Joint Governing Body members

Members of the Governing Body

Learning, Transforming and Growing

‘I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.’ Genesis 28:15
Below is the full list of our current governing body.
Governors can be contacted through the school office office@banburystmarysschool.co.uk or on 01295 263 026

Mrs Maureen Thompson – Chair of Governors, Foundation Governor

Maureen is an experienced Governor with many years experience across a variety of school. She was Headteacher of Langford Village School in Bicester and chaired the Finance Committee of the Local Authority Schools Forum. Having been a secondary PE teacher, local authority advisor and Headteacher at 3 Oxfordshire Schools, Maureen brings a wealth of experience and insight to the Governing Body at St Mary’s. She has been Chair of Governors since March 2019.

Mrs Tompson can be contacted care of
St Marys Primary School
Southam Road, Banbury
OX16 2EG

Maureen is the link Governor for Safeguarding

Dr Anna Plassart - Community Governor

Anna joined St Mary’s as a Parent Governor in September 2019. She represents the diverse and international group of parents who have chosen to send their children to St Mary’s, and working with the leadership team to build upon the School's success and supporting their efforts to create a happy, healthy and thriving educational community.

Ms Jan Maharry - Vice Chair of Governors, Community Governor

Jane has been involved in education for some 20 years and currently works for the Oxfordshire County Council, assisting schools with developing and managing their premises.
Having had experience of governance at small schools over the past 10 years or so, Jane’s involvement at St. Mary’s stems from a desire to see the children at the school thrive in every way – academically, emotionally and spiritually.

Jane was appointed as a governor at St. Mary’s in early 2020.

Jane is link governor for attendance.

Mrs Victoria Woods - Executive Headteacher

Victoria has been a teacher for 30 years, working in both Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire in a wide variety of schools and posts. Having worked for Oxfordshire County Council as a School Improvement Advisory Teacher for five years, Victoria was appointed to her first headship in January 2012 ensuring that the school was judged 'good' by both Ofsted and SIAMS by the end of 2013. In January 2014, Victoria was asked to lead a second school which required improvement. As Executive Headteacher she led the school to a 'good' outcome in May 2015 and in September 2015 became the new substantive Headteacher here at St Mary's.

Victoria believes passionately in the power of education to change lives and build successful citizens. She knows that schools are places where not just children, but the whole family can be supported and helped. She hopes that by empowering all to succeed through setting an inspirational vision for the future, St Mary's will continue its long history at the heart of the Banbury community.

Miss Kelly Bullard - Staff Governor

Kelly was elected as a staff governor in September 2023. She studied education with a specialism of art at Bath Spa university and began her teaching career at St Mary's in September 2017. Kelly is currently the subject lead for PE and art and is the lead teacher in Early Years. Kelly is also the Art subject lead for ODST.

Kelly is passionate about ensuring that all children fulfil their potential and she is excited about taking on this new role.

Rev'd Serena Tajima - Foundation Governor

Before becoming vicar of St Mary’s church in Banbury, Serena was a chaplain to a musical theatre college, providing pastoral support as well as teaching classes to help students explore their identity and emotional well being. As well as being the vicar of St Mary’s church, Serena is also an LGBTI+ chaplain for the Diocese of Oxford, providing pastoral support to people within that community as well as those exploring their sexuality.

Serena is passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment in both St Mary’s church and St Mary’s school. She enjoys welcoming everyone from the school to services at St Mary’s church and seeing what the children have been doing. Serena goes into St Mary’s school once a week to provide pastoral support to staff and students if needed.

Serena was appointed as a governor at St Mary's in Autumn 2020.

Serena is link governor for inclusion.

Jonathon Wakefield - Co Opted Governor

Jonathon’s career in education began with a part-time flute teaching role when he was still a student, and he is currently an Area Manager for the County Music Service. His background is in music curriculum and woodwind teaching, although he is also a qualified primary school teacher and has recently completed a Masters’ in Education Leadership and Management.

Jonathon has worked closely with St Mary’s as both a teacher and a manager as part of his role with the music service, and is very pleased to work more closely with the whole school community in his new role as a governor.

He is excited about the opportunity to support the wonderful St Mary’s team in ensuring that every child has the opportunities and support they need to develop, thrive, and explore their love of learning in a safe and happy school environment.

Jonathon was appointed as a governor in 2023.

Holly Poncini - Co Opted Governor
Helen Taylor - Community Governor
Clerk to the Governors: Sheilah PritchettGovernors Code of Conduct Previous Members of the Governing Body