St Jude's Church of England Primary School

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Governor Profiles

The Board of Governors (Governing Body)

Membership of the full Board of Governors

Dr. Kathy Bacon, Chair of Governors

Kathy works as PA to the Vicar at St Jude's Church in Southsea, where she has also been a church member since moving to Portsmouth in 2007. Her three children all attended St Jude’s School. 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. Kathy loves volunteering with young people, which she does both at St Jude's Church and also as a School Pastor at Miltoncross Academy. 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 strategic leadership and 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 as a
consultant, training leaders in governance and finance.
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 2001.

Reverend Adam Tams, Ex Officio Foundation Governor (St Jude’s Church), Vice Chair of Governors and 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. He is married to Jess, and they have three children, Jacob, Ellie and Zeph and a springer cross called Sammy. Adam was appointed vicar of St Jude's in November 2020 and took over as ex-officio foundation governor in May 2021.

Caroline Hopper, Parent Governor

Caroline has enjoyed success in a range of disciplines including social projects, major political agendas, organisational improvements, and infrastructure projects within local government and the voluntary and
community sector. As Corporate Projects Manager at Portsmouth City Council, she is currently responsible for a diverse range of activities both strategic and operational. She leads on several agendas including the Armed Forces Covenant, and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Caroline has a degree in Early Years Childcare and Education and is a Practitioner of the Chartered Quality Institute.
Caroline's other appointments include being public sector representative on the Southeast Reserve Force and Cadet Association (SERFCA) Board. In her spare time Caroline is also a keen climber and is President of the Hampshire Mountaineering Association. Caroline became a Governor in 2022 and her daughter currently attends St Jude's school.

Teresa Barnett, Foundation Governor

Teresa has a BA Ed with qualified teacher status and has been a Primary School Teacher in Hampshire for 21 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. Eight 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. Her two daughters attended St Jude’s primary school and her youngest son is currently thriving at the school.

Robert Miller, Parent Governor

Robert lives with his family in Southsea.  He has three children attending St Jude’s C of E Primary school.  Robert is an active member of St Jude’s church and volunteers as a helper at the church Sunday School.  He is also a member of the management committee for St Jude’s Nursery.  Robert has had a long career in management consultancy helping businesses make best use of technology and in managing change.  Robert was appointed governor in 2023.

Robert Solomon, Co-opted Governor

Robert became a Solicitor in 1978 following obtaining a 2:1 degree in law at Warwick University and a short stint in the army. He joined a local law firm specialising in commercial litigation, being appointed a partner in 1983, and becoming the senior litigation partner in 1995. It was at this point he also joined the boards of a large local Housing Association and a Hampshire based charity focusing on regeneration, housing and rehabilitation of offenders. Following retirement in 2007, Robert continued to focus his attention on charity work. Robert and his wife live on a farm outside Portsmouth, and worship at the Cathedral where Robert is a member of the college of Canons.

Sudeep Ghosh, Co-opted Governor

Sudeep was born in Portsmouth and was educated locally at The Portsmouth Grammar School. He completed his Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Southampton in 2023. Following this, Sudeep embarked on a career in banking where he currently works in the Financial Crime sector. Outside of work, Sudeep is an experienced private tutor, teaching Mathematics and Economics to GCSE and A-level students. Sudeep is a former pupil at St Jude’s Primary School where he completed all seven years of his primary school education from Reception up to Year 6. He was appointed as a Governor in 2024.

Andrew Horner, Co-opted Governor

Originally from the North (both East and West!), Andrew has lived in Portsmouth for over 30 years. Initially employed in the Royal Navy, he had a number of jobs in the Portsmouth area as well as around the world. After 35 years of Naval life, he looked for change and took up employment as a Bursar at an independent girls day school in Sevenoaks. He was responsible for all day to day aspects as well as strategic planning for all areas of the running of the school except for teaching. He retired from that role in May 2024. He remains active, having recently joined a gym; He loves travelling and plans to invest time in building a model railway. Andrew is married to Alison and has three grown up children.