Who’s who?

The majority of members are appointed by the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust, with the exception of 2 parent members and 1 staff member who are elected by their peers. The Headteacher is an ex officio member. The ASEC chair is appointed by the Trust board, and the ASEC elect a vice chair annually.

The Chair of Governors is Anthony Moore and he can be contacted through the school office.

The Clerk to the Governors can be contacted via the school office.

All copies of meeting minutes are available on request from the school office.

Anthony Moore - Chair of Governors

Classification: Foundation Governor 

Appointed : 1^st November 2023

Term ends: 1^st November 2027

Business interest: Chair of Mansel-Pleydell, Cecil and Drew Trust based at Dorset County Museum

I joined the Governing Body of St Nicholas and St Laurence CE Primary School in August 2019 as an LA co-opted Governor and was elected Chair in September 2019. I have worked in education all my life, as a history teacher, deputy headteacher, headteacher and Director of the largest state Sixth Form in the country (950 students). I have worked on governing bodies for nearly thirty years and was previously chair of governors of a church secondary school. The Bishop of Salisbury awarded me the St Aldhelm’s Cross in 2015 for my work and support for that school. I have been Chair of Governors of a VA church school near Swanage for four years and was on the Interim Executive Board of Budmouth College last year. I was also emergency Chair of the IEB at Bovington Primary for three months before its academisation. Subsequently I was asked to join the South West Regional Board of Aspirations Academy Trust. My wife is also chair of governors of a church primary school in Weymouth.

I continue to pursue my interest in history and am chair of a trust at the Dorset County Museum in Dorchester. I sail, I am an energetic supporter of Bath Rugby and I enjoy spending time with my young grandchildren.

Ellen Jacobs - Vice Chair

Classification: Foundation Governor 

Appointed : 1^st September 2023

Term ends: 1^st September 2027

Business interest: None

I grew up in the Weymouth and Portland area, and having attended local schools and colleges moved to Cardiff where I studied for my degree. After completing my degree I moved back to Weymouth and have lived here ever since.
I had my first job at Dorset County Council where I have worked in Children’s Services and Human Resources and I still work in the public sector as a Senior HR Officer. My eldest child started at St Nicholas and St Laurence School in 2015 and is now at Wey Valley. I also have twins who are currently in year 4. I became a foundation governor in 2018, and I enjoy being involved in the life of the school. Not having a working background in education, it has been a steep learning curve, but I feel it is wonderful opportunity to be able to play a small part in ensuring our children become the best they can be – from academic success to becoming creative, caring and confident young people.

Louise Wright

Classification: Parent Governor 

Appointed : 8^th December 2024

Term ends: 7^th December 2028

Business interest: None

I joined the governing body in 2020 as a parent Governor. I grew up in Weymouth and returned here after studying to be a teacher at university. I have 2 daughters who attend the school and we are delighted that such a fabulous school is our local one! We love the broad and balanced curriculum the school offers as well as it’s great facilities and most importantly the inspiring and caring staff.

As a primary school teacher I feel I can bring my educational expertise to the Governor role, supporting and challenging the school as we strive for achieving the best for every child. I have previously been a teacher Governor and relish the opportunity to fulfil my responsibility as parent Governor at St Nicholas and St Laurence. In my spare time I enjoy reading, walking, swimming and family time exploring the lovely area we live in.

Philip Elliott

Classification: Foundation Governor 

Appointed : 30^th January 2024

Term ends: 30^th January 2027

Business interest: None

My name is Philip Elliott. I am priest of St Nicholas’ Church, Broadwey and St Laurence’s Church, Upwey. I have served these communities, along with Bincombe and Buckland Ripers since 2016. I am a foundation governor at our school as priest of the churches which have shared long associations with the school. Before coming to this part of Weymouth, I served at Holy Trinity Church in the centre of Weymouth where I served my curacy having received my training at Westcott House in Cambridge. Prior to training and ordination, I have worked in a number of different environments from clerical work in a conference office at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa to a manager at a hotel in Salisbury.
Alongside my role as Parish Priest; I am also a trustee of the Lantern Centre in Weymouth and Chaplain to the Weymouth Sea Cadets, TS Bowcowen. Life is a journey and I intend to bring experience gained in the past and present to the service of our school as we move forward always seeking the best for all in our community.

Matthew Wash

Classification: Foundation Governor 

Appointed : 18^th January 2023

Term ends: 18^th January 2027

Business interest: None

I have been a primary school teacher for 18 years, and, after seeking fresh career opportunities, I now work full-time as a writer of primary curriculum resources for an educational publisher. The combination of these two roles means that I have a solid, up-to-date grasp of the expectations in primary education. My wife Louise and I have two children one at St Nicholas and St Laurence and our eldest is now at secondary school. Throughout their time at the school, we have been very impressed with the staff's commitment, care and overall approach to helping our children progress each year.  One aspect that has consistently made us so pleased with the school is the warm, friendly ethos, which is always clear to see.

For me, working in a school environment provides a wonderful opportunity to build relationships with the children and staff. It's also a great chance to help the pupils fulfil their potential by identifying their natural strengths and talents. I was a staff governor at my previous school for 5 years – a role that I found very interesting and worthwhile. With a firm belief that the children’s best interests should be at the heart of everything at school, I feel my knowledge and experience will be useful to the governing body and the school in general.  

My family moved from Essex to Dorset when I was 11 years old and I feel so blessed to live in this beautiful part of the country. In my spare time, I like to play golf, have family days out, swim and go for long, early morning walks. I'm also a huge football fan and I support Ipswich Town. 

Ruth Mills

Classification: Foundation Governor 

Appointed : 21^st October 2024

Term ends: 21^st October 2027

Business interest: None

I joined the Governing body this year as a Foundation Governor. Being new to the role, I presently embarked on a steep learning curve. Having grown up in West Wales, I attended Cardiff University where I gained an LLB (Honours) degree in Law followed by the Legal Practice Course to become a Solicitor. Having worked in Bournemouth for some years, I moved to Weymouth in 2000.  I am a Solicitor with a local Firm, where my specialisms are Matrimonial, Children and Private Client law (Wills, Probate and Contentious Probate).

Over the years, I have been a Member of many Committees associated with both children and domestic violence awareness. I am the Chairperson and one of the Founder Members of the Littlemoor Youth Club which was set up earlier this year. I also run the “All About You” campaign aimed at providing young people within our local community with essential sanitary products. I also assist with many charitable causes. My interest rests with promoting the welfare of children and providing them with equal opportunities, so that they can be the best they can be.