Colonel Mark Ballard is a British Army medical doctor and currently serves as Medical Director for NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. A career soldier, he has held senior medical leadership positions including Military Clinical Director at the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine and Defence Consultant Advisor in Radiology to the Surgeon General. These roles have given him extensive experience in operational medicine, clinical governance, and the care of service personnel and their families, as well as a deep understanding of the unique challenges of military life.

Having spent his childhood overseas, Mark was educated as a boarder at independent schools in the UK and later spent a year as a ‘gap’ student at a preparatory school. These experiences have given him a strong empathy for the opportunities and challenges faced by pupils living away from home.

At Bromsgrove School, Mark serves as the Boarding Link Governor and is a member of the Health and Wellbeing Committee. As a parent of two day pupils, he values being part of the Bromsgrove community and takes great pride in supporting the School’s commitment to the happiness, health, and wellbeing of its pupils.

John Campion is the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia. As Commissioner he has the responsibility for the totality of policing in Shropshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Telford & Wrekin. He sets the policing priorities, appoints and holds the Chief Constable to account for operational policing, and oversees the deployment of the £270m police fund. Johns focus has been ensuring victims services improve, crime reduces, police resources are spent more efficiently and that communities feel safe.

John has previously served as a Wyre Forest District and Worcestershire County Council Councillor where he served in several senior governance roles, including Leader of Wyre Forest District Council. John has nearly two decades experience in elected governance and oversight roles.

John is an old Bromsgrovian (1989-94) when he was a member of Elmshurst House.

Anne Cleary was, until her recent retirement, the Deputy Head in charge of Prep and Early Years for 28 years at Priory School in Edgbaston. She has almost forty years teaching experience and was a governor at Winterfold for twenty years.

Dr Debbie Cunningham is a lecturer in Biological Sciences at the University of Birmingham. She began her scientific career in the pharmaceutical industry before moving to the University of Birmingham almost twenty years ago. Her field of research has a focus on understanding abnormal events which occur within human cells and can cause cancer. Debbie is Deputy Director of Education for the College of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University, with responsibilities for the development and delivery of the College’s education strategy, with a particular focus on quality assurance and enhancement of the students’ educational experience. She is also a Senior Tutor, providing guidance and leadership to Personal Tutors and acting as the academic lead for liaison with student wellbeing services. Dr Cunningham is a current parent at Bromsgrove School.

Dr Annette Daly is the Chief Executive Officer of YMCA Worcestershire. Annette began her career as a primary school teacher in Belfast before being drawn back to further study. After achieving a PhD she spent the next fifteen years in the higher education sector as senior lecturer and as a programme director. Annette then took up a new challenge with the role of Diocesan Director of Education (DDE) in the Diocese of Monmouth with responsibility for supporting and developing fifteen church schools. Her collaborative work with head teachers, local authorities, Estyn (Welsh equivalent of Ofsted), the Education Workforce Council and other DDEs helped to improve and enhance the Christian ethos, leadership and performance in these schools.

Annette’s passion for working with, and supporting, young people is a common thread through her career to date and, as the Bishop of Worcester’s nominated governor, continues in her wish to support Bromsgrove School in its ongoing growth and development.

Dr Clare Lidbury has many years’ experience in Higher Education, including roles as a member of senior management teams, head of department, admissions tutor and personal tutor. She has led curriculum development in dance, drama and music, overseen research across the performing arts and continues to work as a dance academic and practitioner. Dr Lidbury is the parent of two Old Bromsgrovians.
Dr Clare Lidbury has many years’ experience in Higher Education, including roles as a member of senior management teams, head of department, admissions tutor and personal tutor. She has led curriculum development in dance, drama and music, overseen research across the performing arts and continues to work as a dance academic and practitioner. Dr Lidbury is the parent of two Old Bromsgrovians.

Jenny Loynton (LLB Hons) is the founder of Loynton and Co, one of the biggest Chinese law firms in the West Midlands. Jenny has over twenty-five years commercial law experience, specialising in cases of business acquisition and restructuring, property investment, commercial disputes and foreign investment and financing. She represents British enterprises. Jenny is a member of the Law Society and was previously a member of Birmingham City University’s Board of Directors and an adviser to the Wing Yip Brothers Group, the largest UK based Chinese owned company. Mrs Loynton is one of the youngest Deputy Lords Lieutenant for the West Midlands and sits on the Board of the famous Ikon Gallery.
Jenny Loynton (LLB Hons.) is the founder of Loynton and Co, one of the biggest Chinese law firms in the West Midlands, Jenny has over 25 years commercial law experience, specialising in cases of business acquisition and restructuring, property investment, commercial disputes and foreign investment and financing. She represents British enterprises.

Jenny is a member of the Law Society and was previously a member of Birmingham City University’s Board of Directors and an adviser to the Wing Yip Brothers Group, the largest UK based Chinese owned company.

Jenny is one of the youngest Deputy Lords Lieutenant for the West Midlands and sits on the Board of the famous Ikon Gallery.

Michael Luckman recently retired from the UK Board of an international law firm based in Birmingham, the City and eight other locations worldwide. He now works as the firm’s chief relationship manager with the Government and led the firm’s team to deliver the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022. He also sits on the firm’s Paris Board. All three of Michael’s children attended Bromsgrove through each section of the School. He says of his appointment to the Board, “I was delighted to become a Governor of Bromsgrove School. I wanted to repay Bromsgrove for all it gives our children and hope my experiences can support its valuable work”.
Michael Luckman recently retired from the UK Board of an international law firm based in Birmingham, the City and eight other locations worldwide. He now works as the firm’s chief relationship manager with the Government and is currently leading the firm’s team working on delivering the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022. He also sits on the firm’s Paris Board. All three of Michael’s children attended Bromsgrove all through the system. He says of his appointment, “I was delighted to become a Governor of Bromsgrove School. I wanted to repay Bromsgrove for all it gives our children and hope my experiences can support its valuable work”.

Bill Roden is the Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of Albert E Sharp, a leading investment management and stockbroking firm in the Midlands. He has over 20 years of investment management experience and worked for a number of years in the City for AXA, one of the world’s largest investment managers. In 2002 he was nominated for Investment Manager of the Year by Investment Week for the performance of a flagship Emerging Market fund. Bill is a Chartered Financial Analyst, the highest industry qualification, and an Associate of the Institute of Investment Management and Research. Bill’s primary role is to provide commercial advice and to overseas the investment management of the School’s portfolio. Bill is an Old Bromsgrovian, Lyttelton 1978 - 89.

Ian is a Principal and past Midlands Regional Managing Director of a leading international firm of commercial real estate consultants. He is a Fellow of The Royal Institution of Charted Surveyors with over 40 years experience in property and the built environment. Ian’s primary role is to oversee the consistent annual investment in the School’s buildings, grounds and facilities with the aim of continually improving quality and standards, and helping to drive sustainability and carbon reduction initiatives. Both of Ian’s children are ex pupils at Winterfold (2003-2010) and his daughter at Bromsgrove (2008- 2013).
Ian is a Principal and past Midlands Regional Managing Director of a leading international firm of commercial real estate consultants. He is a Fellow of The Royal Institution of Charted Surveyors with over 40 years experience in property and the built environment.

Ian’s primary role is to oversee the consistent annual investment in the School’s buildings, grounds and facilities with the aim of continually improving quality and standards, and helping to drive sustainability and carbon reduction initiatives.

Both of Ian’s children are ex pupils at Winterfold (2003-2010) and his daughter at Bromsgrove (2008- 2013).

Chris Thompson is an experienced M&A and insurance professional whose previous roles include corporate finance advisory as well as corporate development and strategy roles at an international insurance company. Chris founded a specialist transaction liability insurance business that is now one of the largest players in Europe. Chris is a director of several regulated insurance companies across Europe and holds professional qualifications in accounting, banking and insurance.

Chris has three children at Bromsgrove School and has previously been a governor of two local authority schools.

Alastair is a former pupil of Bromsgrove School. He read French and Hispanic Studies at the University of Liverpool before embarking upon a law conversion course to qualify as a solicitor. He spent the early years of his career in private practice specialising in employment law before moving to the Solicitors Regulation Authority where he is a senior manager in the Legal and Enforcement Department. He is fluent in French and Spanish and in 2021 was awarded the DELE C2 by the Instituto Cervantes, on behalf of the Spanish government. He is delighted to have been appointed a governor of Bromsgrove and is very much looking forward to working with his fellow colleagues on the governing body.

Meet the Governors

Dr Mark Ballard

Mr John Campion

Mrs Anne Cleary

Dr Deborah Cunningham

The Revd Dr Annette Daly

Dr Clare Lidbury

Mrs Jenny Loynton, DL

Mr Michael Luckman

Mr Bill Roden

Mr Ian Stringer

Mr Christopher Thompson

Mr Alastair Willcox

The President and Vice Presidents

The President and Vice-Presidents of the School act in an advisory capacity to the Governing Body and the School. They offer a wealth of experience of both the School and the educational system. The President in particular works closely with the Governors and the School Executive, attending meetings of the Board of Governors.

The role is largely honorary and ceremonial although the President will be responsible for assessing and reviewing the operation and performance of the Governance Committee and shall be notified of and entitled on reasonable notice to attend any Governance Committee meeting. The Governors may ask the President for advice and allocate such duties as presiding over Commemoration, particularly the Prizegiving and Speeches. The President will be invited to attend all Full Governors’ Meetings and other special occasions. The president may be asked to help resolve any disputes and to monitor the performance of the Governors.

Mr Stewart Towe
President

Dr Vivan Anthony
Vice President

Mr Norman Birch
Vice President

Mr Matthew Horton
Vice President

Mr Rupert Lane
Vice President

Mr John Hall
Vice President

The Governance Structure

The School was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee on 1 September 2003 under charity number 1098740. The Governors, as the Trustees of the Charity, are responsible for the overall management and control of the School and meet at least three times a year.

The School is a Charitable Trust governed by a Board of Trustees (Governors). The Governors of Bromsgrove School give their time voluntarily, receiving no payment for their time and expertise. The Governing Body is made up of specialists in education, law, finance, property and health and safety.

The work in reviewing strategy and confirming that policies and regulations are being adhered to is carried out by the various sub committees of Governors:

Safeguarding and Wellbeing Committee
Audit Committee
Buildings Committee
Education Committee
Strategy and Risk Committee
Environmental, Social and Governance Committee
Finance and Property Committee
Investment Committee
Commercial Projects Committee

There is a full board meeting once a term, plus an annual strategic planning day with the Exec team. Each sub-committee meets at least once a term. The membership of the committees is supplemented by senior staff at the School. The Governing Body is responsible for determining the overall aims and strategy of the School. It reviews policies, strategies and procedures to ensure the best possible education and outcomes for current and future pupils.

Bromsgrove’s Board of Governors continue to be balanced between supervision and compliance, between strategic evolution and operational excellence, between supporting the Headmaster, the Executive and other Senior Managers and challenging future plans and short-term execution.

Governors are assigned specific responsibility for key areas of School life including:

Bromsgrove's Board of Directors continue to be balanced between supervision and compliance between strategic evolution and operational excellence, between supporting the Headmaster, the Executive and other Senior Managers and challenging future plans and short-term execution.

Governors are asigned specific responsibility for key areas of School life including:

Boarding: Col Mark Ballard
Safeguarding, including online safety: Mrs Anne Cleary
EYFS: Mrs Anne Cleary
Education: Dr Clare Lidbury
ECT (Early Career Teaching): Dr Deborah Cunningham

The Clerk to the Governors ensures that meetings are accurately minuted, papers are circulated in a timely fashion and advises on Governance issues. All Governors declare any conflicts of interest, and these are recorded. In addition, on occasions Governors seek professional advice from the School’s lawyers, accountants and surveyors. Moving forwards, Governors have requested that there be more presentations from staff and pupils to committees to increase their knowledge of the impact of governance. The School has invested in BoardEffect, to share papers more easily, to streamline training for Governors and to make it easier to update policies.

Committees

Board of Governors

Chair: Michael Luckman
Clare Lidbury (Vice Chair)
Anne Cleary
Deborah Cunningham
Jenny Loynton
Mark Ballard
Bill Roden
Ian Stringer
John Campion
Annette Daly
Chris Thompson
Alistair Willcox

Finance and Property Committee

Chair: Dr Clare Lidbury
Anne Cleary
Deborah Cunningham
Michael Luckman
Headmaster
Deputy Head (Teaching)
Deputy Head (Academic) Senior School
Headmaster (Prep and Pre-Prep)
Headmistress (Winterfold)

This Committee takes a medium-term view of the School’s finances and resources to ensure that they support the educational needs of pupils, current and future.

Education Committee

Bill Roden
Michael Luckman
John Campion
Chris Thompson
Matthew Taylor (coopted member)
Headmaster
Bursar

Senior staff report to this committee which also hears reports from pupils. The Committee reviews the quality of education provided to pupils and is concerned to ensure that this is the best possible.

Safeguarding and Wellbeing Committee

Chair: Anne Cleary (Designated Safeguarding Governor)
Clare Lidbury
Michael Luckman
Mark Ballard (Boarding Governor)
Headmistress (Winterfold)
Headmaster (Prep and Pre-Prep)
Deputy Head (Pastoral) Senior School
Designated Safeguarding Leads
Director of Health and Wellbeing

The Committee has responsibility for ensuring that all safeguarding regulations and standards are met. Governors on this Committee will also regularly check the Safer Recruitment procedures with the HR Manager and the Single Central Register. The Chair of the Safeguarding Committee reports to the Board on safeguarding matters at each Board meeting. At recent meetings, the committee has heard reports from staff responsible for leading on PSHE and RSE. The Board has a nominated Boarding Governor, (currently Mark Ballard), who regularly visits the Boarding Houses and meets with boarders and Houseparents.

Strategy and Risk Committee

Michael Luckman Clare Lidbury Headmaster Bursar Assistant Head

Its remit is to make proposals for the oversight and review of the School’s strategy together with identification and management of risk.

Environmental, Social and Governance Committee

Chair: Bill Roden
Deborah Waltier
Matthew Taylor (coopted member)
Bursar

Its role is to review the Environmental, Social and Governance performance of the School.

Investments Committee

Chair: Michael Luckman (G)
Mark Ballard (G)
Annette Daly (Lead on S)
Ian Stringer (Lead on E)
Stewart Towe (G)

Ensures that the School stewards its resources wisely so that they can be used to fulfil the objectives of the charity.

Building Committee

Chair: Ian Stringer
Jenny Loynton
Alistair Willcox
David Bridge (co-opted member)
Headmaster
Bursar

Members regularly visit School buildings to ensure that they support the needs of pupils and their education

Audit Committee

Bill Roden
Headmaster
Bursar

Commercial Projects Committee

Chair: Chris Thompson
Jenny Loynton
Michael Luckman
Headmaster
Bursar
Assistant Head

This committee explores other revenue streams for the School.

Date
Sunday, October 4 2026	Mary Windsor House Re-Engage Charity Afternoon Tea, Staff Dining Area, 2.00pm-5.00pm
Sunday, October 4 2026	Page House Boarders' Trip to Merry Hill, 10.30am-4.00pm
Sunday, October 4 2026	England Volleyball Grand Prix, 8.45am-6.00pm, Arena
Sunday, October 4 2026	Chapel Readings: Lyttelton
Monday, October 5 2026	Sustainability Week