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 2021/22:

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

Mrs Anita Hazell (Representing Bournemouth Septenary Trust)

Sir Christopher Lees (Representing The Talbot Village Trust)

Mrs Sharon Matthews (Representing Salisbury Diocese)

Mrs Sue Arnold (resigned 26/11/2020)

Mrs Moira Lawson (resigned 26/11/2020)

Mr Darryl Tidd (resigned 14/07/2021)

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: Rev. Ruth Wells)

Curriculum and Standards Committee (Chair: Mrs Sara Adeney )

Resources Committee (Chair: TBC)

Ethos Committee (Chair: Rev. Rupert Higgins)

The chairs of those committees also form the Standing Committee (Chair: Mrs Lisa McGaw).

The appointed Governors:

Lisa McGaw - Parent Governor [Chair of Governors]

In July 2018 I was appointed as a Parent Governor at St. Mark's where I now have two children attending in Year 3 and Year 6. I have worked locally as a primary school teacher for 15 years, and as a SENCO for a number of years, where I support teachers to meet 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.

Emma Howell - Foundation/Parent Governor [Vice Chair]

I have a son currently in year 2 and another son attending Pre-School. I work for a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service which provides support to children and families struggling with emotional and mental health. I am currently on the staffing and curriculum sub-committee. I feel able to offer knowledge and skills that I have developed within my professional role alongside being a parent. St. Mark's School has a fabulous reputation of putting the children first, allowing them to achieve and feel supported in a caring Christian 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 primary and secondary schools. I enjoy running, cooking, DIY and spending time with my wife and family.

I feel it important to maintain contact with the classroom and continue to teach R.E. to a Year 6 class each week.

Rev. Rupert Higgins - Ex-Officio Foundation Governor (as Parish Priest of St Mark's Church)

I am the Vicar of St Mark’s Church of England Church, Talbot Village and have been Vicar since 2010. Previously I was a Vicar in Bristol but started my working life in Derby (quite a few years ago now!) working at Rolls Royce Aero Engines. I am married to Jo and we have a lovely daughter Alice-Rose who attends St Mark's School.

I love St Mark’s school and think that all the staff do a wonderful job in making the school a welcoming happy place to learn and flourish.

Sara Adeney - Foundation Governor

I have been a governor at St. Mark’s for 10 years and vice chair for over 6. Both my daughters attended the school, during which, I was also actively involved with the S&PA.

As a local teacher myself, with over 25 years’ experience, I am passionate about education and feel very privileged to be part of a dedicated team committed to the development of this thriving school.

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.

Vanessa Biles - Staff Governor

I have been involved with St Mark's Primary School since 2005 when my daughter started in Reception.

In 2009, I started working at St Mark's as a Teaching Assistant across the school with a wide range of experiences. Further training has allowed me to work as a Nurture Group Assistant, ELSA and Parent Support Worker.

My previous working life are skills from the catering, retail and health sectors of which I believe my personal strength is the ability to listen, communicate and have an understanding of the needs of others.  Being in school every day, I have the privilege to explain to other Governors what life is really like on a day to day basis.

Mike Evans - Parent Governor 

I have two children 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.

Rev. Ruth Wells - Foundation Governor 

I am also the senior chaplain for Bournemouth University and the Arts University Bournemouth so working very locally and keen to see the threads of local community drawing together.  I have three children, the oldest two attend Church of England schools local to where I live and I have been a foundation governor previously.  I am really excited to get to know the community at St Mark’s school and count it a privilege to be a little part of the story.

The register of declared business and pecuniary interests:

Please see below for register of meeting attendance during 2020/21:

Key for attendance figures:

Y = attended

S = Stepped down from Governance role

A = Did not attend, sent apologies

X = Did not attend, no apologies sent

Z = Planned meeting cancelled

n/a = Not a member of that committee