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.
As governors, we are responsible for ensuring that:
Details of the Governing Body can be found through the attached document on this page.
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
Governor Pen Portraits
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Stephen Manning – Chair of Governors |
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 |
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Nick Coggins – 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 developed 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. |
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Vicky Willavise |
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 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 sport clubs. |
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Beatrice O’Connell |
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. |
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Ros Craven |
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Mary Nagel |
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.
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James O’Leary |
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. |
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Katie Pendle |
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. |
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Theresa Smyth |
Prior to this headship, I worked in 4 schools in London and West Sussex. I have been the Head at Singleton for nearly 6 years and am excited to now also be the Executive Head at Boxgrove. It is a very special school, with a fantastic team who are all focused on improving the learning and lives of the young children and families we serve. This job fills me with joy and coming to work is a privilege. I am married, have 4 children and live in Chichester - but was born in the seaside capital of the north - Blackpool! I love to spend time walking at the beach, collecting sea glass for art projects and occasionally, when perfect weather prevails - have been known to swim!
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