Helen Cullen - 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. My grandson attends St Nicholas school so I too have a vested interest in its future. 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.

Adrian Jones- Foundation Governor

I was asked to be a foundation governor at the school just after my daughters started in reception class. As a foundation governor the schools Christian principles and ethos are of great importance to me. I've been able to be involved with and Chair the Premises panel where the fabric of the school itself is maintained.

We chose the school for its friendly atmosphere and good learning record, we also loved the fact that all the children were so well behaved something I am glad to say is still alive and well and flourishing in the school today.

I work for a private contractor in the defence industry. I am an electronics design engineer by trade and also manage the electronics engineers and contractors in their day to day activities in my capacity as a discipline leader.

I have always had an interest in Maths, Physics and engineering from an early age and was able to turn my interests into a BSc in Engineering and gained me membership to various professional institutions. I am a strong believer in good education and have always maintained an enquiring mind is a healthy mind, another reason I like and support St Nicholas school, its staff and teachers.

My daughters have kept me supplied with a constant stream of various broken toys over the years and I now have a reputation as a toy mender of some merit, unlike my dancing, which according to my daughters should not be witnessed under any circumstances!!

Graham Jenkins - Local Authority Governor

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 -  Staff Governor

I am currently the Deputy Headteacher at St Nicholas Primary School with responsibility for the Curriculum, Maths and Staff professional Development. I have been a teacher for  13 years and have experience in both key stages as well as leading English, Maths, Science and MFL. I currently work part-time at St Nicholas as the rest of my time is spent working for the National Centre for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (NCETM) as a Maths Mastery Specialist and am a qualified Professional Development Lead. I have supported 14 local school to improve the teaching of mathematics towards a teaching for Mastery approach and continue to work with other schools on School Improvement and Teaching and Learning. I love my roles and my experience and skills ensure that I am best placed to support the school and Governing Body to continue to move the school forward.

Yvonne Brooks - Foundation Governor

Photograph and Bio to follow shortly.

Elaine Mattera - Co-Opted Governor

Photograph and Bio to follow shortly.

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)