Our Governors

PHILLIP RATCLIFFE – Chair of Governors 

I have been a resident in Romsey for 20 years, and both our children have come through the Cupernham Infant and Junior schools.  I have been on the Junior School Governing Body for the past 15 years and for the last 10 years as Chair.   I have recently joined the Infant School Governing Body to support them as they transition to a refreshed Governing Model with new members from across the community.

As a Governor I have seen  first hand not only how much the children enjoy both schools, but also the challenges and complexities of modern day teaching, and how our teachers and schools need support and challenge.

Our collective aim is to ensure all children have an enjoyable and fulfilling start to their time in education, not just setting them up as they move to new schools but also making sure they have fun whilst learning.

HANNAH WILKINSON – Parent Governor

I am mum to 2 boys, one who is currently at Cupernham Infant school and the other won’t be far behind!

I am also a clinical psychologist, specialising in children’s development and mental health. Recently I have been leading on transforming assessments for young people with suspected autism and I am passionate about improving services for young people.

I hope that the skills I have gained in understanding young people’s needs and changing services accordingly will be a valuable addition to the school’s Governing Body.

NEIL PRITCHARD – Parent Govenor

I am a dad of four boys, one of which is currently thriving at Cupernham Infant School and I wanted to support the school in continuing to provide a fantastic experience for all of the children.

I have been a teacher for 26 years and am currently a Head Teacher of a small secondary school in Wiltshire. I have always believed in putting children at the forefront of education and know how important the role of a primary school is in their happiness, wellbeing and success for the future. I hope that I can contribute to this in my role as parent governor

JANET BURNAGE – LA Governor – Creativity Governor 

I have a long association with Romsey having completed my secondary education here. I have lived in Romsey since 1984 (with a short time away) and now live a few metres from Cupernham School.

I am the Test Valley Borough Council and parish councillor for the Cupernham ward – many of the children who attend Cupernham infants live within the ward and it was this that sparked my interest in the school.  Gaining an Open University degree late in life also made me realise how important the first few years of education are.  As a governor I would like to do what I can to support the school experience for the youngest pupils and make sure they are given every opportunity to have a strong start in their education.

JANE FLOOD – Co-opted Governor

I am really excited to be connected to a local infant school in a different capacity; having been a teacher in a variety of roles for the past 25 years I am keen to continue to be involved in a local primary school.

I am currently a lecturer and academic tutor at Bath Spa University working with PCGE SCITT students as they train to be teachers across all phases, although my particular interest is in Early Years education.

I hope my experience in infant schools over the past 25 years can support the governing body to ensure Cupernham Infant School continues to develop and thrive so that all children and families have the best possible start to education and develop a life long love of learning.

JAMES THOMPSON – Co-opted Governor

My daughter is a pupil at Cupernham Infant School, and hopefully my son will be attending in a few years time.
I have lived in Romsey for the last 7 years and have a background in finance.  I am hoping my skill set will be useful, especially in this area. I’m looking forward to working with the other Governors to try and help the school achieve it’s goals.

ANDREW GUNN – Co-opted Governor

I have lived in Romsey for nearly 30 years and have three grown up children who were all educated locally.  Until recently I was a trustee at a large local comprehensive school and have seen at first-hand how important early years’ education is in laying the groundwork for everything that follows.  Using my experience as a trustee and the business skills I picked up during my working life I want to help Cupernham Infant School deliver a fun and fulfilling start to school life.  I am passionate that education is a series of building blocks and developing well rounded teenagers starts in year R.

I am also Vice-Chair of a local advice charity which provides free, confidential, and impartial advice to the residents of Test Valley.

SARAH BATTRAM-CAKE – Co-opted Governor

I am a mum of 3 children, 1 has been all the way through the Cupernham schools and 1 who is in year 1 at Cupernham Infants.  Two of my children have SEN so I have a particular interest in SEN provision and inclusivity. We’ve lived in Romsey since 2015 and absolutely love it here.  I work for the NHS locally in the 111 service.  My personal interests and hobbies include crafting, crochet, sewing and embroidery predominantly.