Governor Pen Portraits

Our governors bring a wide range of skills, experience and perspectives to Norwood Primary School. Working closely with school leaders, they help evaluate the school’s effectiveness, set its strategic direction and provide support and challenge to ensure every child receives the best possible education.

Meet our governing body below and discover more about the people who volunteer their time and expertise to support our school and the community it serves.

Helen Bodell (Parent Governor)

Helen is a Parent Governor at the school, where both of her daughters are pupils. Living locally with her husband and two children, she has a strong connection to the school and its wider community. Professionally, Helen is the EAL (English as an Additional Language) Educational Content Lead at Twinkl. She holds a degree in English for KS2/3 and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). She also hosts the podcast Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, exploring topics relating to language, education and supporting children. Helen is passionate about education and helping every child to feel confident, included and able to reach their full potential. She feels privileged to serve as a Parent Governor and is committed to working collaboratively with staff and fellow governors to support the school and ensure the best possible experience for all pupils.

Mark Garside (Ex-Officio Governor)

Mark joined Norwood Primary School as Headteacher in September 2026, having previously led a large primary school in north Liverpool. He holds a mathematics degree, so is usually happy when numbers are involved! He also brings extensive experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead and a strong commitment to keeping children safe. As Headteacher, he has overall responsibility for leading and managing the school, working closely with the governing body to evaluate its effectiveness and set its strategic direction. Mark is passionate about developing the whole child while ensuring every pupil achieves their academic potential, with Norwood playing a pivotal role in the community it serves.

Artis Lismanis (Co-opted Governor)

Artis has served as a co-opted governor at Norwood since 2021, where he sits on the Finance Committee and acts as Link Governor for ICT and GDPR, Health and Safety, and Premises. He previously served as a co-opted governor at Dunstable Icknield Lower School from 2019 to 2022, bringing over seven years of experience in school governance. Professionally, Artis is Head of Data Engineering, with almost 20 years’ experience in data and technology, leading high-performing teams and embracing the practical application of AI in his everyday work. He brings this wealth of technical and leadership experience, alongside a strong passion for lifelong learning, to support the school and its continued development.

Aileen McCarthy (Co-opted Governor)

Aileen joined Norwood Primary School as an Assistant Headteacher in September 2006. Previously she has worked in two different schools in Knowsley and Cambridgeshire. She has a Bachelor of Education Degree in English and History, so loves the power of words and learning from the past.  Aileen is proud to work in  a school that strives to enrich the child's Primary school experience through trips, experiences and clubs, as she believes this is what helps mould our children into well rounded resilient humans. Aileen's greatest passion is to work in a school where kindness, dedication and compassion shines through, with a huge sprinkling of humour too and she believes that Norwood achieves this daily. 

David Newman (Parent Governor)

David has a strong personal connection with Norwood, having had five of his children attend the school, with two currently on roll. Following early retirement from a corporate career, he chose to focus on becoming a foster parent to four boys. Alongside his family commitments, David serves as a Lay Justice in the Liverpool Family Court and undertakes the role of Registrar in Lancashire. He is also a Parent Governor at Meols Cop High School, which his other two sons attend. David has a particular interest in Safeguarding and Pupil Premium, bringing valuable personal and professional experience to his role in supporting the school and its pupils.

Luke Rimmer (Co-opted Governor)

Luke is a Headteacher at a primary school and nursery within a multi-academy trust. Before joining his current school, he was Deputy Headteacher at an inner-city primary school in a neighbouring local authority. He holds the National Professional Qualifications for Headship and Senior Leadership, and has experience supporting trainee teachers and early career teachers, alongside working as a senior marker and expert reviewer for the DfE.

Luke’s leadership is rooted in the belief that every child deserves ambitious teaching, a rich curriculum and the support they need to succeed. He has a particular interest in removing barriers to learning, strengthening foundational knowledge and ensuring that teaching is adapted effectively for pupils with additional needs — underpinned by how technology can be used effectively to aid this. His experience in schools serving diverse communities has reinforced the importance of knowing children and families well, building strong relationships and maintaining high expectations for all.

In his current role, Luke’s focus is on creating a safe, calm and inclusive school where consistent routines, excellent teaching and a strong sense of belonging help children thrive. He values clear communication, practical systems and purposeful professional development that gives staff the confidence and expertise to do their best work. Above all, he wants every child to leave school feeling valued, proud of their achievements and well prepared for the next stage of their education.