Tom Blackwell

Governor

I work for the National Trust in Carding Mill Valley and live in Church Stretton. My wife and I relocated to Shropshire when I secured my job in 2017 after 10 years of living on the Isle of Wight. We moved just after the birth of our daughter to be closer to both of our families.

I taught in several schools on the Island, as well as in Liverpool where I qualified. I have taught across age groups from Reception to Year 6 and so I hope to bring a good understanding of how schools work.

I run the Learning Hub based in CMV as well as managing the visitor team. My job allows me the great privilege of leading children and young people on visits to the Long Mynd, hopefully we inspire the next generation of nature enthusiasts.

Over my time in the valley we have established a good relationship with St Lawrence, every class has worked with us at least once each academic year. I hope becoming a governor will allow me to cement that relationship even more strongly.

Outside of my job I enjoy running in the beautiful Shropshire Hills and I have a major interest in music (my wife might say an obsession!). I used be part of a music collective on the Isle of Wight that ran events and festival tents. My audience has now shrunk to just my family but they are usually appreciative of any record playing (as long as there’s not too much jazz).