Board of Governors (ID 1363)

• Jean Phillips
  Chair of Governors
  Jean Phillips

  I am the interim Chair of the Board, Chair of the Curriculum Committee and the link for disadvantaged pupils, having been a Governor since 2022. I have been a State Registered Occupational Therapist for over 30 years now working mainly in private practice and on a sessional basis for the local health centre.

  I have a teaching qualification at higher education level and used to lecture at a local University and teach bespoke courses nationwide. I am keen that education is accessible to everyone in many different forms to suit their learning styles. I have two children of school age, one of which is currently studying at Matravers. In my spare time, I love to travel, enjoy walking my dog and playing netball. My other interests include music and theatre and watching rugby.

• Stuart Skeet
  Vice-Chair of Governors
  Stuart Skeet

  I'm a dedicated father of three, passionate about promoting fairness and equality. With over 25 years in the corporate world, I've held senior leadership roles, championing ethical practices and equitable treatment. I'm driven by a strong sense of doing the right thing, both in business and personal life, and I'm not afraid to challenge the status quo to ensure that fairness prevails.

  Outside of work, I'm an avid sports fan and a film enthusiast. I also enjoy traveling and exploring new places and cultures. Known for being results-driven, I've found this trait to be beneficial both professionally and personally.

  I joined the school board to give back to the local community and the students that Matravers teaches and nurtures. I believe I can add value by bringing new ideas and seeking to understand and improve our practices for the benefit of the students' education. My goal is to help run an effective school that creates an environment that parents and pupils are proud to be associated with and trust Matravers to unlock their child's potential.

• Kelly Martin
  Co-opted Governor
  Kelly Martin

  I joined Matravers as a parent governor in 2020. I wanted to be a part of the governing board to widen my knowledge on how the school operates as well as putting something back into the school where I had previously been a pupil. My children have attended Matravers.

  As my full-time job I have managed the day to day running of a local pre-school situated in a nearby village to Westbury. I have been there over 10 years now.

  In my spare time I enjoy spending time as a family with my husband and my three daughters. We enjoy being able to go away for weekends in our touring caravan especially near the coast – you can't beat the sea air.

• Florence Emerson
  Partnership Governor
  Florence Emerson

  As School Business Manager at a local infant school, I bring diverse experience in school leadership and operational management within the education sector. My current role involves leading on school finance, HR, premises, and compliance, while supporting the headteacher with strategic planning and resource management.

  Previously, I have worked with both primary and secondary-aged pupils, managing whole-school data and exams administration. Prior to this, I gained valuable experience working within healthcare and further education. I hold a degree in Sociology and a Master's in Autism, and I am passionate about fostering inclusive environments where all children and young people can thrive.

  I joined Matravers School as a governor because I wanted to contribute my skills and experience locally, supporting the school to achieve its vision and strategic goals. I am committed to working collaboratively as part of the governing body to achieve the best outcomes for young people in our community throughout their entire education.

  On a personal note, I have two young children—one at primary school and one of pre-school age—and my husband also works in education. As a family, we love exploring local National Trust sites, zoos, and theme parks, as well as enjoying fun-packed games nights. The highlight of our year is our annual summer holiday to Norfolk, where we love exploring the many beaches.

• Frank Lee
  Parent Governor
  Frank Lee

• Jane Snedden
  Co-opted Governor
  Jane Snedden

  I joined Matravers as a co-opted governor in October 2024. I volunteered for this, because I am now semi-retired, and have more time to get involved with the local community.

  I am a mum of two boys and a grandmother. I am a ‘people' person and enjoy engaging with all ages. My work involves educating 16+ students and adults in maths and English, but I have also engaged with younger people through my Primary School teaching and from my involvement with local swimming and tennis clubs.

  My experience, both through work and volunteering, has given me the skills that I feel will support Matravers School in its aim to create the best opportunities for all those in the Matravers family and to address the responsibilities outlined in the Governor role description.

  I am a team player, and I am keen to get to know my local school, its needs, strengths and weaknesses, and to play some part in helping to develop it further as a high performing educational establishment which meets the needs of our community.

• Simon Riding
  Headteacher (ex-officio Governor)
  Simon Riding

• Barney Clarke
  Staff Governor
  Barney Clarke

  As Vocational and Enterprise Lead at Matravers School, I bring over two decades of experience in teaching, curriculum development and vocational education. I oversee a range of BTEC and Tech Award subjects across Enterprise, Business, Travel & Tourism, and Health & Social Care, supporting colleagues to deliver high-quality, compliant and industry relevant qualifications.quality, compliant and industry relevant qualifications.

  Throughout my career, I have been committed to raising standards, ensuring robust assessment practice, and helping young people develop the skills and confidence they need for future education, training or employment. I am passionate about vocational learning and the opportunities it creates for students of all abilities to succeed through practical, applied study.

  I became a Staff Governor to contribute my professional expertise to the strategic direction of the school and to champion the importance of high-quality vocational pathways within a broad and ambitious curriculum. I am particularly focused on ensuring that teaching, assessment and curriculum planning remain aligned with national expectations and best practice.quality vocational pathways within a broad and ambitious curriculum. I am particularly focused on ensuring that teaching, assessment and curriculum planning remain aligned with national expectations and best practice.

  Outside of school, I enjoy staying active through swimming and the gym, and I am a keen follower of football, Formula 1, and rugby. I have been married for over 26 years and enjoy family life, music, and playing the drums.