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Our Governors

A warm welcome from the Governors at Boxgrove CofE Primary School.

Our governing body is made up volunteers from the Local Authority, the Diocese of Chichester, parents, staff and the local community. Our role is strategic, working in close partnership with the Headteacher and staff to build the vision for our school and promote improvement in the schools performance. The Governing body is there to act as a critical friend providing a balance between supporting and challenging the performance of both the Headteacher and the school.

Our Governing Body typically meet every half-term at a Full Governing Body meeting. There is one sub-committee meeting who also meet each half term to focus on Finance and Resources.

As governors, we are responsible for ensuring that:

  •        The School Development Plan is suitable for the school and on track
  •        The school’s budget is spent wisely
  •        The curriculum meets the needs of our school and our children
  •        Policies are monitored, updated and followed
  •        Local and national government legislation and targets are met
  •        Our children and staff are safe.

Details of the Governing Body can be found through the attached document on this page. Updated details for the 2025/26 academic year will be available after the first Full Governing Body meeting in October 2025.

Our Chair for the 2025/26 academic year is Stephen Manning. 

For any questions related to the Governing Body, please contact Robin Wilcox, Clerk to the Governing Body via clerk@boxgove.w-sussex.sch.uk

Name
Role
Background

Theresa Smyth

Executive Headteacher

Prior to becoming Executive Head at Boxgrove, I worked in five schools across London and West Sussex. I have been Head at Singleton for almost six years, and I’m thrilled to now also work at Boxgrove. It’s a very special school with a fantastic team, all focused on improving the learning and lives of the young children and families we serve. Small schools are uniquely wonderful places to work and play a crucial role in their communities. Headship fills me with joy, and working in both schools is a privilege. A little about me: I’m married, have four children, and live in Chichester—but I was born in the seaside capital of the North: Blackpool! I love walking on the beach, collecting sea glass for art projects, and occasionally, when the weather is perfect, swimming in the sea.
Stephen Manning

Chair of Governors

CO-OPTED

   After 60 years of being a Londoner – working in private banking and then primary education - I am now enjoying retirement in West Sussex. I enjoy watching most sports, notably cricket, and am still managing to be an active member of my local running club. Researching the history of the First World War is also a particular interest. I am also the Co-Chair of Governors at Nyewood CE Junior School in Bognor Regis.

Mary Nagel

Foundation

  

I have taught in London's East End and in Brixton.  Returning to Sussex I was elected a member of the Church of England's General Synod and was an appointed member of the CE Board of Education and the National Society (Church Schools).  Having served on two other governing bodies I became a foundation governor for Boxgrove CE Primary School in 2020.  I am a regular worshipper at the Priory Church where I am also PCC secretary. I have four children, all of whom attended Church schools, and I now have 8 grandchildren.

Nick Coggins

Parent

Vice-Chair

   I am a parent governor and father of 2 children - 1 currently at Boxgrove. I moved into the area to study at the University of Chichester in 2007. After graduating, I chose to stay in West Sussex to develop myself in management before moving into motorsport, where I now work for a local business a few miles from Boxgrove. I am an advocate of small schools and the unique opportunities they offer to nurture future generations. I am a father first, but in my spare time I enjoy playing sport, music and any DIY I can get my hands on.

James O’Leary

Parent

   My wife and I moved to the village in 2020, having previously lived in Chichester, and both our son and daughter attend Boxgrove CE Primary School. We love the community spirit and ethos of the school. By day, I am a Chartered Tax Adviser and a Chartered Certified Accountant, advising businesses on various corporate tax matters. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, including watching Pompey with my son and dad at Fratton Park.

Vicky Willavise

Parent

   After having worked in the Private Sector for many years, I re-trained as a Primary teacher, with a specialism in French, and worked in schools around West Sussex. I now work on a 1:1 basis with children who have special educational needs and, due to no longer being class-based, I have a bit more time available, and I am enjoying being a Governor at the school where I chose to send my son. Away from work, I love spending time with family and friends, walking in the countryside and stopping off at a local pub, visiting new places in France and cheering my son on at his sports clubs.

Beatrice O’Connell

Co-Opted

   I joined Boxgrove School  in 2017 as part of my Teaching Assistant course at Chichester College. I attended a small village school in Devon growing up, and have experienced all the advantages the close community of a village school can bring. My degree is in Languages and I have always really enjoyed supporting the excellent teaching team at Boxgrove both in the classroom and working with small groups outside the classroom. I am married, I have 4 children and live just outside Petworth. 

Katie Pendle

Staff

   I have been in education for many years and in that time, I have worked at 4 schools and taught across the whole primary age range. My previous school was very large, with 200 children in a year group, so Boxgrove was quite the change with year groups of just 10 children. But it is this small, friendly feel that has kept me at Boxgrove. The Boxgrove community is something very special. It is lovely to work in a school where you get to know the whole family – including the grandparents and dogs.  I am married with two children, a cat and a dog.  I enjoy dog walks in the lovely surrounding countryside, and they often end up in a coffee shop or in a pub with a roast.   

Ros Craven

Foundation

   I grew up in Arundel and have lived in the Chichester area for over 40 years, currently residing in Westhampnett. After university and several short-term jobs, I served as a WRNS officer for five years and later married a Naval officer. Our three children all attended March School when we were not overseas. On returning from tours abroad, I worked in various temporary roles before teaching English as a Foreign Language at Chichester College for 14 years, during which I completed a Diploma in TESOL and a PGCE (Post-16). Two of my children are now secondary school teachers, and I have grandchildren in Years 4 and 8 in mid-Sussex, as well as two younger ones in London—so I keep up to date with education while enjoying busy granny duties. I joined the Boxgrove Priory choir in 1987 and currently serve on the Priory PCC.

 

  1. Governor Details 2024-25
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