Our Governing Body

Working in partnership, our Governors are committed to securing the best possible education for every child. The Governors work strategically with the Headteacher and staff to agree school priorities, improve standards and provide a range of challenge and support.

Please see the documents at the end of this page for more information regarding the members of the Bitterne CE Primary School Governing Body.

Introducing our Governors - Governor Bios

Chair of Governors - Rev Tony Palmer (Ex-officio Foundation Governor)

I lead Holy Saviour Church with my wife, Ruth. I am an ex-officio foundation governor and regularly lead Collective Worship & offer pastoral support to the staff and school community. I have the privilege of being the RE, PSHE, EYFS & attendance link governor (I think that's all of them!).

Vice Chair of Governors - Matt Proctor (Parent Governor)

I am an engineer working in optics and photonics who has always had a passion for supporting local educators. As part of the governor team, I hold partial responsibility for safeguarding, and am the linked governor for science and HAGT work at the school. Outside of work, I lead music at my church, enjoy cookery, and have a wonderful time as father to two children who attend the school.

Clare Bailey (Staff Governor)

I am the staff governor and Senior Assistant Headteacher of the school. I have worked at Bitterne for over 30 years and have a strong belief in its Christian values. Having worked here for so long, I have developed a deep understanding of the school community and built strong relationships with local families. As a long-standing resident of the area and an integral part of the school community, I am passionate about supporting the success of Bitterne CE Primary and its families.

My own children attended the school and thrived, which motivates me to ensure that every family has the same positive experience. I am committed to fostering a nurturing and successful environment for the children, staff, and community members of Bitterne CE Primary.

Jen Johnson (Headteacher)

I joined Bitterne Church of England Primary School as Headteacher in September 2023. With a deep passion for education and a commitment to fostering a nurturing and inspiring learning environment, I am dedicated to ensuring every child thrives both academically and personally.

I consider it a privilege to work alongside the Governing Body, whose unwavering commitment to improving the provision for all children is instrumental in the school’s ongoing success. I value the support and challenge offered by the Governors, and appreciate the wealth of knowledge and expertise they bring to their roles.

Together with the Governing Body, I am focused on driving continuous improvement, upholding the school’s Christian ethos, and fostering a strong sense of community within Bitterne CE Primary. I am passionate about collaborating with staff, parents, and Governors to equip every child with the skills, confidence, and character they need to succeed.

Matt Healey (Co-opted Governor)

I have been a governor now for approaching 5 years. I started as a parent governor and am now a co-opted governor. My initial interest in supporting the school began when my daughter was attending the school and I wanted to understand more about the quality of the teaching and the direction and improvements the school was making to improve the education of the children, and I have maintained that interest and commitment to support ever since. The governor role is one of challenge and support and I have worked for local authorities for many years, in roles such as service development, assessing youth provisions and community development, all roles which involved questioning leaders, seeking evidence of impact, and outcomes and improving the quality of provision, all skills which I hope I bring to the governor role. I am currently the governor link for the Early Career Teachers, and the subject link for Art and Design, Design Technology and History.

Stephen Spencer (Foundation Governor)

I am an active member of Holy Saviour Church where I'm a Deanery Synod Rep and Secretary to Churches Together in Bitterne.

Most of my life I've been a primary school teacher for Hampshire, Surrey and two south London boroughs. I mostly led Science and Music and rose to being an Acting Deputy Headteacher. I finished my teaching career in a private prep school. I have also worked in the Civil Service as a Team Leader in the Courts and Tribunals service.

As a Governor I have the subject links of English, Music, MFL and Curriculum. I am also the Chair of the Church School Partnership and the Pay Committee, and I'm the Health and Safety Governor. I like to come in to school regularly to talk to teachers about their subjects, help with interviews or even help with the trip to Stubbington!

My hobby is playing trumpet in various bands and orchestras, singing in a choir and reading.

Kelly Parker (Parent Governor)

My name is Kelly Giles. I have lived and grown up in the local area, as well as having attended this very school myself when I was younger. I am delighted to be a member of the board of governors for Bitterne C of E Primary School; I have fond memories myself of attending the school along with appreciating the values that it has stood for all this time. I have been a serving front line police officer for the last fifteen years for Hampshire Constabulary. My work has afforded me the opportunity to work with and help the community, along with young people which is something I immensely enjoy. My experiences in the police service will help to shape and inform my safeguarding duties as a school governor while looking out for the children’s and schools best interests. I am a very busy mum of three and I love spending time with my family when I’m not at work and I enjoy fitness and playing netball.

Governing Body Details 2024/2025

/docs/Governors/Governing_Body_Membership_2024_25.pdf

Governing Body & Committee Meeting Attendance 2023/2024

Bitterne CE Primary Governor Attendance [...]

Governor Roles and Responsibilities

Governor Contact Details

Chair of Governors – Tony Palmer

chair@bitterneceprimary.net

Clerk to the Governors - Diane Reavey

dreavey@bitterneceprimary.net