Governors
Who is appointed as a school governor?
The governors are volunteers selected for their wide experiences, both in work and in the community. There is a governor nominated by the local education authority, two parent governors, the headteacher, a teacher and 9 co-opted governors. (Co-opted governors are appointed by the governing body. They are people who in the opinion of the governing body have the skills required to contribute to the effective governance and success of the school). To ensure pupils’ safety, all governors are checked for suitability through the Government’s Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
What do governors do?
Governors focus on long-term strategic goals and not the day-to-day operations of the school.
The governing body has three key roles:
- To provide a high level, strategic view of the school and how it should be developed.
- To ensure accountability of headteacher and the senior leadership team by questioning their actions, student outcomes, student progress data and the impact of management initiatives on school life.
- To act as a critical friend to the headteacher and senior team in supporting their role of managing the school.
Do governors come into school?
All governors spend time in school to:
- Understand the issues faced by the staff and students at the school.
- Understand what is working well in the school and what needs to be improved.
- Monitor the impact of changes across the school through staff and student voice as well as observations.
How do I contact the governors?
- Governors are usually available during key school events, such as parents evenings and open days, and are happy to discuss general issues with parents /guardians.
- If you have a complaint about some aspects of school life you must follow the complaints procedure which is published on the school website. There are a number of steps before governors are involved in a complaint.
How do I become a governor?
- If you would like to apply to become a governor, you may do so through the Hampshire County Council (HCC) website or directly to the school by completing a Hampshire County Council governor application form – Download (PDF)
If you wish to contact the Chair of Governors please do so by emailing Mrs D Kaye, Clerk to the Governors (see page 3 of our Contact Directory) – here
Governors Vision Statement
Our vision is for The Hamble School to be the consistently high performing, local school of choice, with wide-ranging opportunities for all. We commit to:
- Providing a safe, consistently challenging and stimulating learning environment that engages and develops all our students.
- Valuing every individual student in our community and taking the opportunity to celebrate their successes.
- Enabling our students to develop the moral values, confidence and resilience to make a difference at Hamble and beyond.
- Recruiting, developing and retaining inspirational staff of the highest calibre, who through their continuous drive for improvement and innovation, create an enriching and supportive learning community.
By striving for excellence in all that we do, we ‘Achieve Excellence Together’.
Hannah Craggs
Chair of The Hamble School Governing Body
Leanne Alden – Co-Opted
| Name | Leanne Alden |  |
| Category of governor | Co-opted | |
| Linked whole school objective | Promote high aspirations, positivity and student leadership so that all achievements are recognised and celebrated both inside and outside of the classroom. | |
| Link role(s) | ||
| Committee membership | ||
| Term of office | 2024-2028 | |
| Work | I’m a Business Improvement Manager with a trade association for the UK renewables industry. I lead on maintaining our quality management system via internal and external audits, ensuring compliance, and making use of continuous improvement frameworks to streamline processes and improve efficiency across the organisation.
Prior to this I taught English and History at secondary schools in Eastleigh and worked as a progress advisor for a local sixth form college. |
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| Governance experience | I sit on my company’s EDI committee, and have streamlined governance processes, but this is my first school governor position. | |
| Hobbies and interests | I enjoy walking, reading, paddleboarding, knitting, exploring, and learning new skills. I love history and my passion is architecture – especially religious buildings. | |
| Links to the school/area | I’ve lived, studied, and worked in Hampshire all my life and I know Hamble well – particularly the river which is my favorite place to paddleboard! | |
| Why did you become a governor? | Despite leaving teaching two years ago, I remain passionate about education – especially in creating opportunities to support social mobility. I would like to use my transferrable skills to support Hamble School to inspire learners, unlock potential and create opportunities for young people of all backgrounds. | |
Jo Anderson – Co-Opted
| Name | Jo Anderson |  |
| Category of governor | Co-opted | |
| Linked whole school objective | A broad and balanced curriculum delivered through high quality adaptive teaching which creates a love of learning. | |
| Link role(s) | Training Governor | |
| Committee membership | Learning and Achievement Committee | |
| Term of office | 2024-2028 | |
| Work | I am currently self employed as an Education Consultant, specialising in professional development, curriculum, quality assurance and external moderation of Initial Teacher Training and Early Career provision. | |
| Governance experience | I was a Governor at Hamble Primary School from 2022-2006. I am currently a NASBTT (National Association for School Based Teacher Trainers) Trustee. | |
| Hobbies and interests |
My education background is in modern languages. This continues to be an interest of mine. I am a keen traveller, cook and reader. Ultimately, I love spending time with my friends and family. |
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| Links to the school/area | My now grown-up children were pupils of the Hamble School. I have taught in local schools, and ran a PGCE teacher training provision for 12 years, affording me opportunities to build relationships with local schools, their contexts and leadership teams. | |
| Why did you become a governor? | As a local resident of 20 years, I wish to give back to the local community and support the drive for school improvement. Schools and education communities are currently facing increasing challenges of budget cuts, and increasing workload. The role of the school Governor is a vital one, in that the team supports and challenges the leadership team in the best interests of their pupils, staff and wider community. | |
Hannah Craggs – Chair of Governors
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Name |
Hannah Craggs |
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Category of governor |
Co-opted |
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Linked whole school objective |
Embed a culture of outward facing collaboration, positive communication and strong community links |
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Link role(s) |
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Committee membership |
Finance, Premises and Staffing Learning & Achievement |
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Term of office |
12/07/2022 – 11/07/2026 |
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Work |
I am the Governance Leadership Adviser for Southampton City Council and work with schools across the city on school improvement and governance planning, guidance and support. |
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Governance experience |
Through my work with preschool management committees, primary governing board and as a director on the board of a cooperative trust which includes 3 senior and 4 primary schools in Southampton over the last 10 years, I have built up a solid understanding of the roles and responsibilities of governors. |
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Hobbies and interests |
I am a musician and have worked with students to create music and dance performances. |
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Links to the school/area |
I live locally, having spent my teenage years in the area (leaving The Hamble School in 2000) and recently returning with my family. I have 3 children who will move through the school over the next few years. |
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Why did you become a governor? |
I believe in the importance of ensuring that all pupils, no matter what their background or natural ability, have an opportunity to be successful, and deserve access to a broad and inclusive education. I would like to be a part of the community that works together to continually improve the provision of this for our children. |
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Jemma Dudgeon – Co-opted Governor
I am an experienced teacher and leader with over 20 years teaching experience. I have taught in a range of schools – maintained, academies and federation schools – in both mainstream and specialist education. I have worked in schools in London boroughs; Hampshire; Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole; Reading; and Southampton.
I believe passionately about inclusion and supporting individuals to achieve their full potential. I have been the key note speaker at Pupil Premium Conferences and been part of the leadership team that received recognition from the DfE for use of pupil premium funding to accelerate progress. I worked at a school that had the most improved results in London and a School of the Year Finalist with the TES Awards.
I studied at the University of Southampton before returning to London to complete my PGCE. I have completed my NPQH for headship and have been a Headteacher in a mainstream primary school and all-through specialist school for autistic pupils.
I am the link governor for SEND.
Mary-Anne Gaskin – Staff Governor
| Name | Mary-Anne Gaskin |  |
| Category of governor | Staff Governor | |
| Linked whole school objective | ||
| Link role(s) | ||
| Committee membership | Finance | |
| Term of office | 1 Year from September 2024 | |
| Work |
The Hamble School |
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| Governance experience |
I have previously been a Foundation Governor for a primary school, where I attended different committees and was Safeguarding Governor |
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| Hobbies and interests |
I love the world that we live in and am passionate in empowering young people to explore the world and its many amazing environments |
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| Links to the school/area |
Teacher |
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| Why did you become a governor? |
To support the School on its improvement journey |
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Chris Kaye – Co-opted Governor
| Name | Chris Kaye |  |
| Category of governor | Co-opted Governor | |
| Linked whole school objective | Support the wellbeing and mental health of all staff and students. | |
| Link role(s) |
Health & Safety |
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| Committee membership | Finance Premises & Staffing Committee | |
| Term of office | 25 November 2027 | |
| Work |
Having worked in change management and compliance in a number of large organisations, I now have my own IT consultancy working with a range of companies in the south of England. |
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| Governance experience |
I was previously a parent governor at a local primary school. |
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| Hobbies and interests |
I am a keen cyclist and have explored on bike much of the great countryside in Hampshire and the surrounding counties. |
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| Links to the school/area |
I am married with two children, who attended local schools and colleges. |
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| Why did you become a governor? |
Drawing on my experience, I intend to support The Hamble School to ensure we create a learning environment that is ready for the challenges of the future, to develop young people who want a career in the technology sector, and to benefit all students, by providing them with the best school experience. |
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John Linford – Local Authority Governor
I am originally from Ellesmere Port near Chester and moved to Southampton in 2000, to study at Solent University, where I gained a BA Hons degree in Social and Community Studies. I have lived in Bursledon for the past eight years.
I am currently an Education, Training and Employment Manager in the probation service, covering Kent, Surrey and Sussex. I have over twenty years experience of working on government contracts including eight years working for the English Football League Trust on the National Citizen Service project for 15-17 year olds.
Lucy Pritchard – Parent Governor
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Name |
Lucy Pritchard |
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Category of governor |
Parent Governor |
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Linked whole school objective |
Embed a culture of outward facing collaboration, positive communication, and strong community links |
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Link role(s) |
Health & Safety Governor Chair of Finance Premises & Staffing Committee
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Committee membership |
Finance, Premises & Staffing Pay Committee |
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Term of office |
26/03/2024-25/03/2028 |
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Work |
I am the Head of Nursing for a Primary Care Network. I lead on quality and service development as well as supporting the education and career progression of the wider nursing team. |
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Governance experience |
I am relatively new to the role of school governor having joined the team in early 2024. |
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Hobbies and interests |
I enjoy outdoor activities with my family and our pet dog. I am a keen gardener and have recently taken up running.
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Links to the school/area |
I have lived locally for 18 years, first in Hamble and more recently in Bursledon. I have two children who attend The Hamble School. |
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Why did you become a governor? |
I am passionate about reducing inequalities and improving equitable access to education for all. I hope to utilise my transferable skills whilst serving as a parent governor to contribute positively to continuous and sustained improvement for the benefit of all pupils. |
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Mike Serridge – Co-opted Governor
| Name | Mike Serridge |  |
| Category of governor | Co-opted | |
| Linked whole school objective | Develop an inclusive environment where students enjoy coming to school, attend regularly, are well-behaved, self-regulating, tolerant and respectful | |
| Link role(s) | SEND | |
| Committee membership | Learning and Achievement (Chair) | |
| Term of office | 01/09/2023 -01/09/2027 | |
| Work |
Retired Headteacher Now Ofsted Inspector (part time), Leadership Coach at Ambition Institute, NPQH Facilitator |
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| Governance experience |
Governor at Sparsholt College for 3 years |
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| Hobbies and interests |
Exercise, walking, reading and travel |
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| Links to the school/area |
I know the area reasonably well – my daughter attended Dynamo Gymnastics |
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| Why did you become a governor/trustee? | After 35 years of working in schools, I am passionate about giving back. My goal is to ensure the highest quality education for the children at The Hamble School, helping them achieve their full potential and secure a bright future. | |
Alison Smith – Co-opted Governor
| Name | Alison (Allie) Smith |  |
| Category of governor | Co-opted Governor – deputy Chair | |
| Linked whole school objective | Promote high aspirations, positivity and student leadership so that all achievements are recognised and celebrated both inside and outside of the classroom. | |
| Link role(s) | Careers | |
| Committee membership | Finance, Premises and Staffing Learning & Achievement |
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| Term of office | Jan 2024-Jan 2028 | |
| Work | Director of Oyster World Rally sailing event | |
| Governance experience | Hamble School from Jan 2020 | |
| Hobbies and interests | Sailing, yacht racing, hockey,outdoor education, Skiing, music (I play cello, guitar, sing), travel. I am a mentor for the Magenta Project, empowering young women to achieve in sailing. I have a BA (Hons) in Sports Science and used to manage outdoor activity centres in Europe for 11-18 years and Ski Hotels for UK Ski companies. I have sailed around the world | |
| Links to the school/area | I lived in Hamble for 10 years, ran a business from Port Hamble Marina and still live locally. I have regularly interacted with students from the school and have many friends who have children at the school at the moment. | |
| Why did you become a governor? | I wanted to give something back to the community and do something important with my spare time. There is no more important thing than to see young people be successful, and I am proud to be a small part of their educational journey. | |
Chris Tickner – Vice Chair of Governors
I am a retired IBM Development Program Manager, and have 20 years’ experience as a Justice of the Peace in Southampton.
I have been on the Board of Governors at Hamble for over 25 years. I am currently Joint Vice Chair of the Governing Body and I chair the Behaviour Committee.
I have actively worked to develop the school site as a hub for the community on the peninsular. During my time as Chair of Governors, I oversaw the development of the Sports Facilities, namely the Sports Centre and attached state of the art Gymnasium. With the addition of Hamble Early Years more recently, I believe it is important to continue to develop the facilities and the opportunities the site provides for the community.
Pecuniary Interests Register 2024-2025
| NAME OF GOVERNOR | TYPE OF GOVERNOR | DATE APPOINTED | RELEVANT BUSINESS INTERESTS | LINKS TO OTHER EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS | PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH SCHOOL STAFF OR OTHER GOVERNORS | DATE INTEREST DECLARED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leanne Alden | Co-opted | 20-01-2025 | None declared | None declared | None declared | 07-03-2025 |
| Jo Anderson | Co-opted | 24-09-2024 | None declared | Bournemouth Bay TT Partnership, Christchurch Involved in Initial Teacher Training, ECT training, Mentoring, and Leadership Coaching | None declared | 01-10-2024 |
| Louisa Cambridge | Headteacher | 17-04-2023 | Headteacher | None declared | None declared | 11-09-2024 |
| Hannah Craggs | Co-opted | 28-07-2022 | Parent | Governor at Bitterne Manor Primary School Trustee for Reach Cooperative Trust | None declared | 05-09-2024 |
| Jemma Dudgeon | Co-opted | 22-09-2023 | None declared | Employee at Liberty Academy Trust | Married to Senior SENDCo | 24-09-2024 |
| Mary-Anne Gaskin | Staff | 01-09-2024 | Teacher at the school | None declared | None declared | 08-09-2024 |
| Nigel Groves | Co-opted | LEFT 14-02-2025 | None declared | None declared | None declared | 20-01-2025 |
| Jamie Holden | Parent | LEFT 14-02-2025 | Parent | None declared | None declared | 04-09-2024 |
| Paul Isaacs | Co-opted | LEFT 07-07-2024 | None declared | None declared | None declared | 01-10-2023 |
| Chris Kaye | Co-opted | 26-11-2023 | None declared | None declared | Spouse - clerk | 01-10-2024 |
| John Linford | Local Authority | 08-06-2023 | None declared | None declared | None declared | 05-09-2024 |
| Linda Phillips | Co-opted | LEFT 21-05-2024 | None declared | None declared | None declared | 13-11-2023 |
| Lucy Pritchard | Parent | 22-03-2024 | Parent | None declared | None declared | 03-09-2024 |
| Mike Serridge | Co-opted | 06-11-2023 | None declared | Ofsted Inspector | None declared | 11-09-2024 |
| Alison Smith | Co-opted | 11-02-2024 | None declared | None declared | None declared | 30-09-2024 |
| Chris Tickner | Co-opted | 15-05-2023 | None declared | None declared | None declared | 05-09-2024 |
| Sam Turner | Staff | LEFT 31-07-2024 | Teacher at the school | None declared | None declared | 04-10-2023 |
