity for all is essential.

My main career background is outside of education, I completed 30 years policing service with Sussex Police, working primarily across West Sussex, but also the county as a whole. In that time my work enabled me to engage with many statutory authorities at all levels, as well as governmental departments. Across West Sussex I was heavily involved in establishing community ties with our growing diverse communities and helping them to have a voice in policing.

Since my retirement I have retrained as a qualified level 3 teaching assistant and also trained as a National Leader of Governance and a West Sussex Local Lead Governor, supporting schools and senior leaders where needed. I have further experience working on various school board formats at academy and interim executive board level. This experience, working in many schools across West Sussex, has enabled me to fully understand the challenges faced in education and helps me to ensure that Vale School stays on the front foot as a leading large primary school in the county.

Alongside this, I am an elected local councillor and continue to work across the two-tiers of local government in West Sussex promoting community cohesion, wellbeing and provision of quality education. More recently I work full-time as a class cover supervisor in a local secondary (high) school in Worthing. 

It's true to say that after 20 years with Vale School, it is very much in my DNA and I welcome the opportunities for the continued journey as we grow as a school, ensuring that every child who comes to Vale School, gets the best start in life we can offer them.

Mrs Emily Lipscombe

I am delighted to be part of the Governing Body as the Local Authority Governor. I have served the Vale for four years and counting, and feel privileged that my children also attend this fantastic school. My background is in education, and I have been a primary school teacher for fourteen years, working across the KS1 and KS2 phases. 

I hold the position of SENCO and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead at another local school, and I am incredibly passionate about inclusion, equity and ensuring every child can thrive. My interests lie in SEND, inclusion and safeguarding, and supporting all children to access the education they are entitled to. My experience in special educational needs has strengthened my belief that all children deserve to feel safe, valued and well-supported. 

As a governor, I aim to bring a balanced perspective and to contribute positively to the strategic direction of the school, keeping children at the centre of all decisions.

I am a Parent Governor at the Vale School and a proud parent of twins who began their school journey here during Covid. Despite a challenging start, my husband and I have been consistently impressed by the care, support and education the school provides. I am pleased to be able to give something back to a community that has given so much to our children. 

Professionally, I am the Managing Partner of a local Law firm. Our firm specialises in family law, particularly child protection and so I bring valuable experience in safeguarding, alongside strong skills in finance, budgeting and business management.

Through my work, I see first hand the vital role schools can play in providing stability and security for children. I am passionate about supporting the Vale School to ensure all pupils feel safe, valued and able to reach their full potential.

Neil served as a commissioned officer in the Royal Marine Commandos where he conducted and managed operations in complex and demanding environments. Since leaving he has created multiple businesses and enabled, overseen and delivered multi-million pound capacity building and capability development programmes in a number of countries, including the Gulf, Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe for the UK Government. Neil has been responsible for delivering training and workforce development programmes, including advising national governments on building workforces, whilst managing teams based in different countries around the world.

 He is highly skilled and experienced in Operational Management and Leadership, including portfolio, programme and project management, holding a number of qualifications including change management, risk management, quality management, portfolio, programme and project management and agile project management. He also holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA).

 He is also currently the Chairperson of the charity that supports the school, Friends of Vale.