Our Governors

ANDREW GUNN – Chair of Governors
I have lived in Romsey for nearly 30 years and have three grown up children who were all educated locally.  Until recently I was a trustee at a large local comprehensive school and have seen at first-hand how important early years’ education is in laying the groundwork for everything that follows.

Using my experience as a trustee and the business skills I picked up during my working life I want to help Cupernham Infant School deliver a fun and fulfilling start to school life.  I am passionate that education is a series of building blocks and developing well rounded teenagers starts in year R.

LORRAINE PUGH – Vice Chair of Governors 
I have been involved in education for over 30 years, holding senior management positions in both State and Independent schools. I was the Headteacher of a local primary school for 10 years. More recently I have been a Primary Schools Advisor leading headteacher recruitment, governor training and the monitoring of teaching standards. I was also an Inspector for Church Schools.

Since retirement I have continued my education involvement through my Rotary Youth work and also as a Trustee of a Southampton City Charity that supports early learning development.As a governor I aim to make a valuable contribution to the work of the governing body, giving the children of Cupernham Infants the best possible educational experiences at this most important stage of their education.

NEIL PRITCHARD – LA Governor 
I am a dad of four boys, one of which is currently thriving at Cupernham Infant School and I wanted to support the school in continuing to provide a fantastic experience for all of the children.

I have been a teacher for 26 years and I am currently a Head Teacher of a small secondary school in Wiltshire. I have always believed in putting children at the forefront of education and know how important the role of a primary school is in their happiness, wellbeing and success for the future. I hope that I can contribute to this in my role as a governor.

JANE FLOOD – Co-opted Governors
I am currently a lecturer and academic tutor at Bath Spa University working with PCGE SCITT students as they train to be teachers across all phases, although my particular interest is in Early Years education.

Having been a teacher in a variety of roles for the past 25 years I am keen to continue to be involved in a local primary school and I hope my experience can support the governing body to ensure Cupernham Infant School continues to develop and thrive so that all children and families have the best possible start to education and develop a life long love of learning.

JAMES THOMPSON – Chair of F&P Committee
My daughter is a pupil at Cupernham Infant School, and hopefully my son will be attending in a few years time.

I have lived in Romsey for the last 7 years and have a background in finance.  I am hoping my skill set will be useful, especially in this area. I’m looking forward to working with the other Governors to try and help the school achieve it’s goals.

DAVID RICHARDS – Parent Governor
I have three amazing children, two of which previously attended Cupernham Infant School and my youngest is still a pupil here. We’ve lived in Romsey for almost 10 years.

I’m excited to be a parent governor and want to help the school provide the best education for our children and future generation. I’ve worked in the private sector for 14 years with most of that time spent in the IT industry. I hope that my experience will be helpful in continuing the excellent performance of the school.

SAMANTHA WHITFIELD – Co-opted Governor
As the Director of Learning at a local secondary school, I bring over 15 years of teaching experience to the table. My journey in education has been driven by a passion for pedagogy and a commitment to nurturing both students and staff. Beyond the classroom, I’m a dedicated parent to two wonderful children, aged 2 and 8, who inspire me daily to advocate for excellence in education.

It is my firm belief that every child deserves access to high-quality teaching and learning experiences. Excited to extend my impact beyond the Secondary level, I am thrilled to join the governing board at Cupernham Infant School. I am eager to contribute my expertise to furthering the school’s mission of providing exceptional education and support to its young learners.

REBECCA SMITH – Co-opted Governor
I have taught in state, international and independent schools for over 25 years, and I am currently the Head at Stroud, King Edward VI Preparatory School in Romsey. I have served as a governor in two other primary schools, and I am an inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate. I hope that my varied experience can support the fantastic team at Cupernham Infant School and the community it serves.

Outside of work I am step-mum to twin boys, now 18 and embarking on the next stage of their education, and so in all respects I am acutely aware of how important the foundations of education are in realising all children’s potential.