In this section read more about our governors. Greatham Governing Body consists of 12 members including the Headteacher. There are two Parent Governors, one Staff Governor, a Local Authority Governor and seven Co-opted Governors.

If you are looking for Governor Details and Register of Interests please click on the link

Sarah Phipps

Chair of Governors 

Co-opted Governor

Sarah has worked with children for all of her career, initially as a N.N.E.B nursery nurse in workplace nurseries, schools, a large general hospital and as a nanny in home settings. Sarah trained to be a teacher at Chichester University and also completed her MA degree there in strategic leadership and operational management. She has worked in Hampshire and West Sussex schools at leadership level, and also as a Hampshire lead teacher/trainer for eight years of her career.

Away from work, she enjoys travelling abroad, gardening, reading and arts/crafts.

Michael Anderton
Local Authority Governor

Michael was born and raised in South Africa. Michael came to UK in 1994.
He worked for a small software integration company in London that specialised in integrating complex electrical systems, such as lighting, CCTV, fire detection and heating and ventilation systems found in modern buildings. Michael was self employed  for 21 years an now works work a global board games distribution company on the Facilities and Maintenance team 

Michael finds the experience of being a Governor at Greatham very rewarding and feels his support and challenge has made a positive contribution to the school.

Joanna Goman
Headteacher

Jo is Headteacher of Greatham Primary School. Jo was appointed Headteacher in September 2013. Prior to this, she was the Deputy Headteacher in a large infant school in Basingstoke, she worked there for seven years. 

Jo trained to become a teacher at the University of Reading and began her teaching career in a junior school in Bracknell Forest. This was followed by an Infant School in Whitley, Reading. Jo left this outstanding setting to become a Literacy Advisor for Portsmouth Local Authority.

David Cartwright Forbes
Co-opted Governor

 

Penny Darlington
Staff Governor 

Penny is a full time class teacher and also the English lead in our school. She developed the vision, ethos and strategic direction of English and her work helped the school achieve a ‘good’ Ofsted rating in 2020. Penny has a holistic perspective of teaching and learning across the whole school, and a good understanding of children's ‘learning journey’ throughout the whole of the Primary Phase. She has also taught within a Medical Pupil Referral Unit (including a major hospital school), as well as at other mainstream schools.  Outside the school Penny loves the outdoors, animals and nature and also has a strong interest in music and the creative arts.

Nicola Birchwood
Parent Governor

My whole career and background before having my children was in further and higher education working with young adults advising them on appropriate courses and choosing career paths. Since my children came along I have worked in local government in roles where I hope my involvement (however small) makes a positive difference to people.  

I lead a successful team based across several sites handling many types of enquiries from both internal and external customers.  In my role as a Team Leader I am required to be a strong decision maker and to analyse the potential impact of any change to our service.  I also regularly carry out HR functions required of me ie recruitment, performance management and have dealt confidently with having to have difficult conversations in challenging circumstances.

Anna Dale-Harris

Co-opted Governor

Anna and her family have lived in Greatham for 25 years and she now has strong links with the local community. Anna's children attended Greatham Primary School. Knowing how important education is, she would like to offer support to the teachers and local families, as they educate the next generation. Anna has worked as a Benefits Advisor for the Petersfield CAB. As a Parish Councillor she chaired the planning committee, and represented the Parish Council at public enquiries. Anna believes in the potential of every child, and the crucial importance of supporting them through their education.

Martin Henderson
Vice Chair of Governors

Parent Governor

Martin is a parent governor and has two children at Greatham Primary School. Martin works for an airline / holiday company, where he has held senior operational management roles for the last 10 years, all of which have involved managing budgets, setting and delivering strategies, as well as people and performance management. Outside of the work environment Martin likes to continually further his own learning in areas in which he is interested and has gained qualifications in Coaching, Bushcraft and Electrical Installations and Testing. Martin hopes that his skills and experience will help the school continue to develop and improve.

Phillip Miller

Co-opted Governor

 Sue Godby 

 Co-opted Governor

 Sue is an experienced Occupational Therapist specialising in vocational   rehabilitation and occupational health. Sue works as an independent   practitioner supporting people to return to work after illness and injury either to their own or alternative roles. She previously worked in NHS mental health services, the insurance sector and ran her own business.

Sue’s grandchildren attend the school and she is actively involved in village life. She has held trustee positions in youth and mental health charities, led a Parish youth team and is an Enterprise Advisor for the Petersfield Secondary School. Sue supports the school’s values and is delighted to work with the board of governors to ensure that Greatham School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment where all children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.