Guide to the Governors

Andrew Barnard - Chair of Governors

Andrew studied Archaeology and Prehistory at Sheffield University and then trained as a teacher in Winchester. He specialised in teaching English and history but also coached sport, directed plays and ran school boarding. Between 2006 and 2022, Andrew was Head of a 3-13 prep school in Berkshire. Andrew has a passion for history, creative arts and the natural world and he is eager to open the eyes of young people to the world around them and to promote the development of the whole child. Since retiring to Salisbury in 2023, Andrew has joined the board of two schools, is a trustee of an educational trust and is also an education consultant.

 

Helen Donnelly-Headteacher Ex-officio Governor

I am proud to lead Harnham Cof E Junior School as Headteacher, working closely with our dedicated governors, staff and community to ensure every child thrives. As an experienced school leader, I bring a strong commitment to raising standards and inclusion. I am passionate about creating a supportive and ambitious environment where pupils can reach their full potential. I am delighted to be working with the governors on our exciting journey of school improvement.

 

Sarah Busby

 
 

Parent Governor

Efrim Niccals

I am a Parent Governor at Harnham Juniors - my daughters both attend the School. I have been involved in school governance for a few years now, both here and at Harnham Infants. I am passionate about the power of education and particularly promoting equality of opportunity for all children. My background is in publishing and bookselling and I am currently also a part- time student.

 

Co-opted Governor

Ruth Fletcher

I am the Deputy Head at the school and originally joined the governing body in 2011, as a Staff Governor, One of my many roles is leading assessment and preparing data analysis of our school so I can explain this to all governors and answer their questions. I very much enjoy working with my governor colleagues who are hardworking and supportive of the school, but who also challenge and question us so we can work together on school improvement and development. As a Staff Governor I create a valuable link between all staff and the Governing Body.

 

Ex-officio Foundation Governor

Becky Roberts

I am Reverend Becky, the vicar to the whole of the Harnham community. I have extensive teaching and life experience serving different communities in the UK and abroad. I am also a professionally trained therapist. I believe school is a place where children learn and develop as part of a community, caring for one another and growing in their values to enable both themselves and the community to flourish. The bedrock of my faith is to love others as Jesus taught us in the story of the Good Samaritan. As a Foundation Governor, I support and challenge the school through the Curriculum, Religious Education and acts of worship, as well as supporting families.

Sophie Ferguson

I am currently an Associate Curate in Harnham Parish and Salisbury Cathedral. Having spent my career both in business and local schools, serving communities as a Lay Chaplain, I bring a range of both business and pastoral skills to the governing body. I have two children, so understand the joys and pressures of modern family life. My faith informs my desire to see families flourish with fullness of life. 

Kate Duffield

Parent Governor

 

Sam Williams

Parent Governor

 

Co-opted Governor

Valerie Arthur

Co-opted Governor

I bring a strong technical background to my role as a School Governor, drawing on my professional experience as a ServiceNow Consultant specialising in digital workflow optimisation. I am committed to helping create a secure, modern learning environment where both students and staff can thrive.