As the Chair of Governors my focus is to work closely with the Head of School to ensure the preservation and promotion of the school’s vision and ethos.  As a husband and father to two boys, one of whom is a student at Damers, my commitment to their well-being and education is unwavering. Just like you, my children are at the centre of my world, and I recognize the pivotal role that their early education plays in their growth as individuals.  From the moment my son first entered the Foundation gates, I have been captivated by the exceptional warmth, expertise, and dedication exhibited by the entire Damers staff. To express my gratitude for their tireless efforts in nurturing and empowering our children to become the best versions of themselves, I couldn’t think of a better way than serving on the Board of Governors.

I can be contacted via the school office – office@damers.dorset.sch.uk.

I have lived in Dorset all my life and I’m married to a farmer with whom I have four children in their twenties.   I have been a teacher for over thirty years and now do supply work at Damers First School where everyone in the ‘Damers Family’ has a rich, creative and forward thinking vision.  I am passionate about education and I strongly believe that the child must be at the heart of all educational decisions and this is exemplified at Damers.

I became a Children’s Services Authority Governor of Damers School in June 2012. I was a primary school Headteacher in Hertfordshire for 14 years.  I also worked as a School Improvement Partner in Hertfordshire.  In 2011 I retired to Dorset.  I am still a Hertfordshire Improvement Partner and I am working for Dorset County Council as a School Evaluation Partner.

I have lived in the local area of Dorchester for over 30 years and now I live with my family in Poundbury, Dorchester.  My son attends Damers and my newly born daughter will also attend in years to come.  I believe Damers is a wonderful school, with a great ethos and the curriculum is exceptionally strong.  I have been a primary school teacher and now headteacher for nearly 20 years.  My teaching career started in Bridport before I moved to Sherborne to be a deputy head.  I am now the headteacher of Buckland Newton Primary School.  I am very proud to be a governor at Damers school and feel excited to support this fantastic school for years to come! 

I am very proud to have been appointed as a governor at Damers school. As such, I have had the privilege to witness first-hand the kindness, dedication and professionalism of all the staff in creating an inclusive and nurturing environment where all learners can thrive and grow, both academically and personally. A vibrant curriculum underpinned by ‘Harmony’ principles with a clear focus on the environment and global citizenship is being developed and I feel passionately about supporting this evolution. With a background in teaching and school leadership, and as a member of the local community, I am committed to using my experience and knowledge to assist the chair, head of school and senior leadership team to uphold the school’s vision and values and to ensure the best possible education for all our children.

I am currently a Clerk to Governors covering 3 schools within our Trust. I was previously a foster carer and enjoy being involved with children in making their experiences in and out of education the best it can be. I am honoured to be part of the LGB meetings and supporting Governors that have such an important role in supporting the school.

It is my absolute privilege to serve as a Parent Governor for this wonderful school. My son has already been through Damers and had an incredible start to his education. I now have a daughter in the school, and another who will eventually join, and am very invested in Damers’ future. There is such a strong community and a feeling of inclusivity and kindness in Damers, which I have seen reflected in the children, and I admire the focus on the environment and the Harmony principles that underpin the curriculum. I am continually impressed by the dedication and enormous efforts of the staff, and it is a real pleasure to be able to give back to our school community and help support everything that makes Damers special.

I am very passionate about education and the undeniable impact that schools have on pupils particularly in their early years.  My son currently happily attends Damers and I have been overwhelming impressed by the care, dedication, and knowledge of the staff.  It is an honour to be able to play an active role as a Parent Governor to support the school and give back to the fantastic work that is being done to provide children with a great education and start in life. 

After growing up in Dorchester myself, I have since gained 20 years of experience of working both with and in Primary schools.  I currently work for Teach First who are an organisation focusing on improving the life chances and choices for children experiencing poverty.