Governors

What is the governing body?

The governing body has nine members. Some are parents of Hannah More children; others are members of the local community, one is chosen by the local authority and one is a staff representative. We have three teams who meet regularly to look at various aspects of school life. We meet as a full governing body at the end of each term. We regularly visit school to monitor and evaluate particular aspects of the school such as behaviour and safety.

You can contact the Chair of Governors via the school office or by email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Our role is to:

Work with the Head Teacher to determine the overall direction of the school
Oversee the budget
Help recruit staff
Monitor how well the school is doing and how well pupils achieve at Hannah More.
Advise on school policies and procedures

Register of business interests December 2021

Meet the governors

Name: Bern Leckie, (Chair) Parent Governor

Job: I am head of music for a national children’s radio station and work freelance as a producer of websites, podcasts and other media

Governor Role: Link governor for Wellbeing and English

Why am I a governor? Hannah More Primary School is central to the community I’ve lived in for over 10 years, and my family wants to see it thrive. I have previous experience as an exam board subject officer, a children’s media company director, and a volunteer reading buddy at this and other schools. I’m passionate about bringing understanding and creativity together to help people learn and grow. As a governor, I enjoy learning about how the school’s diverse community works. I can also use my coaching and evidence-gathering skills to help support and challenge the leadership to give students from all backgrounds the best possible start in life.

Name: Michael Carter - LA Governor

Job - Teacher

Governor role - Link governor for Children in Care and Safeguarding

Why I am a governor? Not as some short-term opportunity to look good on my CV, I'm here as a governor for the long term. Nominated by the Labour Party back in 1993, I see being a governor as using my skills and experience to the benefit of my local community. Trying to hold onto my beliefs as to what is important in education, whilst deciding which of the latest crazy ideas from politicians should be thrown out. Schools should be about the pleasure of lifelong learning, not a place where pupils are assessed just so league tables can be compiled and where schools and staff are only as good as the previous year’s results. I want to see Hannah More Primary School as a place where both the children and the staff who work there thrive, and will recall with pleasure, their time at the school as they move forward in life."

Name: Bob Rocca, Elected Staff Governor

Job: Premises Manager

Governor role: Link governor for Sports

Why I am a Governor: I am employed as the Premises Manager at Hannah More. This has enabled me to become fully involved in the governance of the school. I am able to represent the staff’s views at meetings and share my knowledge of the school with governors. I am entirely committed to raising attainment and working towards our goal to become an outstanding school. I feel, that as a team of governors, we are all committed to putting children’s education and needs first to give them the best start in life and education.

Name: Nerys Shah, Coopted Governor

Job: Outreach Manager at University of Bath and Freelance Science Presenter

Governor Role: Link Governor for Wider Curriculum and SEND (Temp)

Why am I a governor? I have worked in informal education for over a decade, so I have an interest in learning and have seen the challenges facing schools and teachers. I want to use my experience to support my local primary school to be the best that it can be. As a resident of the Dings, I want to see my community’s children have the best education and opportunity. And, as mother of a two year old, I am investing in what I hope will be my child’s future school. Being a governor is also an opportunity for me to learn, develop and give something back to my community.

Name: Soumia Seradj - Elected Parent Governor

Job: SEN LSA, Hannah More Primary

Governor role: Behaviour, Health & Safety (Temp)

Why am I a governor? I am a qualified Teaching Assistant, having studied for the last two years to get to know how schools work, so I can help the children that need support. Education gives our children an opportunity to improve and develop their holistic skills, which will help them in the future to be positive, active members of the community. My children attend Hannah More and I have good relationships with the other parents, which will help me to represent their points of view in the school. I am keen to learn and improve my skills to help me to provide support and good opportunities for the children. Hannah More Primary School made me feel that I belong here when we first came to UK, and I want all the parents and their children to feel the same.Thank you

Name: Carolyn Dougherty - (Vice Chair) Co-opted Governor

Job: Engineering Manager at Jacobs Engineering

Governor role: Link Governor for Maths and Pupil Premium (Temp)

Why am I a governor? I have taught engineering and history at sixth form and university level, have volunteered to help children and adults develop academic and workplace skills, and currently participate in activities supporting women in STEM. As a school governor I will use my skills to help Hannah More’s students gain experience and knowledge that will help them succeed and achieve in their future lives.

Name: Gen Ellison-Smith - Co-opted Governor

Job: Class Teacher, Hannah More

Why am I a governor? I have been working at Hannah More for 9 years as a volunteer, teaching assistant and now teacher and during this time have got to know the amazing pupils and school community. I am passionate about inspiring every child at Hannnah More to succeed in their education and am looking forward to working alongside the other governors to help ensure this. I hope to use my knowledge as a teacher within the school to share the views of staff and help improve outcomes for every child at Hannah More.

Name: Kevin Hawkins - Headteacher

How Are We Organised?

The Full Governing Body meet 4-6 times a year.

In each term each link governor meets with their key staff member to review the impact of their work and find out more about what they are doing. The link governor reports form a crucial part of the Full Governing Body meeting as they offer the whole governing body an insight into the work of several key staff members in the school. The discussion around the report informs the link governors' next meetings. Three times a year the governing body organise a teaching and learning review (GTLR) when they explore in a 'hands on' way some of the themes that have been a focus. They may watch lessons or look at books, speak to teachers or children and senior leaders.