Helen Cullen - Foundation & Chair of Governors

My background is in teaching and I am bringing my 35 years experience in education to the Governing Body. I have worked in both primary and secondary schools, as a teacher and also in a variety of leadership roles, latterly as Deputy Head, before retiring in July, 2015. I have been involved in most areas of school life but have had responsibility particularly for Literacy, R.E., Assessment, Safeguarding, Curriculum and Data. I now work in Southampton training teachers for Primary Schools. In my role as Governor I will be able to contribute to the School and help it to continue providing the best possible education for each child, looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities in the future.

Graham Jenkins - Local Authority Governor & Vice Chair

I joined the Governing Body in November 2016 bringing with me nearly 30 years of experience as a Governor. I spent 25 years as a Secondary School Governor, with three years as Chair and have also served a full 4 year term as a Primary School Governor before joining the St Nicholas team.

I also sit on school admissions and exclusion appeals for Wiltshire Council and was the Secretary/Treasurer for the Wiltshire Association of Governors for a number of years.

I am a retired professional aircraft engineer working within MoD for over 40 years and have extensive knowledge of programme management and the control of finance. I am also an experienced manager of staff.

I am an active member of Bulford Village Parish Council and my hobbies include reading and golf.

Colin Eastwood - Foundation Governor

I was asked if I would consider being a Foundation Governor for the school at a parents evening in 2019. All 3 of my children will attend St. Nicholas and I felt privileged to be asked. For me, it is important to try and help develop the school, particularly as St. Nicholas is going to be a part of our lives for a long period of time.  Whilst looking at schools for the first time for our eldest daughter, we were incredibly impressed with the team from the outset. It was evident that the teaching and support staff were committed to the shared value of ensuring that children “love to learn and learn to love”. It was clear to see how this contributes to St. Nicholas’ good learning record and OFSTED ratings.

 I work for Britain’s national mapping agency, Ordnance Survey. I have a technical background in IT with Geographic Information Systems and during my 12 years with them, I’ve moved into business analysis and consultancy. I am responsible for ensuring that Ordnance Survey investments have sound business cases and governance processes have been followed. I will be applying this skillset and experience to the governing body and the Resources Committee.

 I believe a good education that is broad and goes beyond the academic is fundamental to ensuring our children become the best versions of themselves. The ethos at St. Nicholas seeks to do just that and I want to help support them, as best I can, in achieving their goals.

Isabel Holtby - Parent Governor

I joined the Governing Body in January 2020.  My background is working for the MOD as a chartered ergonomist and human factors practitioner, where I improve person related aspects of equipment design, whether it is physical engineering modifications, psychology, health and safety, or training.  This is often holding people to account for their decisions and I’m good at seeing the wider picture, and understanding things from a variety of opinions.

I wanted to be a governor as I love the school and want to support the staff and management to achieve their aims.  My son is currently at St Nicholas and loves it. Being able to support education is a privilege.

Lucy Hill -  Ex-Officio Governor

I am currently the Interim Headteacher at St Nicholas Primary School, having previously worked at the school as Deputy Headteacher since 2019 . I have been a teacher for 15 years and have experience in both key stages as well as leading English, Maths, Science and MFL. Since joining the school I have worked with the teachers to create our bespoke Global Explorer Curriculum. Previously I worked part-time at St Nicholas while I was seconded to the National Centre for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (NCETM) as a Maths Mastery Specialist. I am also a qualified Professional Development Lead. In my role as Mastery Specialist I have supported around 20 local school to improve the teaching of mathematics towards a teaching for Mastery approach. My experience and skills ensure that I am well placed to support the school and Governing Body to continue to move the school forward.

Yvonne Brooks - Foundation Governor

Bio pending

Katherine Wilford - Co-Opted Governor

I was honoured to be asked to be a school governor.  I have three grown up children who attended St Nicholas School so I know first-hand what a happy and nurturing school St Nicholas was and still is.  As Chairman of the Memorial Hall and living in the village as I do, I am keen to ensure that the school is seen as a real asset to and a vital part of the community.

In the past I have worked as a picture framer and am currently working part time for an online retail company; I also volunteer for 'Witness Support" at Salisbury Court, assisting and reassuring witnesses when they come to give evidence . I believe in supporting people, young or old, to reach their potential and the basis of primary education is to lay the foundations for a well-rounded, kind and confident child; I believe St Nicholas School is able to give its children the best start and I will do whatever I can do to help the staff, parents and children to continue to achieve this. 

In my spare time, I love walking my two Labradors, gardening, cooking and enjoying the Arts (Galleries & Museums, Theatre) 

Chloe Mills - Parent Governor

From the moment we stepped into St Nicholas’ as a family, we felt that it was the best match for us in terms of ethos and culture and we were so pleased when we found out that our eldest had secured a place in reception. It’s a privilege to be a parent governor, supporting the excellent staff team and I have an invested interest with two sons currently in attendance and one starting in 2023! I have worked solely in education throughout my career and I run a company delivering training for students, staff and parents in schools across the South. We are a leading company for revision and study skills and also spend time developing leadership and emotional intelligence in both staff and students. I hope that understanding school life from both the perspective of an educator and a parent means that I can help support St Nicholas’ to continue the great work that they do for the young people in their care.

Fay Hodder - Co-opted Governor

I joined the St Nicholas governing body in January 2023. I have 20 years of finance experience in a variety of leadership roles, I am hoping my knowledge in Finance, HR and facilities management will help me in supporting the school and staff to continue to achieve their objectives and goals. From the moment we started our journey with the school my family has been met with nothing but love, kindness, and encouragement. I will do all I can to assist the school to continue this culture for all future St Nicholas families.

Sophie Bales - Foundation Governor

From the moment I stepped inside St Nicholas’ Primary School I felt this sense of warmth and kindness.  I was so pleased when my daughter got a place and absolutely thrilled to be asked to be a Foundation Governor.  I have been a primary school teacher for 15 years and taught in both KS1 and KS2.  I have recently become an RE HUB Leader for the Diocese which I am really enjoying and hope that this experience will enable me to help St Nicholas’ to continue to flourish as a church school.  I look forward to supporting the school in the great work that they do for both the current and future families of St Nicholas’.   

Becky Pistell - Staff Governor

I have been teaching at St Nicholas since 2013. The school’s ethos and family feel was something I was really drawn to as a newly qualified teacher ten years ago and I still feel the loving environment walking through the door each day. I have taught throughout the year groups from Reception to Year 6 during my time here and have had varying roles in leading English, Music, PSHE and Science. Therefore, I felt I could utilise my teaching experience to support our school as Staff Governor.