Governing Body
April Owen-Jones, Chair of Governors
I have been a governor at Highbury Primary School for the past three years after retiring as Headteacher of a school in Hampshire. Initially as a member of the Interim Executive Board (IEB), it has been my privilege to see the school make huge improvements. Currently Chair of Governors, I am a member of both committees with a particular interest in Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and the whole area of Inclusion.
Sarah Sadler, Headteacher
I am the Headteacher and have been at Highbury for three years. I have brought the school from special measures to good and hoping to continue the progression to outstanding. I am passionate the every child at Highbury Primary achieves their very best academically, personally and with their best behaviour. I want to ensure that as Highbury grows it retains its central values of love and friendship, faith, determination, respect and peace.
Paul Rolfe, Community Governor
I am Committee Head of Technology & Innovation at Highbury College. I hold a degree in Computing and Informatics from the University of Portsmouth and am a Fellow of the British Computer Society. I am also a Chartered IT professional. I have worked in the education sector for over 15 years and passionate about providing outstanding educational opportunities for all. I am currently studying for an MBA at the University of Portsmouth and am also a governor of Solent NHS Trust. In my spare time I enjoy swimming, walking, travelling, cinema and music.
Juliet Straw, Community Governor
I have been the Vicar of both St Philip’s and St Peter and St Paul, Wymering since 2010 and was appointed to the Board of Governors in 2012. Before taking up my post in Portsmouth, I combined duties in my last parish with a post as Deputy Housemistress and Head of Religious Studies at Leighton Park, an Independent Quaker School in Reading, where I had taught for 23 years. I have been a school governor for ten years, some of those in Church schools. I am a firm believer in excellence, which all children can aspire to, whatever their circumstances and whatever their gifts and talents. Each one of us involved in education of our youngsters has a responsibility to nurture and encourage all children to reach their full potential. Highbury is a great school with inspirational core values - and with an exciting future ahead. I am delighted to be part of the school.
Loreley Lawrence, Community Governor
I have lived in Cosham for 38 years and am an active member of our local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme. I work with my husband in our own business in which I have the role of Company Secretary and also the daily running of the business accounts. I have 2 daughters and 2 grandsons: my youngest grandson attends HIghbury Primary and has made amazing progress during his time at the school. My interests include travelling, reading & DIY. Our travels include frequent trips to the USA: both my husband and I enjoy visiting American historical sites & my interests lie in American politics & the NASA space programme. I consider that the skills I have attained over my varied & fulfilling past have given me a good background to support my role as a school governor. My particular interests are special education needs at the school. I find the experience of being a school governor is enjoyable as well as challenging. The current governor's board has a number of new members and a good team spirit is evolving within the governing body. The staff and children at Highbury Primary School are also great to work with; there is a friendly, caring atmosphere in the school and the children are encouraged to achieve at all levels.
Pauline Jeffs, LA Governor
My name is Pauline Jeffs and I live locally to the school in Hilsea. I am very excited to have joined the Board of Governors in May 2014 as a Local Authority governor to the school. I am qualified accountant having spent 30 years in the Public Sector in the NHS and more recently at the University of Portsmouth. I have worked with youth organisations over the years and am great believer in giving our children both the academic and social skills to enrich them for their future. I am looking forward to embracing the challenges ahead to ensure the school provides an excellent teaching environment for the children and working with you all.
Ronald Wellgreen, Parent Governor
I have been at Highbury Primary School for the last three years, I have two children at the school and I am the Site Manager's Cleaning Assistant.
Sarah Marsh, Parent Governor
Details to follow
Rebecca Smith, Staff Governor – Teacher
StanaBoulton, Associate Governor – Deputy Headteacher
Maureen Allen, Clerk to Governors