School Governance Structure
The Priory Primary school is a maintained voluntary-aided Church of England School. This means that while we are supported by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Local Authority and the Diocese of Winchester Education Board, our Governing body is ultimately responsible for the strategic direction of the school.
We are incredibly indebted to this dedicated group of volunteers who give up so much time to oversee and support this school in this way.
Who’s Who on the Governing Body
| Appointment | Name | Term of Office (Start) | Term of Office (Expiry) |
| Headteacher
(by appointment) |
Paul Ruffle | Jan 2018 | – |
| Chair
(Foundation) |
Susan Solly | Feb 2018
(as Chair 16.09.20) |
Feb 2022
(30.09.21) |
| Vice-Chair
(Parent) |
Geoff Tabor | Mar 2017 | Mar 2021 |
| Ex-Officio
(Foundation) |
Father Charles | Oct 2015 | – |
| Foundation | Anita Penny | May 2019 | May 2023 |
| Foundation | Rev. Jonathan Evans | Feb 2020 | Mar 2021 |
| Foundation | Kate Woodhead | Nov 2020 | Nov 2024 |
| Foundation | Vacant | ||
| Foundation | Vacant | ||
| Local Authority | Lisa Blackburn | Sept 2020 | Sept 2024 |
| Co-opted | Sally Hawkridge | Oct 2020 | Oct 2024 |
| Staff |
Jenna Field |
Sept 2020 | Aug 2024 |
| Parent | Jamie Ward | Mar 2017 | Mar 2021 |
| Parent | Geoff Tabor | Mar 2017 | Mar 2021 |
| Clerk | Kay Towler | May 2019 | – |
Alongside Full Governing Body meetings, governors are organised into 2 sub-Committees to enable greater accountability and challenge.
The Standards Committee is responsible for all matters relating to the quality of education and safeguarding.
The Finance and Resources Committee is responsible for all the core operational matters, such as staffing, finance, health & safety and budget setting.
Standards Committee
Chair: Jamie Ward
Members: Father Charles, Anita Penny, Jenna Field, Lisa Blackburn
Finance and Resources Committee
Chair: Geoff Tabor
Members: Rev. Jonathan Evans, Sally Hawkridge
*The Headteacher and Chair of Governors attend both committee meetings.
Governors with particular responsibilities
Mr Jamie Ward is our Governor responsible for safeguarding and inclusion and looked after children.
Mr Tabor is our Governor responsible for Health and Safety.
A small sub-group of Governors, including Mrs Penny and Mrs Solly are responsible for admissions.
Governors’ Business and Financial Interests Declaration
Governors’ Attendance at Meetings Record
Full Governing Body Minutes
2020 – 21 Academic Year
2019 – 20 Academic Year
2018 – 19 Academic Year