Guide to the Governors

Chair of Governors

Andrew Barnard - Chair of Governors

Andrew studied Archaeology and Prehistory at Sheffield University and then trained as a teacher in Winchester. He specialised in teaching English and history but also coached sport, directed plays and ran school boarding. Between 2006 and 2022, Andrew was Head of a 3-13 prep school in Berkshire. Andrew has a passion for history, creative arts and the natural world and he is eager to open the eyes of young people to the world around them and to promote the development of the whole child. Since retiring to Salisbury in 2023, Andrew has joined the board of two schools, is a trustee of an educational trust and is also an education consultant.

 

Helen Donnelly-Headteacher Ex-officio Governor

I am proud to lead Harnham Cof E Junior School as Headteacher, working closely with our dedicated governors, staff and community to ensure every child thrives. As an experienced school leader, I bring a strong commitment to raising standards and inclusion. I am passionate about creating a supportive and ambitious environment where pupils can reach their full potential. I am delighted to be working with the governors on our exciting journey of school improvement.

 

Foundation Governor

Sarah Busby

Sarah’s educational career spanned more than 40 years; she was a secondary Headteacher and then the founding CEO of Magna Learning Partnership, building the Trust to ten schools, including local primaries. She is a magistrate and now has grandchildren of junior school age. She is the safeguarding governor and has a particular interest in children’s reading. 

 

 
 

Co-opted Governor

Efrim Niccals

I am a Co-opted Governor at Harnham Juniors - my daughters both attended the school. I have been involved in school governance for a few years now, both here and at Harnham Infants. I am passionate about the power of education and particularly promoting equality of opportunity for all children. My background is in publishing and bookselling and I am currently also a part- time student.

 

Co-opted Governor

Ruth Fletcher

I am the Deputy Head at the school and originally joined the governing body in 2011, as a Staff Governor, One of my many roles is leading assessment and preparing data analysis of our school so I can explain this to all governors and answer their questions. I very much enjoy working with my governor colleagues who are hardworking and supportive of the school, but who also challenge and question us so we can work together on school improvement and development. As a Staff Governor I create a valuable link between all staff and the Governing Body.

 

Ex-officio Foundation Governor

Becky Roberts

I am Reverend Becky, the vicar to the whole of the Harnham community. I have extensive teaching and life experience serving different communities in the UK and abroad. I am also a professionally trained therapist. I believe school is a place where children learn and develop as part of a community, caring for one another and growing in their values to enable both themselves and the community to flourish. The bedrock of my faith is to love others as Jesus taught us in the story of the Good Samaritan. As a Foundation Governor, I support and challenge the school through the Curriculum, Religious Education and acts of worship, as well as supporting families.

Foundation Governor

Sophie Ferguson

I am currently an Associate Curate in Harnham Parish and Salisbury Cathedral. Having spent my career both in business and local schools, serving communities as a Lay Chaplain, I bring a range of both business and pastoral skills to the governing body. I have two children, so understand the joys and pressures of modern family life. My faith informs my desire to see families flourish with fullness of life. 

Co-opted Governor

Jake Lean

 I am an experienced secondary school teacher and senior leader, with a strong commitment to ensuring that all children benefit from a high-quality education, whatever their starting point. My own experiences of education shaped a belief in its ability to broaden horizons and create opportunity, and this continues to underpin my work as both an educator and a governor.

I have held a range of leadership roles in schools, including Head of Science and senior leadership positions, with responsibility for teaching and learning, staff development, and curriculum design. I have extensive experience of coaching staff within schools and working closely with trainee teachers and early career teachers, supporting them to develop strong classroom practice and professional confidence.

As a governor, I bring experience of strategic planning, accountability, and school improvement, with a focus on high expectations, professionalism, and making well-informed decisions in the best interests of students. I am passionate about supporting schools to provide a nurturing, ambitious environment in which every child can thrive.

 

Parent Governor

Kate Duffield

I have been a Parent Governor since January 2024 and have 2 children currently enrolled at the school. I joined during a significant transformation stage with a new headteacher and am fortunate to have been involved in the journey the school has taken so far, and is continuing on for the future. As a parent, I have seen these changes first hand and feel the school is becoming more a part of the community. I have worked in Finance my entire career and am currently employed as a Data and MI Analyst

 

Parent Governor

I am a parent governor at Harnham Juniors and my daughter has been at the school since September 2023. I am committed to supporting our school community and help every child thrive.  I strongly believe that the partnership between families, staff and governors will contribute to the school’s success.I have lived in Harnham for 10 years now and want to support the parent community. I am passionate in ensuring that every child regardless of their background, ability or need receives the best possible education and experience. Having worked in leadership for over 20 years, I have the confidence and skills to contribute effective to strategic decisions and I will ask the right questions.