Governors
Our Governors are all volunteers and they all represent an area of the school community. We have Foundation Governors, who are representatives of either St Mary's Church, Felpham, St Nicholas' Church, Middleton-on-Sea or the Diocese; Parent Governors, who have been elected by parents of the school; Local Authority Governor; and Staff Governor, who is elected by staff at the school and our Headteacher.
The Governing Body works in close partnership with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team and plays a largely strategic role in the running of the school. It helps to set the aims and objectives of the school; adopting policies; and setting targets.
Details of the powers and duties of Governors are given in the Department for Education publication, "A Guide to the Law for School Governors" - this document can be viewed on the DfE website.
Our Governors are:
My Nick Hughes - Chair of Governors / Parent Governor
Mrs Chris Moores - Vice Chair of Governors / Co-Opted Governor
Mr Nick Sharp - Headteacher
Miss Louise Type - Associate Governor
Fr John Challis - Ex officio Governor
Mrs Rachel Hutchins - Staff Governor
Mr David Lind - Local Authority Governor
Ms Julia Carey - Foundation Governor
Mrs Jackie Pendleton - Foundation Governor
Mr Peter French - Foundation Governor
Mrs Liz Wand - Foundation Governor
Mrs Jo McCarthy - Foundation Governor
Mrs Janet Yeates - Foundation Governor
Ms Kerra Benbow - Co-Opted Governor
Mrs Joan Bull - Ex-Officio Governor
Mrs Hannah McLoughlin - Parent Governor
Mrs Caroline Harmer - Clerk to Governors
Meet the governors here;
Nick Hughes - Chair of Governors and Parent Governor
I'm Nick Hughes, currently serving as the Chair of Governors and a Parent Governor at Bishop Tufnell Primary School (BTPS). With a background in City finance spanning over two decades, I've been fortunate to gain a breadth of experiences, which I now bring to my role at BTPS. In 2013, I made the decision to return to my roots in Felpham, launching my own business and focusing on family life, a journey that has been both challenging and rewarding.
Transitioning from my professional background in finance to the world of education, I became a parent governor at BTPS in 2021 when my youngest son joined the school. It was an opportunity for me to contribute to the school's strategic development and help foster a positive learning environment for all our children. As Chair of the Governing Board and Vice-Chair of the Resources Committee, my goal is to support and guide our school in a way that ensures each child feels valued and receives an education that nurtures their potential.
Beyond my roles within the school or at work, I enjoy staying active and engaged, whether it's playing squash, socialising with The Penguin Club, or spending time with my children, walking my Cockapoo, Lottie, along our beautiful local beaches and countryside. I'm also an enthusiastic traveller and foodie, always looking forward to exploring new cultures or enjoying a meal with friends and family.
I am constantly reminded of the importance of empathy, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to our children's future. I'm honoured to be a part of the BTPS family and excited about what we can achieve together.
Chris Moores, Vice Chair of Governors and Co-opted Governor.
I am a retired primary school deputy headteacher. I am a governor because I believe that every child is
important and deserves the best possible education to equip them for the future, a belief encompassed by the Vision and Values of Bishop Tufnell C of E School.
My hobbies are spending time with friends, yoga, Tai Chi, swimming, badminton, ballroom dancing, walking my GSD and writing stories for children.
Nick Sharp, Headteacher
I am Nick Sharp and I have been the Headteacher of Bishop Tufnell CE Primary School since September 2018.
I have previously been Headteacher at two other local schools. I love being part of a school community that has children at the heart of all we do. They are the future and they deserve the very best that we can give them.
I am married, have four grown up children and a cocker spaniel called Barney. I love being outdoors, spending time with family and friends and playing tennis.
Kerra Benbow, Co-Opted Governor
I have been a Governor at Bishop Tufnell for over a year and a half now and really enjoy my role as SEND Governor. I am a teacher at a local primary school and am currently teaching year 3, but have taught all KS2 year groups across my 12 years of teaching. I have two children who attend Bishop Tufnell and a third who will also hopefully start in a few years time. I decided to take on the challenge of Governor as I feel like I can help support the school with my knowledge and understanding of the education system.
Rachel Hutchins, Staff Governor
I love teaching at Bishop Tufnell because we are a creative and nurturing school. Being a primary teacher is a privilege as we teach more than numbers, facts and grammar, and over many years see the whole child growing and developing. Before primary teaching I worked in adult education, language teaching and Sure Start family centres. Being staff governor is important to me as I represent our teachers and get to see the bigger picture which makes up our school.
David Lind, Local Authority Governor
I've recently retired from the RSPCA after 20 years of working in the finance department. During retirement I'm looking to have more walks with our 2 rescue dogs, visiting friends & family, playing golf & growing some of our own vegetables.
Jo McCarthy - Foundation Governor
I am a retired teacher having taught key stage 2 for 35 years (over 30 of them being at Bishop Tufnell). I enjoy spending time with my grandson whom I care for 2 days a week. In my spare time I love singing, playing the piano, cello and sewing. I sing in St Mary’s Church choir and play the piano for services when the organist is on holiday. I also help out at the food table in St Mary’s Centre weekly.
Having retired, I still enjoy being part of the Bishop Tufnell community in my role as foundation governor which enables me to help all children at our school achieve all that they are capable of.
God our Father,
We seek your blessing and support in all the responsibilities we bear as Governors of this school.
May we reach our decisions prompted by a desire to serve.
May your Spirit grant us wisdom and understanding.
Keep the children and staff and all associated with our school under your watchful eye, so that the purpose of our school may flourish for the good of all at all times.
St Mary - Pray for us. St Nicholas pray for us.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen
Please see below for more detailed information about Governors, their term of office, attendance at Governor meetings during 2018/19 and register of interests.
Governors can be contacted via email: clerk@tufnell.org
Please click here for Governor Meeting Attendance 2022 - 2023