The Governing Body's remit is to

• set the school's vision, ethos and strategic direction;
• hold the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils; and
• oversee the financial performance of the school, making sure that its money is well spent

Governing Body Structure

The Governing Body structure is reviewed annually by the Local Governing Body (LGB) to ensure that it meets the demands of the Lighthouse Schools Partnership (LSP) Scheme of Delegation.

• Co-Chairs of Governors: Nathan Gee and Marcus Evans
• Two parent governors: James Gooding and Marcus Evans
• One staff governor: Lucy Davies
• One headteacher governor: Lucy Sargent 
• 4 co-opted governors: Jake Bacon, Adam Bishop, Nathan Gee, Kimberley Jones (and four vacancies)

Appointment of Governors

• Co-opted Governors are appointed by the Governing Body (as were Community Governors, prior to the discontinuation of this category on 31 December 2014)  [The appointment of co-opted governors is ratified by the LSP Trust Board]
• Parent Governors are elected by the school's parents and carers
• Staff Governors are elected by school staff
• Local Authority Governors were recommended by North Somerset Council, and appointed by the Governing Body.  Now that our school is part of the LSP, its governing body no longer includes a local authority governor.

Governor Committees

The Governing Body committees are

• Finance Committee: responsible for financial matters, and Chaired by Marcus Evans
• Admissions Committee: responsible for pupil admissions
• Pay Committee: responsible for staff pay, and Chaired by Nathan Gee

Information About Our Governors

The DfE requires all schools to publish some specific information about its governors.  This is given below for our current governors, and those who completed their terms of office or resigned since 1 September 2022. 

• Jake Bacon

Co-opted Governor: 6 December 2022 - 5 December 2026

Business & Pecuniary Interests: none

Jake is proud to serve as a School Governor at Portishead Primary School, bringing over 15 years of experience in education and leadership. He currently works as a Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of the West of England, leading the Digital Education pathway on the BA Education degree. He holds a Doctorate in Education and has a strong background in both academic and vocational teaching and research. He is particularly passionate about creating inclusive, innovative learning environments that support all learners. Within the governing body, he takes a lead role in overseeing health and safety, working closely with school staff to ensure the school remains a safe, supportive space where children can thrive. Beyond education, he also volunteers as a Helm with Portishead RNLI, reflecting a wider commitment to serving and supporting the local community.

• Marcus:

Marcus was elected as a parent governor in November 2023 when he had one child in year 5 and the other in reception, and stepped up to become co-chair soon after. Other volunteer roles include coaching junior players and helping out at both Portishead Town FC and Nailsea & District Croquet Club. He has worked in financial services since 2007 and holds the Advanced Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. Marcus sings with Bristol Bach Choir and in various solo engagements in the area. He also enjoys many other sports including running, tennis, and bridge

• Adam Bishop

Co-opted Governor: 12 July 2022 - 11 July 2026

Business & Pecuniary Interests: none

Adam has been a co-opted governor since retiring from banking in 2022.  He is married with two boys who both attended school in Portishead. He is a keen golfer and swimmer and enjoys travel. 

• Nathan Gee

Co-opted Governor: 9 December 2020 - 8 December 2024

Business & Pecuniary Interests: none

Nathan was elected as a co-opted governor in December 2020. Nathan currently holds the role of co-chair having previously been vice-chair at Portishead Primary. Within the Local Governing Body, Nathan is a member of the Finance Committee and has the role of Standards Link Governor. Other volunteer roles include being a Section Leader within 1st Portishead Scouts with Beaver Scouts and Cub Scouts. He has worked within the Staffing and Recruitment industry since 2014 with roles in recruitment, Learning & Development as well as Human Resources. Nathan is also a committee member for the CIPD West of England branch (the professional body for HR and people development). A keen outdoor enthusiast, Nathan enjoys many outdoor activities particularly hill walking and mountaineering.

• James Gooding

Parent Governor: 1 August 2022 - 31 July 2026

Business & Pecuniary Interests: parent of children attending Portishead Primary School

James proudly serves as a parent governor at Portishead Primary, where his two young boys have thrived. As an active member of the Safeguarding and Finance Committees, he brings a keen analytical mindset and a deep commitment to ensuring the school's success and wellbeing for all students. Professionally, James is the Head of Data and Analytics at the Institute of Physics Publishing. Outside of work, you'll either spot James jogging slowly or being towed by his labrador around the Gordano Valley.

• Kimberley Jones

Co-opted Governor: 1 September 2016 – 31 August 2020 and 1 September 2020 to 31 August 2024

Local Authority Governor: 24 July 2014 – 31 August 2016

Business & Pecuniary Interests: Manager, Portishead Youth Centre

Kim was elected as a community governor in 2014 and when Portishead Primary School became part of the Lighthouse Schools Partnership, was elected as a co-opted governor. Kim is Head of Centre and Youth Provision at Portishead Youth & Community Centre and has a long work history in developing and running services for the local community of Portishead. Kim enjoys crafting and holidays travelling around Scotland in her campervan. 

• Lucy Sargent

Headteacher Governor: from 1 September 2023

Business & Pecuniary Interests: member of staff Portishead Primary School 

2022/2023 Meeting Attendance: not applicable

• Lucy Davies

Lucy has been a staff governor since October 2023 and is a teacher in year 2. She has worked at Portishead Primary for 10 years and has loved teaching in a range of different year groups in that time. When Lucy isn't teaching, she loves to read, go to the theatre and go on adventures with her dog and husband.