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) | 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 | 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 |
| Foundation | tbc | tbc | tbc |
| 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, Barbara Robertson
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 |
| Fi Pye | LA Governor | |
| Gerald Crabb (RIP) | 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 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