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
Chair of Governors, Mrs Susan Solly
Vice-Chair of Governors, Mr Geoff Tabor
| Appointment | Name | Term of Office (Start) | Term of Office (Expiry) |
| Headteacher (by appointment) | Paul Ruffle | Jan 2018 | – |
| Chair (Foundation – Diocesan Education Committee) | Susan Solly | Feb 2018 (re-elected as Chair 16.09.21 – since 19.09.2018) | Feb 2022
|
| Vice-Chair (Parent Election) | Geoff Tabor | July 2021 (Vice-Chair 16.09.2021) | July 2025 |
| Ex-Officio (Foundation – Priory Church) | Father Charles | Oct 2015 | – |
| Foundation | Anita Penny | May 2019 | May 2023 |
| Foundation | Barbara Robertson | May 2021 | May 2025 |
| Foundation | Kate Woodhead | Nov 2020 | Nov 2024 |
| Foundation | Simon Earl | May 2021 | May 2025 |
| Foundation | Dominic Jones | May 2021 | May 2025 |
| Local Authority – BCP Council | Sally Hawkridge | Aug 2021 | Aug 2025 |
| Staff | Jenna Field | Sept 2020 | Aug 2024 |
| Parent | Sarah Andrews | July 2021 | July 2025 |
| Parent | Geoff Tabor | July 2021 | July 2025 |
| Clerk | Kay Towler | May 2019 | – |
| Associate Member | Mel Fidge (Deputy Headteacher) | Sep 2021 | Sep 2025 |
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: Barbara Robertson
Members: Father Charles, Anita Penny, Jenna Field, Sarah Andrews, Mel Fidge, Dominic Jones, Simon Earl
Finance and Resources Committee
Chair: Geoff Tabor
Members: Kate Woodhead, Sally Hawkridge
*The Headteacher and Chair of Governors attend both committee meetings.
Governors who have recently stepped down (since 2020):
| Name | Role | Term of Office |
| Lisa Blackburn | LA Governor | Sep 20 – Aug 21 |
| Jamie Ward | Parent Governor | Mar 17 – Jul 21 |
| Gerald Crabb (deceased) | Foundation and Vice Chair | Nov 16 – Nov 20 |
| Norma Lund | Foundation | Nov 16 – Aug 20 |
| Jenna Kelly | Staff | Mar 17 – Jul 20 |
| Simon Croutear | Staff and Associate (AHT) | Sept 20 – Dec 20 |
| Alistair Lambon | Foundation | Mar 17 – Sep 20 |
| Stephen Bowden | co-opted | Apr 17 – Sep 20 |
| Fr Jonathan Evans | Foundation | Feb 20 – Jan 21 |
Governors with particular responsibilities
Mr Dominic Jones is our Governor responsible for safeguarding and inclusion and looked after children. In the transition period of taking up this responsibility he is being supported by Mr Jamie Ward.
Mr Tabor is our Governor responsible for health and safety.
Mrs Woodhead is our Governor responsible for premises.
A small sub-group of Governors, including Mrs Penny and Mrs Solly are responsible for admissions.
Governing Body – Terms of Reference
Governors’ Business and Financial Interests Declaration
Governors’ Attendance at Meetings Record
Full Governing Body Minutes
2021-22 Academic Year
2020 – 21 Academic Year
2019 – 20 Academic Year
2018 – 19 Academic Year