Governing Body
The Governors at Stratford-sub-Castle CE Primary School are an important part of the leadership team and support Mrs Watkins in managing the strategic side of school development whilst ensuring that the School is meeting its statutory responsibilities. They act as the School’s ‘critical friend’ to ensure that the needs of every child are catered for.
Minutes and other documents are available on request from the school office.
Structure of the Governing Body 2024 / 2025
Co-opted (4/4 governors) – Mrs Carole Long, Mrs Nicola Clare, Mr Lloyd Turner and Mr Andy Mintram (Chair)
Parents (3/3 governors) – Mr James Swaffield, Mr Richard Johnson and Miss Susanne Cooke.
Foundation (2/2 governors) – Rev Joe Stone and Mr Toby Ferguson
Local Authority (1/1 governor) – Mr Rhodri Morrison,
Headteacher (1/1 governor) – Mrs Justine Watkins
Staff Governor (1/1 governor) – Mrs Jane Wilson
Clerk to Governors – Mr Kevin Taylor
** There are no associate Governors for 2024 to 2025 **
Mrs Emma Cash resigned 10th November 2024
Miss Angela Britton was no longer a Local Authority Governor from 29th January 2025
As our governing body number is low, no diversity information is displayed on the website to avoid identification of individual member
Structure of the Governing Body 2023 / 2024
Co-opted (4/4 governors) – Mrs Carole Long, Mr Rhodri Morrison, Mr Lloyd Turner and Mr Andy Mintram (Chair)
Parents (3/3 governors) – Mrs Nicola Clare, Mrs Emma Cash and Mr Richard Johnson.
Foundation (1/2 governors) – Rev Joe Stone
Local Authority (1/1 governor) – Miss Angela Britten
Headteacher (1/1 governor) – Mrs Justine Watkins
Staff Governor (1/1 governor) – Miss Hannah Crook
Clerk to Governors – Vacancy
** There were no associate Governors for 2023 to 2024 **
* Miss Hannah Crook’s resigned as a Governor at the end of her current term.
Mr Andy Mintram (Chair of Governors)
govamintram@stratford-sub-castle.wilts.sch.uk
My son joined Stratford in 2020 and has loved being part of the ‘family’ ever since, and I have enjoyed seeing him thrive and learn as a result. I became a Governor in January 2023 when a Parent Governor vacancy was advertised. I bring experience of governance, strategic leadership and financial management from working in the NHS since 2009. I was voted as Chair of the Governors in Sept 2023 and now look forward to working with all my fellow Governors, the Leadership team and all the staff, parents and the local community to help maintain and improve the high standards which Stratford already demonstrates, and support the school in whatever way I can.
Mr Rhodri Morrison – Vice Chair of Governors
govrmorrison@stratford-sub-castle.wilts.sch.uk
Both my children have grown up in the village and have spent all their primary years at Stratford-sub-Castle School (my eldest has now left), and they have loved every minute of their time in the school.
For many years I worked on ocean-going research and exploration vessels as a marine geophysicist or manager. Having left the sea, I was able to join ‘Team Stratford’ as a Parent Governor in January 2022. I became Vice-Chair of Governors in March 2023, and switched from Parent to Co-opted Governor in September 2023. I am also the link governor for Health and Safety at the school.
As well being a governor, I also volunteer to assist on various school trips, and it is fantastic to see the children out and about, enjoying their learning, and acting as a great advert for the school.
Mrs Nicola Clare
govnclarea@stratford-sub-castle.wilts.sch.uk
Mrs Carole Long
govclong@stratford-sub-castle.wilts.sch.uk
I was asked to become a governor after we moved here in 2007 and was pleased to join the Stratford family and act as a critical friend in supporting the staff in their excellent work. Although the role of governors has changed, we still have a fully inclusive policy and welcome all children irrespective of whether or not they may have special educational needs. All children are special and, with a teaching background in supporting a wide variety of needs, I enjoy working with my fellow governors and our caring staff in enabling all children to reach their potential and be ready to move on to the next phase in their education.
Mr Lloyd Turner
govlturner@stratford-sub-castle.wilts.sch.uk
I have lived in the village for 9 years and joined the governing body as a parent governor when my daughter joined the school in 2015. Over that time I have held the role of vice chair and am now a co-opted governor. The dedication, care and skill of our teachers never ceases to amaze me and I genuinely feel that Stratford Sub Castle School is a wonderful place to grow up and learn in.My son still attends the school and I have found the role of a governor to be very rewarding acting as a critical friend to the school’s leadership team and also helping in any way I can to make the school the best possible place it can be.As a local scout leader, I have seen many of Stratford’s pupils externally from the school and it has always struck me that consistently the school develops well rounded, kind, considerate and fun loving young people.I am a Marine Pilot for the Port of Southampton and was previously a ship’s Captain. My shift pattern allows me to visit school regularly and I am currently the governor with special responsibility for EYFS.
Miss Susanne Cooke
govscooke@stratford-sub-castle.wilts.sch.u
Rev Joseph Stone
govjstone@stratford-sub-castle.wilts.sch.uk
I started as a curate in this Benefice in July 2024 and began taking class assemblies at Stratford-sub-Castle school in the Autumn of 2024. I enjoy working alongside the brilliant teaching team at Stratford and look forward to serving the school during my time here. Previously I was a music teacher and have undertaken Head of Music and Head of Year roles in secondary schools. I have also served as a Staff Governor at a Salisbury Diocese church school. I have two primary-age sons, and value the role of education in enabling and shaping young people. For hobbies, I enjoy playing tennis and the piano.
Mr Richard Johnson
govrjohnson@stratford-sub-castle.wilts.sch.uk
My involvement with the school began when my eldest daughter started in 2014. Now, with my youngest daughter joining in September 2023, I feel a strong personal investment in the school’s future.
With over 20 years of experience in the telecommunications sector, encompassing various fields from manufacturing to software development, I bring a wealth of analytical expertise which I hope to apply in a new setting.
Community involvement has become a passion in recent years, and I am enthusiastic about contributing to our local community. Having experienced education in small schools in Wiltshire myself, I understand some of the challenges and opportunities such environments present.
I am thrilled to embark on this role as a parent governor, committed to ensuring the school achieves its fullest potential and delivers fantastic outcomes for the entire community.
Mr Toby Ferguson
govtferguson@stratford-sub-castle.wilts.sch.uk
Mr James Swaffield
govjswaffield@stratford-sub-castle.wilts.sch.uk
Mrs Jane Wilson
Staff Governor
My involvement with the school spans many years having started here initially as a Teaching Assistant, before progressing into the Teaching profession. I have an inherent affinity with the school, and had no doubt in my mind that, when a teaching role became available at the school, I wanted to continue to be part of the Stratford family. I am delighted to be the Staff Governor for Stratford-sub-Castle as this allows me to become an integral part of the workings of the school and continue to support its high standards.
I believe every child has the right to an excellent education, to achieve, to be inspired, motivated and challenged, to learn in a safe but stimulating environment in the knowledge that their voice will be heard, their opinions are valued and that they will be respected as human beings.
My ethos for teaching has evolved from my extensive experience working with children. I have been inspired to teach through children’s love of learning and observing the positive impact teachers make on the lives of children.
This is the ethos I will be seeking to hold in my Staff Governor role.
My background is in Civil Engineering and Financial Services, and as such as have a wealth of real world industrial experience, and can bring a leaning towards STEM subjects.
Mrs Justine Watkins – Head Teacher
jwatkins@stratford-sub-castle.wilts.sch.uk
Mr Kevin Taylor- Clerk to Governors
SSCclerk@stratford-sub-castle.wilts.sch.uk