DUNBURY ASEC GOVERNOR PROFILES

Trust Governor – Tracey Hughes (CHAIR)

I became a governor because I wished to support Dunbury Academy in its ambitious goals for its children.

The school aims to give children the tools to access knowledge and reasoning throughout their lives, and to support each and every child to be the best they can be.  It seeks to enable its children to be resilient, curious, respectful, and kind, and to empower them to be people who exceed their own expectations.

I feel privileged and proud to be part of a school which, every single day helps children to access the transformative power of education.

Trust Governor – Gareth Firth (VICE)

I was fortunate to have a good state school and university education and that enabled me to follow a career as a civil engineer. I have lived in Winterborne Stickland for 15 years and I believe that it is important for our community that our children have access to a good education.

Primary education is particularly important since it’s this which provides children with all the fundamental skills and motivations that are vital to their subsequent education and adult life.  I have experience of training and developing people from my working life, and for many years I have helped to fund a large primary school in Uganda.  I have a particular interest in maths, science and technology education and I believe that is where many of the most interesting job opportunities will be in 20 years’ time.

Parent Governor – Beth Young

I was elected as parent governor in January 2019. In 2018 we relocated from London to Winterborne Stickland, where both our daughter and son joined Dunbury Academy. We have a third child whom we expect to attend the Dunbury Academy, so we have many more years to come of Dunbury life.

My desire to be part of Dunbury’s Governing Body derives from a genuine interest in school improvement at all levels and a deep-rooted belief in the importance of education for all. 

Prior to our move to Dorset, I had spent 20 years in the Financial Services Industry, where I was a Sales and Relationship Manager.

In the time we have been part of the Dunbury family, we have been made to feel very welcome and I have every confidence that the school will go from strength to strength and continue on its path to excellence under the leadership of Mrs Doswell and her team.

I believe the role of a governing board is to support the Head and staff in providing a learning environment that meets the needs of all pupils, which includes constructive challenge when appropriate. I hope I can bring some new perspectives to the work of the Board and the school, as we strive to deliver our vision and values.​

Foundation Governor – Revd Lewis Pearson

As the Parish Priest of 6 local villages, I hope as a governor I am able to support and encourage the unpinning Christian ethos of Dunbury, building connections between school and local communities. I see being a governor as a wider extension of my pastoral support by looking out for pupils and staff alike. I take collective worship regularly and enjoy engaging with school through this.

Parent Governor - Stephen Gorson

I became a governor to help Dunbury be the best school it can be.

I believe all children should have access to quality education as it is the foundation to a fulfilled adulthood. I have a particular interest in SEND and pupil premium and I will endeavour to ensure Dunbury meets the needs of these and all children to provide the best start in life. 

Both my children have been at Dunbury for a few years now. Therefore, I feel I understand where the school is, where it wants to go and how I as a governor can support that ambition. I believe a governor should work collaboratively and constructively with the school and its staff, providing challenge where required in order to achieve its aims.

Foundation Governor – Liam Deeney

I have lived in Winterborne Whitechurch for the past seven years and am a parent of a school-aged child. Having worked in education for many years, I have a strong interest in local education services and their continuous improvement.

I am a firm believer in the Seven Principles of Public Life, which I see clearly reflected in the values of Dunbury and the wider academy trust. I am keen to support the school in ensuring these values are embedded in the experiences and development of children across the community.

Through my work in IT, particularly within education, I see first-hand the impact technology and leadership have on young people’s lives. I believe that strong values and ethical foundations are now more important than ever in supporting children to grow into happy, healthy, and responsible individuals.