Danesfield School is part of the Beacon Education Trust.

In September 2022 we formed the Academic Improvement Board (AIB) and a Parent Community Groups (PCG) and the PCG was merged in to the AIB in September 2024.

In September 2025 we formed a Local Governing Body.

If you would like to get in touch with the Trustees please contact the Clerk - Helen Hatfield via the school office

Click on the Beacon Education Trustee link to read the Funding Agreement and Articles of Association 

Meeting minutes are in the public domain. You can request to see them in the school office.

Alternatively email the Clerk, Mrs Helen Hatfield at danesfield@beaconedu.uk

Local Governing Body

Jo Smith - Headteacher 

Barbara O'Keefe - Trustee appointed November 2025 - Chair of Governors, responsible for safeguarding

Fiona Miller - Trustee appointed November 2025

Alison Appleyard - Trustee appointed November 2025

Gemma Cody-Boucher - Parent appointed November 25

Rev Mark Phillips - Foundation appointed November 25

Yvonne Rutherford - Parent appointed November 25

Dan Howe - Staff appointed November 25

Trudy Danby - Interim CEO invited

Clerk: Helen Hatfield 

Resigned: Mark Blackman - Acting Director of Education ** September 24 - October 25

Our Governing Body

Barbara O'Keefe -  Chair of Governors (Trustee Elected) 

I worked in school business management for well over 30 years as a Bursar, School Business Manager and a MAT Chief Operations Officer. I also ran my own school  business management consultancy for five years. 

I am now enjoying retirement sharing time between family and voluntary work.  As well as being a trustee at Beacon Education and  chair of governors at Danesfield C of E Middle School, I am chair of trustees at Citizens Advice West Somerset and a trustee with West Somerset Food Cupboard.  School governance is so important; I see my role as supporting the Head and her Team  in any way that I can to help ensure that every child in Danesfield Middle School enjoys their time at school and achieves their full potential. 

Dan Howe (Staff Governor)

I have been part of Danesfield for 17 years, starting as a Cover Supervisor and now as Assistant Head Teacher. This school means a lot to me, and becoming a staff governor is my way of giving something back. I’m here to make sure staff voices are heard and to help shape decisions that keep our school moving forward. I’m passionate about teaching and learning, and I want every child here to have the best possible experience.

Yvonne Rutherford (Parent Governor)

My name's Yvonne, I have two children, my son is at Danesfield in Year 8 and my Daughter is at West Somerset College.

My hobbies are fishing, and crafting, and cosplaying, I also like to take my dogs for long walks on the beach and in the woods.

I believe I am a good listener and communicate well and willing to try new things and try and achieve the best results I can.

Fiona Miller (Trustee Elected)

I joined Beacon Education as a trustee in 2019 after retiring from a varied career, including 28 years in the telecommunications industry.  I was a governor at The Exmoor Federation for 4 years and, before moving to West Somerset, I was a governor at a further education college. I also volunteer with the Minehead Community Bookshop, the West Somerset Food Cupboard and the Somerset Badger Group.

Rev Mark Phillips (Foundation Governor)

Danesfield School LGB Meetings 2025-26

AIB meeting attendance 2024-25

Attendance PCG meetings 2023 - 2024