Meeting Attendance: this will be published at the end of the academic year.

Governor Code of Conduct: the GB adopts annually the model code of conduct from the National Governance Association.

Governing Body Constitution

Governor Type and Number of Posts

• Co-opted - 6
• Head Teacher – 1
• Local Authority – 1
• Parent – 2
• Partnership – 2
• Staff – 1

TOTAL – 13

Governor Details 

George Adams

Governor Category: Staff
Term of Office: 4 years to 22/09/2030
Appointed/Elected by: Elected by staff
Committee/Panel Membership: Resources Committee
Additional Responsibilities: None
Business, Financial or Material Interests: Employed by the school

I started working at Abbotswood Junior School in 2017 as an LSA before moving to a school in Southampton in 2018. I then returned to Abbotswood again in 2019 as part of the Room 5 team as one of the Behaviour Support Workers. In September 2024 my role changed again where I am now the Pastoral, Safeguarding and Child Support Worker and one of the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads. I feel very lucky to work in such a wonderful school and decided to join the governing body in 2022 as staff governor.

Outside of my life at work, I am a very keen golfer  and have been a member of Romsey Golf Club  since I was a child at school myself. I have a playing  handicap of 5 and would love to get this lower in the coming years!

 I am also a fan of Southampton FC, so if I am not on the golf course on a Saturday afternoon then I will likely be at St Mary’s or an away game somewhere in the country!

 

Ed Bishop

Governor Category: Partnership
Term of Office: 4 years to 13/12/2028
Appointed/Elected by: Appointed by the Governance Board
Committee/Panel Membership: Resources Committee
Additional Responsibilities: Co-Chair of Governors
Business, Financial or Material Interests: Wife employed by the school

My governance started as my daughters joined Abbotswood many years ago (they are now 20 and 22) – I joined because I believe in supporting the community we live in and what better way to do this than by helping shape the opportunities for our future adults.

It is a real privilege to help guide and support the school with a single aim to benefit every child that attends. Over the years I have developed enormous respect for the staff, the challenges a modern school faces and their relentless pursuit for ‘better’.

Myself:  Work hard : Play hard

For employment: I am a Sales Manager

For fun: I love to be in the outdoors, I am a Dog walking, cycling, skier-snowboarder, classic car enthusiast, martial artisan who enjoys live music.

My Regret: is not starting to do Yoga earlier - Do Yoga 10 years before you think you need to.

Favourite Phrase: Life is a Journey not a Race.

Ian Campton

Governor Category: Partnership
Term of Office: 4 years to 13/12/2028
Appointed/Elected by: Appointed by the Governance Board
Committee/Panel Membership: Curriculum & Standards Committee, Headteacher
Appraisal Panel
Additional Responsibilities: Vice Chair of Governors
Business, Financial or Material Interests: Employed by University of Southampton –
Teacher Training provider to the school

Bob Carson
Governor Category: Local Authority
Term of Office: 4 years to 24/11/2029
Appointed/Elected by: Appointed by the Governance Board
Committee/Panel Membership: Resources Committee, Curriculum & Standards
Committee, Pay Committee
Additional Responsibilities:  Vice Chair of Curriculum & Standards Committee
Business, Financial or Material Interests: None

Before retiring in 2013 I was a teacher and then became a head teacher for 25 years in a
large junior school on the Waterside. I joined Abbotswood Junior School as a governor ten years
ago and have loved supporting the school, the parents and children and the staff. I live in
Lymington and enjoy family life. I now have 8 grandchildren, which takes up some of my
retirement! I enjoy boating and supporting the saints. I am proud to be a governor of AJS .

 

Steve Cole

Governor Category: Parent
Term of Office: 4 years to 23/11/2028
Appointed/Elected by: Appointed by the Governance Board
Committee/Panel Membership: Resources Committee, Pay Committee
Additional Responsibilities: Chair of Resources Committee
Business, Financial or Material Interests: None

I joined the Governing Body in November 2023, initially to offer my experience and help support the school with its Google Cloud project. My daughter was attending the school at the time, so it was also a great opportunity to give something back to a school and community that had been an important part of our family life.

Since joining, I have enjoyed learning more about how the school operates and being able to contribute my experience in technology, cyber security and business to support the school and its pupils.

For employment: I work in IT and cyber security, helping businesses make effective and secure use of technology.

For fun: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, travelling, technology and taking on various projects at home.

As a Governor: I particularly enjoy being able to use my technology and cyber security experience to support the school, while also contributing to the wider responsibilities of the Governing Body.

Favourite thought: There is always something new to learn.

Lucy Howard
Governor Category: Head Teacher
Term of Office: n/a – Ex Officio
Appointed by: n/a – Ex Officio
Committee/Panel Membership: Resources Committee, Curriculum & Standards
Committee

Additional Responsibilities: None
Business, Financial or Material Interests: Employed by the school

Carys Hughes 

Governor Category: Co-opted
Term of Office: 4 years to 21/03/2028 - resigned 21/9/2026
Appointed by: Governance Board
Committee/Panel Membership: Curriculum & Standards Committee, Pay Committee
Additional Responsibilities: Co-Vice Chair of Governors and Chair of Curriculum &
Standards Committee
Business, Financial or Material Interests: Employed by University of Southampton –
Teacher Training provider to the school

Glenn Moore

Governor Category: Head Teacher
Term of Office: n/a – Ex Officio
Appointed by: n/a – Ex Officio
Committee/Panel Membership: Resources Committee, Curriculum & Standards Committee
Additional Responsibilities: None
Business, Financial or Material Interests: Employed by the school

 

 

 

 

Miriam Starling

Governor Category: Parent 
Term of Office: 4 years to 23/11/2029
Appointed/Elected by: Appointed by the Governance Board
Committee/Panel Membership: Curriculum & Standards Committee, Pay Committee  
Additional Responsibilities: Chair of Curriculum & Standards Committee
Business, Financial or Material Interests: None

I joined the governing body in January 2025 because I have always enjoyed volunteering within my local community, particularly in places that have played an important role in my family's life. As both of my sons have thrived at the school, becoming a governor felt like a wonderful opportunity to give something back and support its continued success.

Professionally, I work in IT project and programme delivery, helping teams to plan and deliver complex projects. My role involves governance, financial management and problem-solving to deliver positive outcomes.

Outside of work and my governor role, I enjoy playing netball, attempting to keep up a regular running habit, and spending time with my family.

Matthew Stevens

Governor Category: Co-opted
Term of Office: 4 years to 31/10/28
Appointed/Elected by: Appointed by the Governance Board
Committee/Panel Membership: Resources Committee, Pay Committee, & Headteacher
Appraisal Panel
Additional Responsibilities: Co-Chair of Governors
Business, Financial or Material Interests: Director of MS Associates Safety Ltd

I have over 28 years’ experience in construction industry health & safety and worked within, and supported small businesses & large national organisations as a safety consultant and adviser. I have a consultancy and training business based in the New Forest and have lived in the Totton area for 40 years.

My wife is a primary school teacher and I have always had close links to the local school network. It has always been important to me to volunteer for the local community, and I continue to support Abbotswood as governor having attended the school many years ago!

At the weekend you may find me behind a drum kit in a local pub or club.

Jane Withers

Governor Category: Co-opted
Term of Office: 4 years to 19/05/2027
Appointed/Elected by: Appointed by the Governance Board
Committee/Panel Membership: Resources Committee, Curriculum & Standards Committee, Pay Committee, Headteacher Appraisal Panel
Additional Responsibilities:Vice Chair of Resources Committee
Business, Financial or Material Interests: None

I’ve been a school governor for over 12 years and still really value being part of the school community. It’s important to me that every child feels supported, included, and able to do their best.

I enjoy working alongside staff and other governors, sharing ideas and helping the school continue to grow and improve. It’s been a privilege to see the school develop over time and to be part of that journey.

As a governor, I aim to offer support where I can, while helping to maintain high standards and promote the development of confident, well-rounded children.

 

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Governors who have resigned in 12 Months to 31/08/2026

Colleen Baker-Dilland

Governor Category: Co-opted 
Term of Office: 4 years to 26/01/2029   Resigned 22/06/2025
Appointed/Elected by: Appointed by the Governance Board
Committee/Panel Membership: Resources Committee , & Pay Committee
Additional Responsibilities: None
Business, Financial or Material Interests: None