Welcome to our Governors' section. 

Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.

Bevois Town School Governing Body 2024-25

All Governor appointments are for a three year term

Governing Body Interests 2022-23

Governor attendance at Whole Governing Body meetings for current year (2023-24)

GOVERNOR PROFILES 2024/25

Ian Soulsby - Chair

Returning recently to live in Central Southampton and wanting to contribute to the local community I was pleased to be co-opted as a governor in Spring 2023.

My background is as a solicitor and retired employment judge as well as having experience in managing various businesses. 

A father of four I also have previous experience as a parent governor at both primary and secondary state schools and served as Chair of Governors at the primary school.

Katie Stewart - Vice Chair 

I have always  been impressed with the passion of the teachers and the inclusive ethos of our school, which is why I’m delighted to have recent extended my term as a Governor at Bevois Town.

I currently work (from home) in Marketing but have tried my hand at a few things including banking and Butlins.

I have two children, one still at Bevois Town but try and make time for my love of reading, gaming and seeing my dearest friends. We also have a cat who is clingy yet adorable.

I know Bevois Town is already a success, embracing values which are very close to my heart. I can’t wait to see what challenges we can overcome and what fantastic outcomes we’ll see from our wonderful student body.

Hilary Jackson

I became a governor at Bevois Town in November 2013 and was the Chair of Governors from September 2014 to 2018.  

I was previously a headteacher of a Hampshire secondary school for 13 years until I retired in 2013.  Prior to that I was a modern languages teacher and deputy head at Chamberlayne Park School here in Southampton.  The City has been my adopted home-town since 1987, having met then married an ardent Saints supporter whilst we were both working at a lively London comprehensive.

I live in Portswood and was keen to become involved in the community once I had more time; I greatly appreciate the opportunity to contribute as a governor in my local primary school.

Matt Bottley

I moved to from Birmingham to Southampton to attend university 23 years ago. I liked it so much I decided to settle here and have lived just up the road from the school for the last 12 years. Since moving to the area I’ve had two children, one of whom is now a pupil at Bevois, the other starts next year.

My eldest has special educational needs. Before she started school we viewed all the local options and nothing came close to Bevois Town. Our decision has been fully vindicated during her time as a pupil.

I love the schools diversity, it’s welcoming attitude and it’s sense of community. The staff are fantastic and I was pleased to be asked to assist them, albeit in a very minor role, in running this great little school.

I have a degree in Marketing and Design and aside from a 7 year stint in corporate recruitment, I have spent my whole working life in the construction industry. I currently run a local landscaping business.

Before I had children I enjoyed 5-a-side football, squash, fishing and walking

Neal Parker

I have been a classroom music teacher in a variety of independent schools for over 25 years. I started my career working in schools in London and Newcastle, before becoming a senior leader at a large independent secondary school in Yorkshire. In 2019 I became Head of King Edward VI School in Southampton, moving to the city with my wife - a Deputy Head in Portsmouth - and my teenage son, who attends King Edward’s. 

Having previous served as a member of the Governing Body for Leeds College of Music, I was keen to offer to help at a school in our city, and was very pleased when it was suggested that I might join Bevois Town as a Governor. I am looking forward to supporting the staff and school leaders of the school, as they continue to provide the children with an excellent education and start in life.

Malcolm Berryman

I feel very privileged and honoured to have been appointed a governor. I have only lived in Southampton for just over 4 years and have been keen to make a contribution since I arrived. I'm an Actuary by profession and worked in financial services all my working life being a Chief Executive of two insurance companies and a Non-Executive Director of four others; hopefully the knowledge and experiences I've had can be of benefit to the school. 

Rosalind Elsbury

Having lived and worked in Southampton for the last 8 years, I was looking for a way to get more involved in my local community. When the opportunity to join the team of governors for Bevois Town in Spring 2023 arose it seemed like the perfect opening. I was attracted to the School’s welcoming ethos and values and care for each child as an individual.

Working in healthcare for the NHS I enjoy working as part of a team focusing on achieving a common goal and hope I can transfer some of my skills from the workplace to being a governor at Bevois Town. I am looking forward to supporting all the staff as they create a welcoming and safe environment for all children to learn and develop.

Stephen Godwin

I have lived in the city all my life and feel a strong connection to the local community and its schools. I began my career as an accountant in the media industry, but soon realised that I wanted to work in a role where I could make a difference to young people's lives. This lead me to retrain as a mathematics teacher, and I have taught in 3 secondary schools across Southampton.

I am currently as Assistant Headteacher at Cantell School, part of the Aspire Trust, where I am passionate about supporting both students and staff to achieve their very best. I hold a master's degree in Mathematics Education and have a particular interest in how we can make maths accessible and engaging for all learners. 

I am really looking forward to supporting the school as a Governor and working alongside the senior leadership team to help the school continue to thrive.

Jack McDowall

I moved to Southampton from East Sussex in 2009 as a student and it quickly became my home. I have worked as a people manager for the past 10 years across a range of organisations and am passionate about supporting individuals and teams to reach their full potential. In 2019, my husband and I became foster carers, which is something we care deeply about.

After supporting our first two placements into adulthood, we are now proud foster carers to two young siblings who have become a huge part of our lives. My connection with Bevois Town Primary School began when our boys joined the school last September. From the beginning, we were struck by the outstanding support, care and attention shown to them.

When I learned about the opportunity to become a Governor, I knew I wanted to give something back to the school and the Southampton community, and to support Bevois Town Primary School in helping children achieve positive outcomes.

Michael Billingham

I am a Parent Governor and I chose to be one for many reasons. Obviously the main reason is because I am interested in the school my children go to and would like to help in any way I can, but other reasons are quite personal but I don't mind sharing. I had to quit working when my partner had our second child as her health had gotten worse. This has impacted me and I felt like I wasn't contributing enough not working. Doing something positive makes me happy and I can learn and use these skills I gain in the future and to also help the school improve on what I believe to be a great place for my children.

Our Staff Governor is Nicole Ash.