The Governing Body
The Priory School is a member of the Enlighten Learning Trust. The trust is a Multi-Academy Trust which provides strategic direction and support and oversees the governance of all schools within the trust. The Governing Body of The Priory School reports to the Trust and the working relationship with the Academy Trust is very strong.
You can find out more about ELT by clicking on this link.
OUR GOVERNORS
The Governing Body of The Priory School is responsible for determining the overall strategy of the School and its educational character by:
• Setting the aims and objectives for the school
• Setting policies and targets for achieving those aims and objectives
• Monitoring and evaluating the progress of the school in achieving those aims and objectives.
• Overseeing clear and objective governance of the school
Governors make a very valuable contribution to the success of the School. They contribute their collective skills and experience to the Governing Body in a non-executive capacity on an unpaid basis. Governors are appointed on the basis of their skills which will assist the School in its development and are representative of our local community and our Christian foundation.
The Governing Body also includes staff and parent members. The Headteacher is also a Governor. The Governing Body does not manage the School nor organise its day-to-day affairs, as that is the job of the Headteacher, who is appointed by the Governing Body. Full Governing Body meetings are the main forum for the Governing Body and these are held six times a year (or more if required) to discuss issues and make decisions. Each Governor is also a link governor, responsible for monitoring a particular area.
If you would like to contact the governing body or are interested in finding out more about becoming a Governor of The Priory School please contact Rev. Peter Nevins, Chair of Governors at p.nevins@priorycofe.com or the Clerk to the Governors at clerk@priorycofe.co.uk
Governor Profiles
Mrs Jo Trimnell
Headteacher
Jo has been teaching for 21 years after graduating with a BA Hons with QTS status from the University College of Chichester. She originally studied Physical Education, however her career has taken her to teaching Psychology, which she thoroughly enjoys. Jo started at The Priory School in 2013 as an Assistant Headteacher and then in 2016 as Deputy Headteacher. Before starting at The Priory School, Jo taught in Hampshire and Hertfordshire.
Jo is passionate about the development of all students that attend The Priory School. Her career of working in Learning and Teaching, Pastoral and SEND has given her a wide range of knowledge as to how best to support children and staff.
Rev'd Peter Nevins
Chair of Governors
Rev’d Peter Nevins is the Vicar of St. John the Evangelist, North Holmwood and Area Dean of the Dorking Deanery. He has had three children attend the Priory School and is very enthusiastic about the community, culture and educational quality there. Peter is keen about education both as a teacher and a student. He is a lifelong learner in higher education and has experience as a secondary school teacher, university lecturer, school governor, curriculum writer and chaplain in an educational context.
In particular, Peter is passionate about the entire school and surrounding communities experiencing the love of Jesus and His blessings through education for life in all its fullness.
Mrs Ellen Walkinshaw
Co-opted Governor
Ellen is currently an Associate Director at Reigate College, and brings to her role as a Priory governor her experiences of working in education for over 20 years in a variety of roles and settings. These have included subject leadership in both sixth form and 11-18 settings and work as an Advanced Skills Teacher in schools across the London Borough of Wandsworth.
Ellen has a particular interest in increasing the number of students from under-represented groups taking up places at the most competitive universities and also having equal access to broader opportunities such as sporting and cultural activities.Ellen lives in Westcott with her husband and three children.
Mr Ben Foley
Co-opted Governor
Ben comes to the role of governor for the first time after careers in the law and teaching which took him to various parts of the world including Nepal, Colombia and most recently the Bahamas. Whilst at the Bar he advised on and litigated Employment law matters and in teaching he has held various roles including Head of Law, Head of English and Director of Academics.
When he is not teaching students how to dive, Ben spends his time actively involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award as well as supporting other local youth charities.
Mr Neil Milner
Foundation Governor
Neil is a former student of The Priory School under its previous guise of Sondes Place.
He has worked for Lloyds Bank for over 30 years, including 9 years as Manager of the Dorking Branch, and is now the Manager of a Branch in London.
Neil lives in Beare Green with his partner Louise and their four children, two of which currently attend The Priory School.
Mr Stuart Zissman
Governor
Stuart has a career in the retail sector with over 30 years across Europe in Electrical Retail, Financial Services and currently as Head of Consumer Credit for the Halfords Group.
Stuart was a Diocesan Governor and later Chair of the Local Governing Body for Christ’s College in Guildford where his three daughters attended, supporting the school leadership team to progress to a Good Ofsted standard. Protecting the integrity of a community-based faith school Stuart is passionate about improving outcomes for young people in the community.
Mrs Catherine Nasskau
Governor
Catherine has worked in a variety of secondary schools for over 20 years as a drama teacher, SEND teacher, and head of department, following her 9-year career as a theatre director. She has also served as a governor for St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Dorking.
In 2017 Catherine trained as a mindfulness teacher to help 11-18 year olds with their mental health. She currently runs Mindful Surrey UK, teaching mindfulness in schools and supporting people of all ages. She is passionate about young people and wants to bring her experience in education to her role as a governor.
Catherine has lived in Brockham since 2003 with her husband Laurence and their two sons.