Welcome to our Governance section. 

Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.

'St Mark's Church of England Aided Primary School' became an academy on 1/12/15, known as 'St Mark's Church of England Primary School'.

As a new institution from 1/12/15, records regarding the Governance of St Mark's Church of England Primary School are presented from that date.

Members, and Governing body committee structure 2025/26:

The Governors of St Mark's CE Primary School are appointed by the Members, who are:

Mrs Anita Hazell (Representing Bringing Schools Together Trust)

Sir Christopher Lees (Representing The Talbot Village Trust)

Mrs Elizabeth McHugh (Representing Salisbury Diocese)

The full governing body meets at least three times a year. Each governor also sits on one or more sub-committees which carry out specific, delegated functions. Those sub-committees are:

Admissions Committee (Chair: Mrs Rachael Davies)

Audit Committee (Chair: Mr Peter Whittle)

Ethos Committee (Chair: Rev. Nick Wells)

Safeguarding Link Governor is Mr Mike Evans.

The appointed Governors:

Lisa McGaw - Foundation Governor [Chair of Governors]

I continue to have a child attending St Mark's and my eldest now attends a local secondary school.  I have worked locally as a primary school teacher for over 20 years, as a SENCO for a number of years and now as an Primary Adviser for BCP. My professional career and personal passion is for schools to support the learning needs of all children and ensure that the curriculum promotes the development of the 'whole' child. I look forward to drawing upon both my experience within education alongside that of being a parent to ensure that St Mark's continues to offer the very best education to our community.

Andrew Bright BA Ed QTS, MA Ed, NPQH - Ex-Officio Governor (as Headteacher)

I trained in Winchester via a 4 year route into Primary Education.  The majority of my teaching experience has been in upper KS2 but I have taught across the primary age range, including Early Years.  I hold an MA in Professional Educational Enquiry, as well as the National Professional Qualification for Headship.  I have two children at local secondary schools. I enjoy running, cooking, DIY and spending time with my wife and family.

I am Dorset Branch Secretary for the NAHT union.

I feel it important to maintain contact with the classroom and continue to teach and run intervention groups.

Peter Whittle - Foundation/Parent Governor

I have been a foundation parent governor since 2010 and currently serve on the Resources committee.

Having spent all my career in the tax & accountancy profession my current role is as tax manager in the Poole office of a large independent firm. I am pleased to be able to bring the skills and knowledge gained over many years to help St Mark's to maintain its position as a wonderful school for the local community.

Mike Evans - Parent Governor 

I have one child attending St Marks and I have been a Parent Governor since 2020.

My professional life steams from the construction industry and I currently work for a local electronic engineering/manufacturing company.

In my spare time, I am heavily involved with the S&PA and enjoy cycling.

Simon Casey - Parent Governor 

I have two children who previously attended St Mark’s Primary school.

I work as a consulting architect in the field of IT and financial services. I’ve joined the governing body to help champion both STEM and SEND, wishing to see both excel at St Mark’s.

Rev Nick Wells

Nick was appointed as the new Vicar at St Mark's Church in September 2023. He joins the Governing Body as an ex-officio member.  

In September 2023 I started as Vicar of St Mark's Talbot Village; before that I served as Curate at Wimborne Minster. Previously, I was a professional Youth and Community worker, working mainly with Bournemouth Youth Service and Bournemouth YMCA.

I studied for a BA in Applied Theology at Moorlands College, graduating in 2003 and a MA in Theology, Mission and Ministry at Sarum College, Salisbury graduating in 2020. I enjoy, running, reading, playing guitar and spending time with my wife and three children. I look forward to building strong links between the Church and School, and supporting the staff and children as we seek to ensure that St Mark's school is a community where children are enabled to thrive and flourish.

Rachael Davies

I was elected as Parent Governor in July 2024 and look forward to bringing my knowledge to the board.

I have worked in local primary schools in administration for a number of years and feel this will tie in quite nicely with the governor role having experienced working behind the scenes. I have a child attending St Mark’s and therefore also have a personal passion to help the school succeed.

I am excited to join the school community as a governor and help push the school forward.

Marie Ellaway

My name is Marie and I am delighted to have joined our school's governing body as a newly appointed Foundation Governor.
I am the mother of two children, a Son in year 3 and a 23 year old Daughter.
I am currently a stay at home Mum, but previously my career was in retail management, managing high Street fashion retailers.
Since joining our school community I am an active member of our S&PA.
I am excited to get involved in supporting our school, our school community to ensure our wonderful children enjoy, thrive and feel supported through their primary school journey.

The register of declared business and pecuniary interests:

Please see below for register of meeting attendance during 2023/24:

Notes:

Rachael Davies was elected as a parent governor in the summer term and her first meeting was the July 2024 FGB.