Governor Profiles

The Board of Governors (Governing Body)

Membership of the full Board of Governors

Dr. Kathy Bacon, Chair of Governors

Kathy has a PhD in Spanish Literature and has taught at universities including Cambridge and Stirling. She is also a qualified teacher of English as a Foreign Language and has several years’ experience teaching
English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to students of a range of ages both in the UK and in Spain. Since moving to Portsmouth in 2007 she has been bringing up her three children and has held a range of volunteer roles. Kathy is a member of St Jude’s Church, where she has been a leader in groups for young people and in Connect (the mid-week women’s group). Her children have all attended St Jude’s School. She has been a Foundation Governor since 2015.

 Wendy Evans, Local Authority

 Wendy is a qualified accountant and fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountant (FCMA).  In addition to a career in financial management, Wendy has a teaching qualification (QTLS) and taught in post 16 education.  Her early career included working in industry in a senior financial role and latterly in further education and business training.  Wendy currently works training leaders in governance and finance and is Chief Executive of a charity providing an adult mental health services and counsellor training.  Wendy is a member of St Jude’s Church and her two children attended St Jude’s school when she first joined the Board as a governor in 2002.

Reverend Adam Tams, Ex Officio Foundation Governor (St Jude’s Church), Chair of the Teaching and Learning Committee.

Adam was born in Crewe, Cheshire and moved as a teenager to the Lake District (where his family originate). He announced when he was 3 years old that he wanted to be a vicar when he grew up, although he had to wait a little while before that happened. In 2017 he was ordained and served his curacy in Leamington Spa, where he was heavily involved in ministry to the emerging generation (those aged 0-21). Prior to that he had a number of roles mostly in Sales.
Adam was appointed vicar of St Jude's in November 2020, moving during one of the lockdowns. He is married to Jess, who until recently worked for the NHS, in Mental Health. They have two children, Jacob and Ellie and a springer cross called Sammy.
Adam took over from Neil (associate of St Jude's) as the ex-officio foundation governor, being appointed to the Governing Board in May 2021.

Caroline Hopper, Parent Governor

Information to follow.

David Jeacock, Co-opted Governor

David is a senior leader within the financial services industry having spent 16 years working for a Global financial services company, both here in the UK and overseas (Middle East, Europe and Africa) before moving to the Bank of England in 2011. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Mathematics and its Application and holds an honours degree in Mathematics & Physics and a Masters in Applied Mathematics. David has a keen interest in scouting and outdoor activities. His current role at the Bank of England is focused on ensuring Insurance companies operate with strong governance/capital and in a manner which provides stability to the UK economy. David became a governor in 2012 and has one girl and one boy currently attending the school.

Teresa Barnett, Foundation Governor

Teresa has a BA Ed with qualified teacher status and has been a Primary School Teacher in Hampshire for 17 years, carrying out various roles within school and on the Leadership Team. Since having her 3 children, she changed to part time teaching and currently enjoys working 2 days per week in Year 2 in a local school. Five years ago, Teresa opened her own school holiday childcare business, which serves the local community and keeps her busy, but allows her to spend time with her children. Living in Southsea, she enjoys spending time out and about with family and is a member of Portsmouth Cathedral. Teresa joined the governing board in November 2017 as a Foundation Governor, appointed by the Cathedral and her 2 daughters are currently thriving at St Jude’s Primary school.

Pippa Henderson, Staff Governor

Pippa has worked at St Jude’s Primary School for 6 years as a class teacher. She started her career in education as an LSA for 3 years, before completing a PGCE. Pippa has an Open Degree, majoring in Childhood and Youth Studies with a minor in Accounting and Finance. Her passion for working with children started at the age of 14 when she became a Young Leader for the Scout Association and has worked with children ever since. Pippa enjoys supporting the school in her role as Staff Governor.

Dr. Olubisi Ige, Co-opted Governor

Olubisi is a senior lecturer in Construction Project Management at London South Bank University, the position he started in early 2020, having practiced in construction industry and in the education sector, both internationally and in the UK for over 20 years. He has a PhD in civil engineering from the University of Portsmouth and has been researching on fibre reinforced concrete and soil blocks enhanced with agricultural wastes for sustainable and affordable housing in developing countries. He has been presenting his research output at national and international conferences. Olubisi is also the location minister of Victory Chapel International, Portsmouth, and was one time a governing committee member of Fledgling Pre-School, Southsea between 2013 and 2014 while his child was attending. He is a member of Chartered Institute of Building, Institute of Civil Engineers, and American Society of Civil Engineers. He is happily married with 3 children. 

Robert Miller, Parent Governor

Information to follow.

Robert Solomon, Co-opted Governor

Information to follow.