Governor Profiles
The Board of Governors (Governing Body)
Membership of the full Board of Governors
Dr. Kathy Bacon, Chair of Governors
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 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.
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.
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 had two boys that have attended St Jude's and one girl 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 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.
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
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.