Governors

What is the governing body?

The governing body has nine members. Some are parents of Hannah More children; others are members of the local community, one is chosen by the local authority and one is a staff representative. We have three committees who meet regularly to look at various aspects of school life. We meet as a full governing body at the end of each term. We regularly visit school to monitor and evaluate particular aspects of the school such as behaviour and safety.

You can contact the Chair of Governors via the school office or by email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Our role is to:

Work with the Head Teacher to determine the overall direction of the school
Oversee the budget
Help recruit staff
Monitor how well the school is doing and how well pupils achieve at Hannah More.
Advise on school policies and procedures

Committee Structure and Terms of Reference 2025-26

Meet the governors

Name: Bern Leckie, (Chair) Co-opted Governor

Job: I am head of music for a national children’s radio station and work freelance as a producer of websites, podcasts and other media

Governor Role: Link governor Finance, Leadership & Governance, Curriculum, Inclusion

Why am I a governor? Hannah More Primary School is central to the community I’ve lived in for over 10 years, and my family wants to see it thrive. I have previous experience as an exam board subject officer, a children’s media company director, and a volunteer reading buddy at this and other schools. I’m passionate about bringing understanding and creativity together to help people learn and grow. As a governor, I enjoy learning about how the school’s diverse community works. I can also use my coaching and evidence-gathering skills to help support and challenge the leadership to give students from all backgrounds the best possible start in life.

Name: Bob Rocca, Elected Staff Governor

Job: Premises Manager

Governor role: Link governor for Finance

Why I am a Governor: I am employed as the Premises Manager at Hannah More. This has enabled me to become fully involved in the governance of the school. I am able to represent the staff’s views at meetings and share my knowledge of the school with governors. I am entirely committed to raising attainment and working towards our goal to become an outstanding school. I feel, that as a team of governors, we are all committed to putting children’s education and needs first to give them the best start in life and education.

Name: Carolyn Dougherty - (Vice Chair) Co-opted Governor

Job: Engineering Manager at Jacobs Engineering

Governor role: Link Governor for Health & Safety, Attendance, Behaviour & Wellbeing, Leadership & Governance, Inclusion, Community

Why am I a governor? I have taught engineering and history at sixth form and university level, have volunteered to help children and adults develop academic and workplace skills, and currently participate in activities supporting women in STEM. As a school governor I will use my skills to help Hannah More’s students gain experience and knowledge that will help them succeed and achieve in their future lives.

Name: Gen Ellison-Smith - Co-opted Governor

Job: Primary School Teacher

Governor Role: Link Governor for Safeguarding & Children in Care, SEND, Curriculum, Attendance Behaviour & Wellbeing, Inclusion

Why am I a governor? I worked at Hannah More for 9 years as a volunteer, teaching assistant and class teacher and during this time have got to know the amazing pupils and school community. I am passionate about inspiring every child at Hannnah More to succeed in their education and am lcommitted to working alongside the other governors to help ensure this. I hope to use my knowledge as a teacher to share the views of staff and help improve outcomes for every child at Hannah More.

Name: Jevan Thomas - Co-opted Governor

Job: I am a Product Manager for an NHS-funded charity, my focus centres on the support and development of our IT systems.

Governor Role: Link governor for Attendance Behaviour and Wellbeing

Why am I a governor? I have strong ties to this community, area, and school. Hannah More Primary School, which I attended over 30 years ago, provided me with my start in life, and serving as a governor is a valuable opportunity to give back to the community. Representation, especially for young children, is also a key priority for me. I believe I offer a valuable and important cultural perspective to the school, which is essential for our pupils. As a father of two children currently attending this school, ensuring they receive a good education, and that the same opportunities are available to all children in our local area, is paramount. Furthermore, my strong IT skills will help shape and support the school's approach to fostering IT literacy in the next generation.

Name: Charlene Lawrence - Co-opted Governor

Job: Operations Officer- Quartet Community Foundation

Governor Role: Link governor for Attendance Behaviour & Wellbeing, Community, Curriculum

Why am I a governor? I care deeply about the school and the community it serves. As a proud former pupil, I have a long-standing connection to the school and a genuine commitment to helping it continue to thrive. Having set up and run the PTA for six years, until summer 2025, I’ve seen first-hand how strong partnerships between families, staff, and the wider community can positively shape pupils’ experiences. I want to continue that contribution by championing the school’s values, supporting strategic decision-making, and helping strengthen relationships across the community. Becoming a governor would allow me to use my experience, passion, and insight to support the Hannah More community.

Name: Fartun Hassan - Parent Governor

Governor Role: Link governor for Curriculum

Name: Saciido Elmi - Parent Governor

Name: Kevin Hawkins - Headteacher

How Are We Organised?

The Full Governing Body meet 4-6 times a year.

In each term each link governor meets with their key staff member to review the impact of their work and find out more about what they are doing. The link governor reports form a crucial part of the Full Governing Body meeting as they offer the whole governing body an insight into the work of several key staff members in the school. The discussion around the report informs the link governors' next meetings. Three times a year the governing body organise a teaching and learning review (GTLR) when they explore in a 'hands on' way some of the themes that have been a focus. They may watch lessons or look at books, speak to teachers or children and senior leaders.