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. 

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

 I have worked in primary education in schools in Hampshire and Surrey for many years, firstly as a Montessori teacher in a Nursery School and then in a primary school in Surrey. I was a member of the SLT with a special interest in Phonics and Literacy.

I moved to Weymouth with my husband in 2021 and joined the Bincombe Valley Governing Board as a Co-opted Governor in January 2023. I hope that I can bring some experience and knowledge to the Governing Body and feel very privileged to be part of such a brilliant school.

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

 I have been a Governor of Bincombe Valley Primary School for the last 5 years. I am also the Chair of the People and Finance committee.

Sharron Garbutt - Health and Safety Governor 

 I have been a member of staff at Bincombe Valley Primary school for the past 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 was 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 and an ELSA.

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 done after me.

I have supported many different causes and community projects over the years including being Chair of the schools PTFA 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.  I hope that with my knowledge and experience of the school and community I can champion and foster links between our school and local community.

Chandanda Rajaksha-Arachichige  - Parent Governor

Rebecca Eales - Staff Governor

 I joined the board of Governors at Bincombe Valley in2023 as Staff Governor. Both my children were pupils here when we moved from Middlesex in 2006.

Prior to joining the school as a Teaching Assistant, I worked as a Health Care Assistant in a Rehabilitation Unit. After my children were born, I became a Foster Carer and continued this role for 15 years and believe the skills and knowledge I gained during this time have helped in my many roles at the school.

I am delighted to be part of the team here at Bincombe Valley and am proud to support the children.

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.