Meet Our Governors
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
Chair of Governors
Co-opted Governor
Michael was born and raised in South Africa. Michael studied Computer Programming at Durban University of Technology. 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 is now a self employed electrician and has run his business since 2002.
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.
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.
Co-opted Governor
Diana has been a teacher in an FE College, a Comprehensive School and a Senior Independent School as well as teaching for a couple of years in a Junior Independent School.
She has had experience in working in strategic marketing for a medium sized relocation company and following further studies in Management Studies and Education Studies specialized in teaching Business Studies to HND and A-Level students. She was fortunate to have been in charge of many overseas expeditions taking children to develop leadership and independent skills in countries such as Malawi, Iceland and Eastern Europe and supported families in order to raise funds.
Diana now lives in Liphook, has three adult children and very much enjoys being involved with Greatham School.
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.
Co-opted Governor
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.
Local Authority Governor
I am the Rector of Greatham and Associate Priest for Empshott and Hawkley with Priors Dean. I have experience of schools as a parish priest, both LA and Church Schools and happy to serve both school and wider community in whatever way best meets the local need.
I have been a school governor for the greater part of 30 years in ministry and see this as an important part of my work and contribution to the local community.I have tried to support all of the schools in my parishes/areas of authority as a governor, supporter and when appropriate as a help with collective worship or visits to church. I have served on various governor committees.
Rob Ahearn
Vice Chair of Governors
Co-opted Governor
Rob was the founding Headteacher of a Secondary Free School in London, which was rated “outstanding” in all areas at its first inspection. Rob understands what makes an outstanding school and believes he can be influential and supportive on a governing body. Rob is very keen to continue to support schools in his retirement and is looking forward to working with the Greatham Governors.
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.
Wendy Gratrix
Co-opted Governor
Wendy has worked within a special educational needs setting for most of her career. For the last two years at Sparsholt College, she has been the curriculum leader of the Foundation Learning Department, specialising in working with a range of learners with SEND.
Wendy always strives to make sure all learners have the best chance of gaining the skills they need to succeed and progress towards their future career aspirations. With a vast understanding of what is required to enable learners to succeed and achieve, Wendy believes she will be an asset at Greatham Primary School