Members of the Governing Body

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

The Governor with responsibility for Safeguarding is: Mrs Maureen Thompson

Mrs Maureen Thompson – Chair of Governors, Foundation Governor

Maureen is an experienced Governor with many years experience across a variety of school. She is currently Headteacher of Langford Village School in Bicester and chairs 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 Victoria Woods - Headteacher

Victoria has been a teacher for 24 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.

Mrs Anne Dennis - Community Governor

Anne Dennis is a co-opted governor appointed in February 2019. She lives locally and her children were educated in the area. Anne has been involved in Education for over 30 years and has a particular interest in teaching & learning, Maths and Technology.

She was appointed as deputy chair of governors in September 2019.

Dr Justin Jacobs and Dr Anna Plassart - Co-Parent Governors

Justin joined St Mary’s as a Parent Governor in September 2019. Justin's experiences to date have been largely in higher education and focused largely on devising strategy, leading development and fundraising programs and building alumni networks both here in the UK and internationally. He hold a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Classics from an American university and MPhil and PhD degrees in History, both being awarded from a UK university.

Justin and Anna looking forward to representing the diverse and international group of parents who have chosen to send their children to St Mary’s, and to working with the senior leadership to build upon the School's recent run of academic success and supporting their efforts to create a happy, healthy and thriving educational community.

Rev'd Sarah Bourne - Foundation Governor

With a background in Music and Arts teaching, before working as a Curate at Shipston-on-Stour and Coventry Cathedral, Sarah was appointed Chaplain to the Arts at St Mary’s Church in 2019. She is passionate about Arts education and inclusion for all in community Arts projects and chairs Arts @BSM.

Sarah brings this passion and experience to the role of Foundation Governor at St Mary’s School.

Rev'd Duncan Weaver - Foundation Governor

Duncan is Chaplain at Bloxham School and is an ordained member of the Church of England. He is full time, lives on site and is involved in the whole life of the school. This means that he interacts with pupils on a daily basis in a variety of different settings which ensures that pupils have the opportunity to get to know him. He seeks to be a guiding hand, a listening ear, a challenging voice and a comforting presence. He is an integral part of the wider pastoral care team, seeking to help all find meaning and purpose in their lives as they negotiate their way in an increasingly confusing world.

Duncan has brought these skills and experience to St Mary’s as a Foundation Governor since 2019.

Miss Helen Prud'homme - Staff Governor

Helen worked at St Mary's School since 2019, having previously worked at other ODST schools and supported them with school improvement work . She has worked closely with school governing bodies through my school improvement work, and have supported governors with a cost benefit analysis of new school initiatives.

She became a Governor to support the school in its ambition to provide a well-rounded educational experience for all its children.

Helen was appointed as a governor at St. Mary’s in Autumn 2020.

Miss Sarah Hill - Parent Governor

Sarah was elected as a parent governor, and attended St Mary's herself as a child. She is passionate about wanting all the children to remember their days and experiences as fondly as she does. She is particular passionate about SEND and the experiences of children with SEND in the school.

Sarah is excited about the opportunity to serve as a governor and having the opportunity to support and challenge St Mary’s leadership team to build on its history and success.

Sarah works in a pharmacy which is a busy atmosphere that requires good communication and organisation skills, she hopes will help her in her role.

Ms Jane Maharry - Community Governor

Jane has been involved in education for some 20 years and currently works for the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education 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.

Rev'd Serena Tajima -

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 is looking forward to working more closely with both students and staff to help share the abundant love of Jesus Christ.

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