Governors
Welcome from the Chair of Governors
“As a Governing Body, our shared aim is simple – to ensure every child at Dorchester receives the best possible education in a happy, supportive environment. We’re proud to work alongside such dedicated staff, parents, and pupils.”
Mrs Jane Templeman, Chair of Governors
What We Do
Our Governing Body helps shape the direction and success of Dorchester Primary School. Together with the Headteacher and leadership team, we:
- Set the school’s vision, values, and strategic priorities
- Support and challenge school leaders to ensure high standards
- Oversee finances, staffing, and premises
- Monitor curriculum, wellbeing, and safeguarding
- Represent the views of parents and the wider community
Governors don’t manage the school day-to-day — that’s the Headteacher’s responsibility — but we make sure everything we do helps our pupils to learn, grow, and thrive.
How We Work
The full Governing Body meets once each term. We also have two main committees that meet regularly throughout the year:
| Committee | Focus | Chair |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum & Staffing | Teaching, learning, progress, and pupil outcomes | Mrs Jane Templeman |
| Resources & Premises | Finance, staffing, health & safety, and premises | Mr Jegan Thirukailayanathan |
Minutes of Governors' Meetings are available to all on request from the school office.
Our governors come from different parts of the school community – parents, staff, the local authority, and co-opted members – each bringing valuable experience and perspective.
Our Governors
|
Appointment
|
Name |
Appointed by
|
First Appointed |
Term Length |
Term Start |
Term End |
|
Co-opted governors
|
Mrs Tracy Adams |
Governing Board |
07/11/2022 |
4 years |
07/11/2022 |
06/11/2026 |
|
Vacancy (1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vacancy (2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foundation governors
|
Jacki Collins |
Sutton Education Trust |
01/02/2019 |
4 years |
01/02/2023 |
31/01/2027 |
|
Jane Templeman - Chair |
Sutton Education Trust |
03/03/2021 |
4 years |
03/03/2025 |
02/03/2029 |
|
|
Headteachers
|
Cathy Bell |
- |
01/01/2021 |
4 years |
- |
- |
|
Local Authority Governors
|
Jegan Thirukailayanathan |
Local Authority |
07/11/2022 |
4 years |
07/11/2022 |
06/11/2026 |
|
Parent governors
|
Carole Archer |
Parent Body |
14/10/2024 |
4 years |
14/10/2024 |
13/10/2028 |
|
Riz Khan |
Parent Body |
02/05/2025 |
4 years |
02/05/2025 |
01/05/2029 |
|
|
Yui Fan Law |
Parent Body |
07/11/2022 |
4 years |
07/11/2022 |
06/11/2026 |
|
|
Mrs Faye Shonfeld |
Parent Body |
07/11/2022 |
4 years |
07/11/2022 |
06/11/2026 |
|
|
Staff governors
|
Mrs Michaela Cucharo |
Staff |
28/09/2022 |
4 years |
28/09/2022 |
27/07/2026 |