Governors
The Governing Board is an essential leadership group within the federation and has three core functions:
- ensuring there is clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the federation and its pupils and the performance management of staff
- overseeing the financial performance of the federation and making sure its money is well spent
We have thirteen governors on the board which meets once each half term and two committees, Finance and Resources, and Standards and Curriculum, which meet termly. In addition, governors come into school regularly to monitor the progress the schools are making to ensure that every child receives the best possible education.
Governors at Bursledon are ambitious for the federation and are committed to improving both educational and pastoral outcomes for everyone in our learning community to live out our vision:
To see God’s LOVE thrive in our Bursledon community: where no-one is lonely, isolated or unsupported; where we RESPECT diverse beliefs and we all speak well of each other; and where we all ASPIRE towards a fulfilling future of lifelong learning, built on strong relationships and hope.
Click here to read our Governor Handbook.
Our Governing Body
Hilary Bax 
Foundation Governor and Chair of Governors
Hilary has been closely associated with the schools since she moved to Bursledon in 1982. Her three sons attended the infant and junior schools between 1982 and 1995, where they flourished at the start of their learning journey. She has been a foundation governor for a number of years and is very involved in the life of the church in Bursledon, as well as being involved in many other aspects of village life. Hilary is also a NGA Federation champion - click here for more information.
Corrina Bishop 
Co-opted Governor and Vice Chair
Corrina Bishop lives in the village and has two children in the junior school. She works for Solent NHS as a children’s physiotherapist with babies in Gosport and Portsmouth. She is presently SEND Governor and Safeguarding Governor as she has a lot of background in these areas. She attends St Paul’s Church Bursledon with her family.
Rev John Pawson 
Foundation Governor
John returned to Bursledon with his wife Helen, in July 2018 to take up the post of Vicar at St Leonards and St Paul’s churches. As a family they spent time in Bursledon between 2002 and early 2006 when John was serving in the parish as a trainee vicar (Curate). During this time their children attended Bursledon Infant and Junior schools, making lots of good friends and laying the foundations for future academic success. During the 12 years they were away from Bursledon John learned a lot as a Governor in a New Forest school and is looking forward to serving with the committed team that leads the Bursledon Federation.
Nikki Sowerby 
Co-opted Governor Chair of Standards and Curriculum Committee
Nikki joined the governing body in 2015 as a co-opted Governor and her son attended the school. Currently Nikki leads as training and development governor and has also covered a range of other roles. Nikki is passionate about lifelong learning and brings experience from over 20 years’ experience within the education sector.
Graeme Nolan 
Parent Governor
His daughter joined EYFS in 2018 and he was elected in November 2019. As a former Teacher in a federated primary school, he has a good understanding of the demands of the National Curriculum and the wider world of education. He has specialisms in behaviour and strategy and has other interests including Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and School Council. He is keen to bring these experiences, along with his parental views, to his Governor role to support the federation in providing the best possible education.
Michael White 
Local Authority Governor and Chair Finance and Resources Committee
Michael is a former pupil of the schools and has lived in Bursledon all his life. He has a daughter who attends the school and enjoys seeing all the wonderful things the school does with her development. He is a keen advocate of our community and feels being a Governor allows him to support it in any way he can.
Jane Kennedy-Scott 
Staff Governor
Jane currently leads year 3 and teaches Kiln Class. She has previously held a variety of key leadership positions-including English and Science Leader-in infant and primary schools across Hampshire. As well as leading Key Stage 1 at a Church of England primary, Jane has taught every year group at some point in her teaching career. Away from school, Jane is a keen cold-water swimmer, enjoys yoga for relaxation and loves to walk her dog. She has three grown-up children, the eldest of whom is about to graduate from Cardiff university, making her feel very old !
Jana Murray 
Co-opted Governor
Jana believes passionately in empowering young people through high quality education. Her background is in video production, photography and writing and she has managed her own company since 2006. She lives in Bursledon with her teenage daughter and two Burmese cats and sings in the worship group at St Paul’s church.
John Nisbet 
Foundation Governor
John moved to Bursledon in 1972 and attended the Junior school when it first opened. His two grown up boys were educated at the school and he currently has two daughters attending. John is a Consulting Engineer and has been involved for over 20 years professionally delivering new school buildings across the U.K. John became a governor in September 2021 and also attends St.Pauls Church where he has been an active member most of his adult life. He is looking forward to using his people management, business and leadership skills to make a positive contribution to the life of the School.
Holly Radford 
Parent Governor
Holly was elected in 2021 and has a daughter who joined the school in 2020. As an ex-teacher, Holly has a good understanding of issues relating to teaching and learning. Holly is studying for a PhD in Psychology and volunteers as an Autism Ambassador for Autism Hampshire. She has a keen interest in equality, diversity, inclusion.
Dr Alex Lambert OBE 
Co-opted Governor
Alex has a daughter at the Infant School and joined as a Governor in Jan 2022. With a PhD and early career in scientific research, Alex has spent the last 20 years delivering public services in the central civil service. Recently responsible for setting up COVID infection testing in households and schools across the country, he is now part of the leadership team at the Office for National Statistics. Alex is keen to use his leadership, business management, HR and finance skills to support the school achieve its vision and aims.
Charlotte Goodson 
Co-opted Governor
Charlotte attended both Bursledon Infant and Junior school and has lived in the local area all her life. Her eldest daughter is now in attendance at the Infant School. Charlotte has been qualified as a Solicitor for over 5 years and is currently practicing at a regional firm in Portsmouth. She is keen to become involved with the school's ongoing development both as a parent and local member of community.
Kerry Stamp 
Executive Headteacher
Kerry joined the Federation in January 2021 having been a Headteacher and National Leader of Education for many years in different schools.
Clerk to Governors - Natalie Compton
Please click here to read our Overview of Governance.
If you would like more information regarding the roles of Governors please click this useful link DfE Governors information.
If you would like to get in touch with the Chair of Governors Mrs Hilary Bax - please contact either school reception and they will organise this for you.
