Welcome to our Governors' section.

Our Governors

What do Governors do?

The Governing Body of a school is responsible for ensuring that pupils receive high quality education and that the conduct of the school reflects this aim. Governors work as a team with the Head Teacher on the strategic planning and management of the school. This involves providing a strategic, rather than operational, view, acting as a critical friend and ensuring accountability. The Governing Body agrees goals and targets for improvement and monitors progress against them. An individual governor has a responsibility, working alongside other members of the Governing Body, to the staff and pupils of the school, the church and the school’s wider community. They are a link between the school and the wider world.

Some of the tasks involved in being a governor are shown below:

• Getting to know the school: its needs, strengths and areas for development

• Attending meetings (Full Governing Body and Committees)

• Working as a member of a team

• Speaking, acting and voting in the best interests of the school

• Representing the perspectives of parents / community / church where appropriate

• Respecting all Governing Body decisions and supporting them in public

• Acting within the framework of the policies of the school, the Governing Body and legal requirements

• Committing to training and development opportunities

Tom Horrell (Chair of Governors)

I became a parent governor in 2019 and became Chair of Governors in 2022.  I am also a member of the finance committee on the governing board. 

I live locally and have two children in the school.  It is great to be able to give back and support the school in everything they do for the children and help shape its future.

I work in Southampton as a design manager and feel that I successfully adapt the project management and financial skills from this to my role as a governor.

Paul O'Brien (Headteacher)

Prior to becoming a teacher, I initially completed a Batchelor of Business Studies degree and a Masters in Marketing and Advertising, before briefly working in industry.

Following this, and having spent time as an unqualified teacher in both primary and secondary school settings, I then completed my PGCE in General Primary in London in 2007.

In the time since, my teaching career has brought me to a host of different schools in both Ireland and England, where I have enjoyed a variety of different roles. I am currently the Headteacher of King's Somborne C of E.

Phil Carr

I have lived in Kings Somborne for 38 years and my three children attended Kings Somborne Primary School. I currently have 5 grandchildren in primary school education in Winchester and Toronto, Canada.

My career as a chemical engineer was in the chemical, pharmaceutical and construction industries. I have many years experience of running a small business and project management and finance. I enjoy walking and cycling in our countryside.

As a governor, I have been involved in many activities at the school. I am keen to continue to contribute to the success of the school and to be involved in reviewing school budgets and finances.

Julia Emery

I am a parent governor who has worked in the education system for over twenty years. I have two boys - one who loved his time at the school and left in 2022, and one currently enjoying his time in KS1. I feel privileged to be part of this wonderful village school that is such a key part of the community.

Tom Dynes

I joined the Governing Body as a Parent Governor in 2022 as a way of supporting our school and local community, both of which are very important to my family. I am passionate about the school succeeding, supporting the wonderful staff who work so hard, and helping to enable all children to achieve their full potential. As a Parent Governor I aim to represent the views of parents across the school, and I am always happy to be approached to discuss anything which parents would like to raise. I currently have two daughters in the school in Year 1 and Year R, and have lived in King’s Somborne since 2015. I have worked in the Maritime sector for the last 15 years, based at the Port of Southampton.

Rev Jane Thompson

I am married to Chris; we have three married sons. Since my ordination in 2016 I have served the local Braishfield parishes which are linked with King Somborne. I am a foundation governor and together with Phil and Tim, share responsibility for monitoring the Christian ethos and values at the heart of the school life; my specific role, with Paul, is to monitor how the subject leadership supports both the children’s academic and personal progress and staff development. I am currently in by 20th year as a trustee (governor) at Mountbatten School where I chair HR; for nine years I was a governor of our boys’ primary school, chairing the curriculum and welfare sub-committee, and have just stepped back from six years on the Diocesan Board of Education. Prior to ordination I was a secondary languages teacher, with experience as a Primary teacher too - I have always loved being in school whenever possible!

Steve Hughes (Vice Chair of Governors)

I was initially appointed as a Parent Governor in January 2022. Having two children at the school, both within Key Stage 2. I currently hold the role of Vice Chair of Governors, as a Co-opted Governor. For a number of years I have been active within the school as a volunteer reader. Being rewarded by seeing the children improve and grow with confidence. However I felt I could do more to help support the efforts of our highly motivated staff. Having been in the village for over 10 years I understand the importance of ensuring the school is an amazing village asset. When not analysing data during my day job you will often find my cycling around our beautiful countryside.'

Hannah Davey

Prior to becoming a teacher, I initially completed a Bachelor of Medicine degree. After working as junior doctor for a short time, I made the decision to make a career change into teaching.

Having spent time working as a Learning Support Assistant in an infant school, I then completed my GTP in Primary Education in 2009.

After working as a class teacher for 3 years, the birth of my twins in 2011 saw me take a break from the classroom when I was offered a post at the University of Southampton. During my time there, I led the ‘Early LifeLab Programme’, a health education intervention for primary schools, based at University Hospital Southampton.

In 2020, I was ready to be back in a school again and was appointed as a PPA cover teacher at King’s Somborne. Since then, I’ve taken on the role of Reception Teacher, English Lead and now Assistant Headteacher.

Alex Collins

My wife and I have lived in the village for over 10 years, and our two boys attend the school.

I've enjoyed joining the children on school trips, and over the last year I have enjoyed being a volunteer reader in school. I'm currently reading with Squirrels and Robins. It is wonderful seeing the children's reading skills and confidence grow.

Joining the Governing Body feels like a natural extension of this, and feels like a great way to contribute to the school and the community. As a Parent Governor, I'm very happy to be approached to discuss anything parents would like to raise.

My professional background is in cyber security and software engineering. In addition to consultancy work, I am a visiting lecturer at the University of Roehampton. Outside of work when I'm not looking after the boys I love woodworking, cycling, walking and cooking. 

Leanne Blake

I am a parent governor with two young daughters. We moved to Kings Somborne seven years ago and we love living here. I am very passionate about supporting the staff and school continuing their successes. The school is such a great asset for the village and the community.

My career as a Procurement and Contract Manager has led me to work in private and public sector currently work for Hampshire County Council Children Services.

Our Governing Body and Terms of Office

The governing body was reconstituted on 1 Jul 2015 to reflect the changes in constitution of governing bodies that were introduced in the school governance regulations 2012.

Meetings

The Full Governing Body of Kings Somborne CE School meets on a regular basis throughout the academic year. There are ten meetings each year; usually 3 or 4 per term.

Minutes

The minutes of the meetings are public documents and can be obtained from the Clerk to the Governors, Mr Barry Stay, or from the school office.

Please note: Minutes of meetings cannot be published until they have been approved and signed at the next meeting of the full governing body.

Current Governors