Governors
It is a legal requirement for every school to have a Governing Body. Their role is to monitor the standards of the school, to ensure that all statutory requirements are carried out and generally oversee that the school is run in a proficient and professional manner and that it provides best value for money.
All governors are voluntary and do not receive any financial reimbursement as part of their role.
The term of office for governors is 4 years.
2025 – 2026 Year End Statement
Jon Dodsley
Personal Statement
I moved to Bonsall in 2019 and joined the Governors in 2021, specifically to join the finance committee. As a Fellow of CIMA and an associate of the ATT I have been a small to medium sized business finance leader for the last 20+ years and bring significant business experience to the governor’s role. I have recently stepped away from roles within single businesses to begin offering financial leadership advice over many businesses through my own company and hope to provide a similar service to Bonsall school.
Representing
Associate Governor
Responsibilities & Sub-committee
Finance, Buildings & Personnel – Chair
info@bonsall.derbyshire.sch.uk
Alistair Hamilton
Personal Statement
I have lived in Bonsall for nearly 20 years, and previously served as treasurer on the St. James PCC. Both my children attended Bonsall school and have fond memories of their time there.
I have recently retired from a career in science and information technology, following a degree in mathematics and physics.
Representing
Foundation
Responsibilities & Sub-committee
Finance, Buildings & Personnel
info@bonsall.derbyshire.sch.uk
Julie Hamilton
Personal Statement
I have lived in Bonsall since 2007. My children attended Bonsall Primary School and thoroughly enjoyed their time there. I have previously been involved in the PTFA and Carnival and am an editor of Bonsall Mutterings. I am now retired but worked in admin roles at Secondary and primary schools.
Representing
Foundation
Responsibilities & Sub-committee
Finance, Buildings & Personnel
info@bonsall.derbyshire.sch.uk
Danny Goodridge
Personal Statement
I joined the school in 2023, having taught elsewhere in Derbyshire and Kent for the previous 12 years. I have spent most of my career teaching upper juniors, but taught an infant class last year. I had the opportunity to become staff governor as well, which allows me to work alongside members of the wider Bonsall community. I completed a zoology undergraduate at Liverpool University, followed by a primary PGCE at Canterbury Christ Church University.
Representing
Responsibilities & Sub-committee
info@bonsall.derbyshire.sch.uk
Kim Gray
Personal Statement
Having moved to Bonsall over 2 years ago I have recently joined the school as a Local Authority Governor. I have over 20 years experience in primary education specialising in SEN children and look forward to supporting the school and it’s place in the local community.
Representing
Vice Chair of Governors
L.E.A.
Responsibilities & Sub-committee
Safeguarding
Quality of Education
Performance Management
info@bonsall.derbyshire.sch.uk
Ann Hambly
Personal Statement
I became a governor in May 2015 following retirement from a career in education where I was involved with provision for students who, for whatever reason, found learning difficult.
As a member of the Curriculum and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) sub committees I look forward to continuing to be able to see how the school supports all children so that they can continue to flourish and succeed whilst having access to a broad and balanced curriculum and many additional opportunities.
Governor
Representing
Foundation
Responsibilities & Sub-committee
Quality of Education
Performance Management
Ian Valbur
Personal Statement
Having moved to Bonsall around 8 years ago, becoming a parent governor felt like a fantastic way to contribute to life in the village. I have been a teacher for 14 years having taught every year from EYFS to year 6. I am currently the deputy head of a school in Chesterfield.
Representing
Parent Governor
Responsibilities & Sub-committee
Quality of Education
info@bonsall.derbyshire.sch.uk
Abigail Warwick
Personal Statement
I’m delighted to have recently joined the governing board at Bonsall School as a Foundation Governor. Having attended Bonsall school myself, I’ve lived in the village for most of my life and now have children at the school. It feels very special to be able to give something back to a place that has always been such an important part of my life. My degree is in Childhood Studies and I’m particularly interested in children’s wellbeing and development. I’m also passionate about the strong relationship between our school and church, and look forward to helping nurture this important part of our village community. I’m excited to work alongside the governors, staff and families and support the school and its children.
Representing
Foundation
Responsibilities & Sub-committee
info@bonsall.derbyshire.sch.uk
Rebecca Smart
Personal Statement
I worked at Bonsall School for a number of years, before being appointed as Head teacher. I am proud of our village school and all the opportunities we are able to offer our pupils.
Representing
Ex-officio
Headteacher
Responsibilities & Sub-committee
All Sub Committees
Louise Stevenson
Personal Statement
I have twenty years experience in leading support for children with special educational needs in both primary and secondary schools. I also helped two of my own children with learning differences, to navigate their path through school and university.
As a former family law solicitor, I hope to contribute my experience in safeguarding children and helping them to flourish as individuals.
I moved to Bonsall in 2022 and am delighted to have this opportunity to support the school community
Chair of Governors
Representing
Foundation
Responsibilities & Sub-committee
Quality of Education – Chair
Performance Management – Chair
Finance, Buildings & Personnel
Jennie Pugh
Personal Statement
After working at the school over a number of years in different roles, I became a part-time School Business Officer in June 2023. I have since taken over the role full time where I will also be Clerk to Governors . My 3 children all attended and loved coming to Bonsall Primary so I had strong links with the school prior to working here. It’s a lovely school and community and I look forward to being a part of this.
Representing
Clerk to the Governors
Responsibilities & Sub-committee
info@bonsall.derbyshire.sch.uk