I am a retired local Secondary School Principal and have worked in teaching for all of my professional life. I began my career in London, teaching English before going on to middle and senior leadership roles in Oxford, Wareham and then Weymouth. I hope that my experience will be of some use in supporting staff, students, parents and carers in making St Osmund’s CE Middle School the best that it can be.

I have lived in Dorchester for over twenty-five years and my daughter attended St Osmund’s CE Middle school. I am a communicant member of St George’s church, Fordington, where I worship and take part in the life of the church. I look forward to taking part in the spiritual life and development of St Osmund’s CE Middle School.

It is a real privilege to have been invited to join the governing body and be part of a team dedicated to realising the values and vision of St Osmund’s CE Middle School.

Sara Adams
Foundation Governor - Chair of Governors

Since moving to Dorchester over 25 years ago, St Osmund’s CE Middle School has always been praised to me as a wonderful and successful school.

I feel honoured and excited to be part of the governing body and I have been a foundation governor since March of this year.

I regularly attend St.George’s church Fordington, where I am a communicant member. I enjoy our church and the unity of worship.

I am enthusiastic about upholding children’s progression beyond their academic triumphs.

Therefore, am looking forward to support initiatives that encourage welfare, growth and togetherness. By giving our children a positive school life, we can provide them with the skills they need to excel in life.

Charlotte Castleton
Foundation Governor 

I added my name to a website to volunteer in local schools and was delighted when St Osmund’s asked me to be a governor because I’d heard great things about its community ethos.

I’m a qualified secondary English teacher so I know first hand the rewards and challenges of the job. I believe school not only helps pupils with academic success but also gives them those essential life skills like confidence, teamwork, leadership and resilience.

I used to be a national news reporter for the Press Association and, until recently, I worked as a senior communications manager at the Department for Education helping improve social mobility for young people in disadvantaged parts of England.

Mrs Lesley Richardson
Foundation Governor

I became a parent governor in September 2022. I love what St. Osmund’s does for children, for their education and the opportunities it gives them. I am passionate about all children being able to fulfil their full potential, and for the importance of community. I have one child in year 6, and two in year 4 at St Mary’s Catholic First School.

I am an Ossie myself, having grown up in Dorchester. A year ago, we moved from Bristol where I was a parent volunteer with Bristol City Council, chairing a steering group of teachers, speech therapists and hospital staff to improve services for children with sensory needs. One of my children is deaf and using my and other parents’ experiences, I helped the steering group to improve services for children.

Mrs Juliet Viney
Parent Governor
jviney@stosmunds.dorset.sch.uk

I am thrilled to be a co-opted governor at St. Osmund's CE Middle School. My partner and I have recently moved to Dorset having lived overseas for many years working in international education and most recently in London.

I am committed to providing a quality education for students in partnership with parents and staff. I have been a science teacher, a principal and a head of school in several international schools in Indonesia, Zambia, Egypt, Germany and Sri Lanka. On my return to the UK, I was the headteacher of an International Baccalaureate School serving 3 to 18-year-olds in Surrey.

Ms Moyra Hadley
Co-Opted Governor - Vice Chair
mhadley@stosmunds.dorset.sch.uk

I became a Foundation Governor in May 2023. I’ve spent my working life in magazines and newspapers, firstly as an editor and then as a publisher. I’ve also worked in mergers & acquisitions, company development, strategy and product creation - all in media. I’m still involved, owning and publishing a quarterly sports magazine. Additionally, I act as a mentor via the International Magazine Centre. In my spare time, I sing in a few choirs (badly) and go running (really badly). I’m looking forward to helping Ossie’s achieve even greater things.

Mr Kevin Whitchurch
Foundation Governor

Gina studied at Exeter University and graduated with a BA in Mathematics and Education. She has taught for over 20 years in a variety of settings, including primary and middle schools. Although experienced in teaching across the curriculum in primary schools, she chose to specialise in mathematics and joined St Osmund’s in 2019, where she leads the mathematics department.

 Gina Day
Teacher Governor

I became a Parent Governor in September 2024 and have two children, one attending St. Osmund’s CE Middle School and the other in primary school. Having spent most of my life in Dorchester, I have strong connections to the community, with many friends and family who have attended local schools.

Professionally, I have built a career in sales and marketing, spanning industries from property to insurance. For the past five years, I have served as Head of Sales and Marketing for a national care provider, overseeing services for individuals of all ages.

Outside of work, I am passionate about sports, particularly playing golf and rugby. While my rugby playing days are behind me, I still enjoy following the game and staying engaged in the sporting community.

Mr Jamie Powell
Parent Governor

I am a music teacher at a local special school and teach drums in two schools in Dorchester. I moved back to Dorset in 2022 after 15 years teaching and performing professionally as a drummer in London.

We have two children in Dorchester schools, including one at St. Osmund’s CE Middle School, and I am delighted to serve as a foundation governor. We are fully involved in the life of Dorchester Family Church, and I am excited to support the values and vision of this wonderful school. I am particularly passionate about championing vulnerable children and helping St. Osmund’s CE Middle School live out its vision of “no one left out, no one left behind”.

When I’m not teaching, I can often be found playing jazz somewhere in Dorset or playing cricket, still trying to impress the England selectors despite the growing evidence that Dorchester 3rd team might be my level!

The second column.