Governors' profiles page

Peter Marsden - Chair of Governors/Chesil Link Governor/STEM Link Governor

I joined the Bincombe Governing board as Chair in September of 2022 following the retirement the previous long standing Chair. It is a hugely rewarding role where I am focused on being a positive and challenging voice to the school leadership team, helping the school to succeed in setting and achieving its strategy.
Prior to retiring in 2019 I had spent 35 years working for a large multinational media company including 24 years overseas, giving me a great insight into being part of really diverse teams.

I have had a focus and passion for technology throughout my career ever since I was a child and so in particular look forward to getting involved in STEM at the school.

When we moved back from the USA we moved to Upwey where I live along with my wife Dawn. 

Michelle Pettinger - Vice Chair of Governors/Health and Well-being Link Governor

I joined the board of Governors at Bincombe Valley Primary School in 2021 initially as a Parent Governor until September 2023, when I was elected as Vice Chair. I am an old ex pupil of the school (in the days when it was known as Littlemoor Primary School) and was pleased to be able to send my daughter to the school. She started in Nursery and is currently in Year 5. Outside of my Governor role, I am an RGN in the NHS and have been since qualifying in 2003. I have gained many skills throughout my career, working and nursing across numerous areas (including acute medicine, surgical and operating departments as well as supporting critical care and the emergency dept) and I am always keen to utilise these skills and the knowledge gained, to assist with championing the school whilst trying to ensure an optimal environment for all to thrive. In my free time, wherever possible, I have supported Bincombe and other local schools with residential trips as well as numerous school and extra curriculum activities. I am an avid and vocal supporter of the school and am strongly invested in supporting the school and its pupils to achieve their maximum potential and to have high aspirations. I like to be a regular presence within the school, supporting the staff and pupils alike. As well as being an ex-pupil, my family and I are local residents and have a good understanding of the local and diverse demographics, having lived here for 40 years.  

Irene Robinson - SEND Link Governor/Creativity and Culture Link Governor

I have been involved in both secondary and tertiary education all of my working life. First in a research laboratory at a University and then in various comprehensive and grammar schools. Also, I was a full time lecturer for almost 15 years  at Weymouth College.

Now that I am retired, I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to be involved with primary education at a very special school, Bincombe Valley Primary School. Here, the children are given every encouragement at the start of their education journey, to take each and every opportunity provided for them to gain success in the future. 

I feel very privileged to use my experience in education to support the school in this endeavour. 

Debbie Hudgell - Safeguarding Link Governor/Chair of Infrastructure Committee

I retired from the NHS after 33 years of service. My roles included litigation, health and safety, risk management, clinical investigations, and working with the Coroner, as well as liaising with bereaved families. During lockdown, I wanted to stay active and worked for Dorset Council, Children's Services. This experience gave me insight into the role of being a School Governor, leading me to apply as a Local Authority Link Governor at Bincombe School, my local primary school. I am currently serving as the link Governor for Safeguarding and the Chair for the Infrastructure Committee, where I hope to share my skills and knowledge from my previous work experiences. I feel honored to be a part of the school team, as it is a fantastic school that takes pride in supporting children of all abilities and working within a diverse community.

Liz Marsden - Chair of Standards and Curriculum Committee/Communication, Language and Literacy Link Governor

Mark Tewkesbury - Chair of Personnel and Finance Committee/Community Link Governor

Sharron Garbutt - Health and Safety Governor 

Kirsty Smith - Parent Governor/Early Years and Nursery Link Governor

Chandanda Rajaksha-Arachichige  - Parent Governor

Rebecca Eales - Staff Governor

Sarah Reader - Co-opted Governor

I joined the Bincombe Governing board as a Co-opted Governor. I find it to be a rewarding role, where I am able to use and share any previous experience and knowledge that I have from my 20-year teaching career.
Prior to teaching at Bincombe I taught for 16 years in a school in Wool, for 10 of those years I was part of the SLT.  Before that I taught in a school in Bournemouth as well as teaching English at the YOI Portland.

I believe all children should have the opportunity to thrive in their school environment.

I live in Weymouth with my husband and son.