The Governing Body:
Phil Ashby, Governor, is a former Royal Marines Commando and currently combines being a mountain guide in the French Alps with life in Swanage. He has a daughter at the school.
Claire Barnes, Governor, is a Chartered Organisational Psychologist and also has experience in advertising, media and strategic planning. She has over 20 years experience as a school governor.
Hannah Etherington, Governor, has worked in education for over 20 years and is Deputy Headteacher at a local primary school. Her experience includes staff and curriculum leadership and she is a Safeguarding Lead. Hannah has two children at the school.
Tanya Hamilton-Fletcher, Chair of the Staffing, Finance & Premises Committee, has worked in children's social care for over 30 years managing services for children in care, care leavers and children who are disabled across Dorset. She has been a Brownie Guider for the same length of time and is a founding committee member for the charity Friends of Dorset Care Leavers. Tanya lives in Swanage and has grandchildren at the school.
Laurie King, Governor, is a digital designer and illustrator and a keen runner and cyclist. He lives in Swanage with his wife and two children, one of whom attends the school.
William Knight, Chair of the Internal Scrutiny Committee, has a background in IT and senior management and has been a school Governor for 30 years, including at St George’s Primary School. He lives in Langton.
Jenny Maraspin is the Headteacher and sits on the board in an ex officio capacity.
Tim Marcus, Chair of Governors, is an IT expert (and is our E-safety Link Governor) and works as a Senior Civil Servant in the Cabinet Office advising UK government departments on IT strategy and spending. He also has a long-established digital agency that has a niche in developing websites for the education sector. He lives in Swanage with his wife and two children, both of whom have attended the School.
Dan Parker, Parent Governor, has a background in theatre production and live events. He lives in Swanage with his wife and two children, who attend the school.
Carol Platteuw has worked with children for over 40 years - as a social worker and child therapist. Carol lives in Swanage and her grandchildren are looking forward to coming to The Swanage School.
Amanda Rowley, Chair of the Community & Engagement Committee, is one of the founding Governors of the School. She runs an advertising and marketing company. Her children have both completed GCSEs at the school. Amanda is the link governor for Health & Safety.
Jessica Starmer, Vice Chair of Governors, is our Link Governor for Mental Health. She works as a pilot for British Airways and has also been involved in developing human factors, performance and peer support. Jessica has a particular interest in mental health and emotional response.
Isobel Tooley, Chair of the Student Committee, is a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and uses her business, analytical and finance skills to support and challenge the school’s leadership team. She lives in Langton with husband Steve and their two children.
Sophie Weld-Davies, Governor, runs her own crafting business whilst also working for the NHS. Her two children have both attended the school.
Nicola Newman has been appointed as an External Advisor on careers.
Further Information
Register of Interests
Governing Body Meetings and Minutes
Governor Roles and Meeting Attendance
Scheme of Delegation
Governance Impact Statement