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. I have had a focus and passion for technology throughout my career ever since I was a child and enjoy being involved in STEM initiatives within the school.
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 also have previous experience on Governing Boards when my children were at school in London. When we moved backfrom 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 and it was agreed to change my board membership to that of a co-opted Governor. As an ex pupil of the school (in the days when it was known as Littlemoor Primary School) I was pleased to be able to send my daughter to the school. She started in Nursery and is currently in Year 6. 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 over 40 years.

Mark Tewkesbury - Chair of People and Finance Committee

I was a local councillor for twenty years, and have been a Governor of Bincombe Valley Primary School for the last 5 years - where I am the Chair of the People and Finance Committee. I have undertaken many volunteer roles within the community over the years, and have a keen interest in the area and residents within it.

Sharron Garbutt - Health and Safety Governor

I have been a member of staff at Bincombe Valley Primary school for over 21 years, during my years working at the school I have held many roles. Initially starting in our school Nursery then moving to Buds when it opened in 2014, 1-1 support for SEN before becoming a class Teaching Assistant, I also helped to set up and lead the After School Club for working parents which is still running today. My role now within the school is the Computer Science Teacher, an ELSA and also Pastoral Lead/ Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

I have been a member of the local community since 1971 and attended this school as a pupil in 1976 as many of my siblings did before me, and my children and extended family have also done. I have supported many different causes and community projects over the years including being Chair of the schools PTFA at one time, and a volunteer Youth Worker at the Top Club when it reopened. I joined the Board of Governors at Bincombe Valley Primary school in November 2018 as a Co-opted Governor, and have been lucky to renew the role for a further 4-year term. I hope that with my knowledge and experience of the school and community I can continue to champion and foster links between our school and local community.

Chandana Rajaksha-Arachichige - Parent Governor

School is the basic foundation of education. Accordingly, in order to make the society we live in the best place in the future I see it as my responsibility in my role to contribute to the school's success. I was delighted to become a Parent Governor at the school in 2023 and I remain confident that I will be able to contribute significantly to the school where my children are studying. At the age of 22 I started my professional life as a trained teacher in Maths, alongside working in a school I had to join the Sri Lanken volunteer force as a sub lieutenant for three years, through my service with the Sri Lanken Army I had the opportunity to develop the qualities of discipline, perserverance and leadership. I later started working at the Revenue Department of Sri Lanka as a Tax Assessor and worked there for 16 years. During my tenure at the Revenue Department I was responsible for revenue administration and monetary policy formulation as well as accounting. Having the opportunity to work again in a new country, a new community, and a new cultural context is a divine blessing to me. I have also volunteered at a local community farm, I always aim to contribute to the best of my ability to nurture the diversity of our community and the valuable system that works within it

Rebecca Eales - Staff Governor

I was elected by staff members to join the board of Governors at Bincombe Valley in 2023 as Staff Governor. After my children were born I became a Foster Carer and continued this role for 15 years, and believe the skill and knowledge gained during this time have helped in my many roles within the school. Both my children were pupils at the school when we moved from Middlesex in 2006, and I started working as a Teaching Assistant here in September 2014. Prior to joining the school staff, I worked as a Health Care Assistant in a Rehabilitation Unit.

I am delighted to be part of the team here at Bincombe Valley and am proud to support the children, and represnt the staff as part of the Governance team.

Sarah Reader - Associate Member

I joined the Bincombe Governing board as an associate member in 2023. 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, and previous Governing Board experience. 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.

James Knott - Co-opted Governor

Rob Belbin - LA Governor

Rob has a wealth of experience within inclusive practice spending 20 years as a senior leader in a special school and now serves as a Director of Inspired Inclusive Solutions offering strategic and operational inclusive advice to organisations across the country. He is also an author of nationally recognised inclusive materials and has led projects for both the NHS and Public Health. Outside of this Rob shares his expertise within his role as an Inclusion Development Coach for the Youth Sport Trust, as a tutor for Boccia England and Goalball UK, and supports Special Olympics Great Britain. Rob has recentlu retired from his role an non-executive director for Activity Alliance, but continues to remain connected to school life through his work for DfEs Inclusion 2028 project. He joined the Governing Board at Bincombe in November 2025.

Joe Sewell - Parent Governor

I joined the Governing Board at Bincombe Valley Primary School as a Parent Governor in November 2024, bringing with me a lifelong connection to the local community. I have lived on the estate my entire life and attended the school myself, as have all of my siblings. Both of my children have also been pupils at the school, with one currently in year 4 which gives me a strong personal investment in the school and its future.

I have always been actively involved in the local community and currently volunteer at the local youth club, supporting young people in a safe, positive environment. I am passionate about football and community sport, and I also run two local businesses. Through this, I have developed strong skills in leadership, organisation, communication, and teamwork, which I am keen to bring to my role as a Governor.

As a local resident with a deep understanding of the community the school serves, I am committed to supporting the school, its staff and pupils, and in helping ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed and achieve their best.