Governor Profiles

Our role as Governors is to work collectively in the best interests of the children, ensuring good conduct of the school and high standards of educational achievement. A fundamental part of our success is building an open, honest and constructive working relationship with all of the staff and parents.

As a governing board we have a real mix of skills and expertise that we bring to the school; whatever our background we all hold the same motivation and commitment to make Lakeside a great place for education and a great place to work. Please take some time to read our introductions.

James Fry Ι Co-opted Governor

I joined the governing body in December 2018 as a Co-opted Governor and previously had a child attend the school before her secondary journey began. I am a member of the British Computer Society and have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. I work as a software consultant, and have experience with organisational change in a number of industries from public sector through commercial property management. I am very proud to be part of the Lakeside family and to be able to support the school along with the rest of the Governing body.

Isobel Rutt Ι Chair of Govenors

Having worked for over 30 years in education including teaching, as a SENCO, Deputy Head and now as SENDIASS adviser at Gloucestershire Local Authority I can safely say that I never tire of the amazing stories or incredible feats that children and young people can achieve. Education is about capturing that wonderment and excitement of youth and giving each child the best possible opportunity for them to reach their potential.

I have been so lucky to work with amazing families who strive for the best outcomes despite the challenges they face and I believe passionately in an inclusive learning environment. As a new member to the Lakeside family, I feel warmly welcomed from those I’ve met and I look forward to meeting with as many children and families as possible in the near future.

Martin Ball Ι LA Governor

I was appointed as the Local Authority Governor at Lakeside School during September 2022 and currently sit in the Finance & Resources Committee. Hopefully throughout my tenure I can contribute towards making Lakeside one of the best, if not the best Primary School in the County.

I have been married for 37 years and lived in Up Hatherley since the early 1960's. I was employed for over 42 years working at the Admin HQ of a large Building Society within the Financial Services sector and feel some of my knowledge and experience can be beneficially shared.

I have a passion for helping others and this all started with being a member of Up Hatherley Youth Club. This led to accepting positions on County, Regional & National Executive Committees, as well as helping to organise National Conferences representing the youth movement. I later moved on to helping people less fortunate through the younger branch of Lions Clubs International and served as their President for District 105W.

I have a passion for sport (mainly football). After finishing my playing days, I qualified as a referee and also a FA Licensed Football & Mini Soccer Tutor, with a view to trying to give something back to the sport. My other main hobbies include Gardening and DIY projects.

David Drakeley Ι Parent Governor

As a proud parent of two daughters at Lakeside, the school is a huge part of our everyday family lives. My wife has been actively involved in the Parent Teacher Association for many years, helping to raise funds and support initiatives that enrich the school environment. I'm passionate about contributing to the school community and supporting an inclusive, creative and nurturing setting where every child is encouraged to thrive and reach their full potential.

In my professional life, I am the founder of Bitter Lemon Creative, a Cheltenham-based creative agency specialising in brand, design and strategic communications. My team and I support organisations in clarifying their message, strengthening their identity and engaging their audiences effectively.

Before this I worked for Cheltenham Festivals, contributing to the delivery and promotion of internationally recognised festivals that celebrate literature, science, music and jazz. I was also a Board Member of the British Arts Festivals Association, helping to champion and support the UK's vibrant festivals sector.

Ben Edwards I Parent Governor

As a parent of a Lakeside pupil, I am delighted to help support the school in its continued growth and development as a parent governor. For over twenty years I have worked as a teacher in outstanding schools in Gloucestershire, with the last 15 years being in senior leadership roles. My areas of expertise are in developing the quality of the curriculum and improving teaching & learning. I am involved in teacher training and school development in Gloucestershire. Currently I am building High Quality Teaching Practices to support SEND students across my school and am working on the NASEN Recognised Teacher of SEND Award. Being in the classroom myself, I experience the world of the classroom and work with children every day so I know the world of education personally. I hope to continue to bring to the role my experience and knowledge bringing empathy, commitment and critical support in the position of parent governor.

John Spashett Ι Co-opted Governor

I have been a co-opted Governor at Lakeside since June 2024 and a teacher of Mathematics at Cheltenham Bournside since 2017. Before entering teaching I held a range of positions within the Medical Devices industry including Quality Manager, Technical Manager and running an analytical chemistry laboratory, which put my Chemistry degree to good use. I have a wide perspective on social issues, having been born in Middlesbrough, grown and worked in London and then moved to Cheltenham via Oxford. I am disability aware through my own diagnosis as having ADHD as well as the many children I have worked with who are learning to live, and thrive, whilst coping with a wide range of issues.

Mark Stevens I Co-opted Governor

I worked for forty years in commercial insurance, initially as a Property and Casualty Underwriter and then as UK Commercial Product Manager. My role changed considerably over the years, my work taking me all around the UK and numerous trips overseas, including the USA, South Africa, India and Europe. I managed diverse teams across the global business to deliver results, providing vision and clarity to ensure delivery within timescales and to budget as well as offering technical advice and guidance across complex risks. I subsequently set up my own consultancy company, providing commercial underwriting and product development in the London market. I am now retired.

I am married with two children and five grandchildren. My hobbies are mainly sporting. I have played many sports, most notably rugby and cricket, but also football and squash, and have completed numerous triathlons. I coached cricket and junior rugby for many years. My focus is now open-water swimming and cycling, mixed with a bit of golf.

Anna Lewis Ι Co-opted Governor

I am delighted to have joined the governing body as a Co-opted Governor in September 2025 and currently sit on the Curriculum and Standards Committee.

By way of introduction, I am a Director within a global engineering consulting firm, heading up the data, AI and technology capabilities within the UK&I. My passion lies in leveraging technology to create inclusive and resilient systems that benefit both people and the planet. I have previously served in the British Army as a Royal Signals Officer. Academically, I hold two MSc degrees in Cyber Operations and Information Systems. On a personal note, I have two children who are now in secondary school, and my husband is serving in the Royal Marines.

Cheltenham has been both my professional and personal home for many years, and I am proud to have the opportunity to contribute to the Lakeside community. I am committed to supporting the school’s vision of providing the best possible education, fostering an environment where curiosity, innovation, and collaboration can thrive, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to flourish.

I look forward to working with all of you and contributing to the success of our school.