Governor Descriptions

Ben Sergeaunt
Ben SergeauntChair of Governors; Finance; Health and Safety
I am delighted to have been appointed as Chair of Governors for Bearwood Primary and Nursery School. I have been lucky enough to visit the school on several occasions and have been impressed with the student’s hard work and dedication, but also the friendly welcome. I look forward to continuing to support the Bearwood School community.

My background is in aviation, as both an air traffic controller and airspace regulator, which requires extensive knowledge and understanding of regulations and processes. I have a degree in physics and enjoy working on coding and robotics projects in my free time. I am passionate about championing STEM subjects and future proof skills for students of all ages.

At home I am married with two young children. We enjoy spending our time out on muddy walks and swimming.

Nicola Best
Nicola BestVice-Chair of Governors; Safeguarding; Attendance; Communication with Parents and the Wider Community

I feel privileged to be part of the Governing body at Bearwood Primary and Nursery school, being part of a group of likeminded people who work together to ensure the best education and opportunities for the children who attend Bearwood.

I worked as a Nursery Practitioner for many years and am currently working as a Teaching Assistant within a school for children with special educational needs.

I have been married to Pete for 20 years and we have 2 children who both attended Bearwood School.

I have very little free time but I enjoy reading and walking and cycling.

Rebecca Bridger
Rebecca BridgerTeaching and Learning Governor
Hello, my name is Rebecca. It is a privilege to be made part of the governing body at Bearwood and I look forward to working with all members of staff who enable the school to go from strength to strength.

My background is firmly rooted in education, although recently I have completed studies in Psychology.  Before that I taught English and Drama at a local secondary school until the birth of my first child.  Since then I have been involved with intervention teaching and supporting pupil premium students.

I have three children.  The eldest two attend Bearwood Primary where I truly believe they thrive and excel within the positive atmosphere of the school.  As a family we enjoy exploring the local countryside and coastline as well as being involved in our local church. My hobbies include gardening, theatre and cake decorating, although I wish I had more time to enjoy them sometimes.  I hope I will be able to support staff and make a positive contribution to Bearwood School community.

Simon Hart
Simon HartSEND; Teaching and Learning; Curriculum

I have worked as a teacher for several years in the local area, teaching in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.  Before this, I was lucky enough to work overseas in New Zealand and Kenya before making a career switch into teaching.  My wife and I have two young children, one of whom has recently started at Bearwood, and I am pleased to say he is really enjoying himself.

I am delighted to be a part of the Governing body at Bearwood Primary School and I hope I can contribute to the excellent work they have done for the children and local community.  In my spare time, I enjoy reading, hiking and where possible, further travel.

Harriet Blake
Harriet BlakePupil Premium

It is an honour to be part of the governing body for Bearwood Primary and Nursey School as a Parent Governor. I have two children at the school who thoroughly enjoy their time at this child-centred school. It is a true joy to see them developing as well-rounded humans and taking pleasure in their education.

I have taught in primary and middle schools for over a decade. I’ve led school improvements in teaching, learning and curriculum design and implementation in my more recent leadership roles.

In my spare time, I enjoy being part of the Scouting movement. The community and adventurous opportunities this brings to me and my family are wonderful. I also enjoy camping in our campervan with my family and friends. As a family, we love our local area and are often found at the beach, no matter the weather!

Cheryl Smith
Cheryl SmithHeadteacher
I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed to the role of Headteacher of Bearwood Primary and Nursery School and I enjoy working with the Governing Body as part of our Bearwood Community to ensure that we are delivering the best education and outcomes for our pupils.

I have been fortunate to have worked in a range of different primary schools throughout my 17 years of teaching and leadership career, gaining a wide range of experience in education and within governance. My recent experience in another local HAMWIC Education Trust school has developed my knowledge and skills in ensuring governance is future focused and meets the needs of our school community.

I feel privileged and excited to be part of Bearwood and lead the school to the next stage of its development and beyond. I believe our school has an amazing charm and values, which hold the children at its heart. I will work with everyone at our school to build on its strengths to ensure that all our children are able to learn, enjoy and succeed together.

Outside of school, I love spending time with my husband and daughter, family and friends. I enjoy swimming, walking and a good coffee!

Shauna Mansbridge
Shauna MansbridgeStaff Governor
As a teacher of seven years, I have worked across counties, in a range of different settings.  Much of my experience has been teaching in Upper Key Stage Two, meaning that I know exactly what children should be achieving by the time they leave us at the end of Year 6.  This knowledge, combined with my recent experience of supply teaching in all year groups across schools in Bournemouth and Poole, puts me in excellent stead to be able to support the governing body with ensuring that Bearwood is the best it can be.