Welcome - here you can find out all about our Governing Body - what it does, who is involved, their interests and their commitments to our school. If you have any questions about the Governors, please contact them via the School Office, in person, by email adminoffice@bentworth.hants.sch.uk or telephone 01420-562117. Clerk: tjudytotman@aol.com

For Governor policies refer to 'Policies' under our HOME section.

Diversity Statement 

The governors believe it is important that boards reflect the diversity of the school communities they serve. Diverse boards promote inclusive school environments and provide diverse role models for staff and young people.

The governors are currently collecting data on the diversity of the board, including data on age, gender, and ethnicity. They will use that data to inform their recruitment and training needs and ensure there is always a diverse range of perspectives around the table to support robust decision-making.

Due to our relatively small governing body, we will not publish this diversity data online as individual governors could be identified, and we have a legal obligation to protect their personal data. 

Who's Who

These are the 12 people who make up our Governing Body at St Mary's Bentworth CE Primary School. They are Foundation Governors (7), a representative of the Local Authority, current parents (2) and HT / school staff member. For more information or to contact a governor, please contact the School Office.

Maria Fordyce Chair

Chair of St Mary's Governing Body

Foundation Governor

Term ends: 31.08.2025

Meetings attended in the academic year 2023-2024:

FGB: 6/6 (100%)

Resources: 6/6 (100%)

Overall Attendance 23-24: 12/12 (100%)

Declaration of Pecuniary and Business Interests: Contractor Fresh Ayres Landscaping

Diocesan representative - ex Officio

Debbie Spencer Jones

Foundation Governor

Chair of Education Committee

Joint Safeguarding Governor

Term ends: 17.10.2026

Meetings attended in the academic year 2023-2024:

FGB: 6/6 (100%)

Education: 6/6 (100%)

Overall Attendance 23-24: 12/12 (100%)

Declaration of Pecuniary and Business Interests: None

Jane Phillips

Foundation Governor

Chair of Admissions Committee

Term ends: 05.02.2028

Meetings attended in the academic year 2023-2024:

FGB: 6/6 (100%)

Education: 6/6 (100%)

Overall Attendance 23-24: 12/12 (100%)

Declaration of Pecuniary and Business Interests: None

Felicity Wevill

Foundation Governor

Joint SEN Governor

Term ends: 15.04.2026

Meetings attended in the academic year 2023-2024:

FGB: 5/6 (83%)

Education: 4/6 (66%)

Overall Attendance 23-24: 9/12 (75%)

Declaration of Pecuniary and Business Interests: None

Debbie Kempton

Foundation Governor

Chair of Resources Committee

Term ends: 21.10.2027

Meetings attended in the academic year 2023-2024:

FGB: 5/6 (83%)

Resources: 6/6 (100%)

Overall Attendance 22-23: 11/12 (92%)

Declaration of Pecuniary and Business Interests: Use contractor Fresh Ayres Landscaping

Mr Knight

Local Authority Governor

Joint Safeguarding Governor

Health & Safety Governor

Term ends 13.07.2026

Meetings attended academic year 2023-2024:

Full Governing Body: 4/6 66%

Resources: 4/6 66%

Overall Attendance 2023-24: 67%

Declaration of Pecuniary and Business Interests: None

Jo Ayres

Head Teacher

Appointed 01.01.2013

Meetings attended in the academic year 2023-2024:

FGB: 5/6 (83%)

Resources: 5/6 (83%)

Education: 6/6 (100%)

Overall Attendance 23-24: 18/18 (100%)

Declaration of Pecuniary and Business Interests: Husband, Fresh Ayres, Landscaping

Charlotte Baker

Deputy Head Teacher

Staff Governor

Appointed: 29th September 2023

Meetings attended in academic year 2023-2024

Education: 83%

FGB: 66%

Overall attendance 23-24: 9/12 75%

Declaration of Pecuniary and Business Interests: None

Scott Fitness

Parent Governor

Vice Chair Resources' Committee

Term Ends: 24.09.2026

Meetings attended academic year 2022-23:

Full Governing Body: 6/6 100%

Resources: 6/6 100% 

Overall Attendance: 100% 

Declaration of Pecuniary and Business Interests: Wife is PTA Joint-Chair

Lara Swan

Foundation Governor

Joint SEND Governor

Term ends: 31.01.2028

Meetings attended academic year 2022-2023:

Full Governing Body: 6/6 100%

Education: 6/6 100%

Overall Attendance: 100%

Declaration of Pecuniary and Business Interests: None

Clare Bridger

Parent Governor

Term ends: 02.03.2028

Meetings attended academic year 2023-2024:

Full Governing Body: 100%

Resources: 100%

Overall Attendance: 100%

Declaration of Pecuniary and Business Interests: None

Cathy Dumelow

Associate Governor (SIAMS)

Appointed: 05.10.2022

Attendance as invited

Declaration of Pecuniary and Business Interests: None

Ashley Feldon-Lawrence

Associate Governor (ICT)

Appointed 13.07.2022

Attendance as invited 

Declaration of Pecuniary and Business Interests: Wife is PTA Joint Chair

Judy Totman

Clerk to the Governors

Appointed 01.07.2011

Declaration of Pecuniary and Business Interests: AMT Interiors, Husband Kitchen designer/fits