Governors

Welcome from our Co-Chair of Governors

Welcome to Walberton & Binsted CE Primary School, our beautiful and well-equipped village school set in wonderful grounds. As Co-Chairs of Governors, we, are proud to serve such a caring, vibrant and ambitious school, where children are encouraged to flourish academically, socially and spiritually.

Our governing body is responsible for working with the school to ensure that it delivers a high-quality education for every one of our pupils. Together with the Headteacher, who is responsible for the day-to-day management of the school, we help to set the school’s aims, policies and strategic direction.

We support and challenge school leaders, hold the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and oversee the performance management of staff. We also monitor the financial performance of the school to make sure that resources are used effectively and that money is well spent.

Our governors bring a range of skills, experience and perspectives to their role.

Walberton & Binsted CE Primary School has a strong Christian ethos which encourages kindness, thoughtfulness, responsibility and respect. We value the contribution of every member of our school community and want all children to feel safe, known and inspired to do their very best.

We are always encouraged by the positive atmosphere within the school, the dedication of staff and the enthusiasm of the children. We know that every day matters in a child’s education, and we are committed to supporting the school in setting high aspirations for all pupils.

We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with parents, carers, staff, pupils and the wider community as Walberton & Binsted CE Primary School continues to grow and thrive.

Catherine Ward and Sue Cox
Co-Chairs of Governors

Meet our Governors:

• Mrs Sue Cox
  Co-Chair of Governors
  Mrs Sue Cox

  After a career in varied business settings, I took a break to look after my children. Three of them attended the "old" Walberton and Binsted school, and for a time I worked here as a TA and helped with literacy work. I went on to take a degree in English and Education Studies at Chichester/Bognor, followed by a PGCE in secondary English - which was quite a challenge with teenagers living at home! Probably my most relevant and enjoyable experience was my time spent teaching across the whole curriculum at a small special school in Portsmouth for young people aged 10 to 16 (mostly boys) with behaviour issues who were excluded from mainstream education. Later I worked for a company which ran children's homes with schooling and a foster care service. Pre Covid I have been a volunteer at Walberton Pre-School and a trustee for the village hall, but the world of education is where my interest really lies and I am very happy to be a foundation governor here. St Mary's Church in Walberton has been part of my life for many years. I have 6 grand children aged 10 to 14 which is great fun, and I enjoy gardening, reading and spending time with friends and family.

• Catherine Ward
  Co-Chair of Governors
  Catherine Ward

  I have lived in Walberton for the past 24 years. I worked in education for thirty-five years, before retiring in August 2025. I started my career in rural Cambridgeshire and during my working career, I have been headteacher of a local primary school, assistant headteacher of a primary school in Littlehampton and I worked in inner city London as a class teacher and special needs co-ordinator, prior to moving to West Sussex when my husband was appointed vicar of St Mary's Church, Walberton.

  My own children attended Walberton and Binsted CE Primary School during their primary school years.

  I was delighted to be appointed foundation governor by the Diocese of Chichester to be able to serve in the local community. I am passionate about supporting children to ensure they have the opportunities they need to enable them to thrive and to have the best possible education.

• Rev Tim Ward
  Foundation Governor
  Rev Tim Ward

  I am a vicar of Walberton at St Mary's Church. I was a parent at the school for nine years. Before being a vicar I taught History at secondary level and now I like to teach about the local History of the Battle of Britain to year 6. I have been a governor of 5 schools and involved in schools' ministry continuously for 27 years including assemblies and after school clubs. Until recently I was vice chair of an Academy Trust. I am also a sixth form chaplain at Bishop Luffa school.

• Mrs Sonya York
  Staff Governor
  Mrs Sonya York

  ,

• Ms Amy Wilkins
  Parent Governor
  Ms Amy Wilkins

  I currently have one child attending the school and hope my second will attend in a few years. Since starting I have been consistently impressed by the school and its staff. The sense of community the school fosters has made my son feel very welcome and by extension the rest of the family too.

  I'm passionate about ensuring all children achieve their full potential and receive the very best opportunities we can provide.

  I have worked within the publishing industry for 15 years, starting my career at a children's publisher. I've always had a special interest in books for children and the importance they play in children's development and wellbeing.

  Children's mental health and well-being is one of the genres we publish. I am incredibly proud to contribute to such an important area. I believe that mental well-being and academic achievement is vital to young people's progress.

  I hope to contribute as a Governor for the continued success of the school.

• Mr Mike Mansergh
  Co-opted Governor
  Mr Mike Mansergh

  My wife and I have lived in Walberton for 22 years. Having retired after 37 years in the Royal Navy and eight years working in business, including six years as a further education college governor, I am keen to provide my experience and advice to support the headteacher both in delivering high quality education today, whilst also developing strategy and vision for the future of Walberton and Binsted Church of England Primary School.

• Mrs Jenny Challis
  Clerk to the Governors
  Mrs Jenny Challis

  I joined as Clerk for the Governing Body in March 2019. This is my first role as a Clerk so I am learning as I go, but really enjoying working as part of the team. I have 3 children (2 currently attend Primary School in Felpham, and the other attends Secondary School in Barnham). In my spare time I enjoy walking our dogs along the beach, and playing netball.

• Mrs Rebecca Partington
  Parent Governor
  Mrs Rebecca Partington

  I am the proud parent of two children at the school. I am thrilled to have been appointed as a parent governor and am eager to collaborate with the committee to support the school's growth and success. With my background in project management and construction, I believe my skills and experience will be valuable in contributing to the school's continued development.

• Mr Joe Neale
  Headteacher
  Mr Joe Neale

  I am an ex officio governor at Walberton and Binsted CE Primary School in my role as Headteacher.

  I have 17 years' experience in primary education. Before joining Walberton and Binsted as Headteacher in April 2026, I worked for 13 years within a multi-academy trust, where I held a range of leadership roles including Deputy Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher, Interim Headteacher and Acting Headteacher. I was also a member of the Trust's school improvement team.

  I hold a BA, an MSc in History & Politics and a PGCE in Primary Education. I am currently working towards the NPQH — the National Professional Qualification for Headship.

  As Headteacher and governor, I am committed to supporting the strategic direction of the school, ensuring the highest possible standards for all pupils, and working in close partnership with staff, governors, families and the wider community.

• Amy Reed
  Co-opted Governor
  Amy Reed

  I have a range of teaching and leadership experience within the Primary Education sector, having first started my career in Hampshire. These roles have included; EYFS Lead, Infant School SENCO, Teacher in Charge of Resourced Provision, and Federation SENCo/ Assistant Head.  I have been in my current job role for 4 years, as the SEND lead for a local Multi-Academy Trust of 10 schools, and a member of the School Improvement Team. 

  My two children currently attend Walberton and Binsted Primary School, and therefore I am also able to offer parental perspectives and feedback to the school whilst also understanding the challenges and realities of the current education system. I am keen to support and the School on their journey of continuous improvement and hope that my experience will effectively support the school's leadership and governance teams .

• Nigel Goddard
  Local Authority Governor
  Nigel Goddard

Please click here for more detailed information about Governors, their term of office, attendance at Governor meetings during 2024-25.