Governor Introductions
Jean Watson BA (Hons) MA (Theology) Chair of Governors.
Link Governor – English, Phonics, Drama, R.E. Collective Worship, Performance Management and Attendance
As a committed Christian, I have worked in mainstream education and in the church, with children, youth and adults for all my adult life. I am passionate that all children should have access to the best education we can provide to enable them to reach their full potential. With two young grandchildren of my own, I keep abreast of changes and movements in education. I lead music in my church and belong to two music groups.
Jamie Hutchison
Local Authority Governor - Music, Art and Drama
I am a Retired Warrant Officer, Royal Navy. I am a councillor for the ward of Hardway, and was Mayor of Gosport for 2022-2023. I am a project manager and Trustee for Elson community library and comittee member of Friends of Hardway. I am married to my wife, Karen, and live in Gosport.
Adam Wickham - Parent Governor
Term of office from 18 Feb 2022 to 17 Feb 2026
Governor for History, Geography and French/Foreign Languages
Member of Pay Committee
I am a design engineer for a gas sensor manufacturer in Portchester where we range from industrial sensors to medical/domestic sensors. I have 2 children with one currently at St John's in KS2. I enjoy spending time with family & friends, I enjoy various sports but my favourite is golf.
Rev’d Dom Jones - Vice Chair of Governors
Foundation Governor - Safeguarding Governor
Term of office from 20 Jul 2018 to 19 Jul 2026
Rev’d Dom Jones is the Lead Chaplain for Hampshire Constabulary, he is originally from Cornwall but moved to Hampshire in August 2017 to work for the Police. Dom has experience of School Governing in two Cornish schools and was previously the Governor for Data and RE. Dom was asked by the Diocese of Portsmouth to be a Governor at St. John’s and joined the board in the summer of 2018. Dom is currently vice-chair of Governors and has responsibility for Safeguarding. Dom and his wife have a daughter who was born in May 2020 and a dog and a cat.
Peter Darcy
Foundation Governor
Term of office from 13th May 2024 to 12th May 2028
I am originally from Plymouth and spent most of my career in various management roles in the food distribution industry. Following redundancy, we moved to Gosport in 1992 and I again became a manager in the fruit and vegetable section of the food distribution industry.
In 1997 after again being made redundant I started my own Industrial Training Business using all the skills and qualifications gained throughout my career. I am now retired.
My church life started at childhood and currently I am the Church Sexton at Holy Trinity. I am also responsible for the Health and Safety, and Fire Safety of our church. I also serve as a Thurifer and Sides person.
I am a member of the PCC of Haven Church and currently Deanery Treasurer. I am also on the Diocesan synod. With a young family I was elected a Parent Governor in Plymouth and became both Deputy and Chair of Governors. I also headed a campaign to save our local Secondary School.
The first years of education are the most important and the experience and knowledge and motivation we can pass on, is a vital supplement to the good formal education children are provided. I am fully committed to help the school in any way I can.
Hilary Bremner
Foundation Governor
Term of office from 3rd June 2024 to 3rd June 2028
Born in Leeds and brought up in London, I qualified as a teacher in 1977 but then had a “gap 10 years” working as a life assurance underwriter and having two children. We have rather a family history with St John’s as it was my children’s and my granddaughter’s primary school, and where I worked for the last ten years of my teaching career until I retired in 2015. Since retirement I have spent my time between family, being Chair of Trustees/committee for 2 local choirs, and until recently, volunteering as Joint Chair of Trustees for a local crisis support charity.
Ali Renn
Parent Governor
Term of office from 24th June 2024 to 23rd June 2028
I'm the Head of Fundraising and Marketing at a national youth development and outdoor learning charity based in Portsmouth. I grew up in Gosport and am a former pupil of St. John's. My mum worked at the school for many years and from September 2024, both of my children will also be pupils, so I have a deep rooted connection to the school.
Janet Aps
Foundation Governor
Term of office from 4th February 2025 to 5th February 2029
Moving to the local area in 2018, I have been fortunate enough to be able to concentrate on two things which matter to me – choral singing which brings me huge joy and supporting the local community which enables me to ‘give back’. As a volunteer and trustee of a local crisis support charity I saw the extent of the needs of the vulnerable in our community, and was glad, in some small way, to be able to help. I care about the education of our young people; they are our future; supporting those who educate and nurture these young minds is a privilege.
Having worked in senior roles in railways and hospitals, I have experience in operational management, strategic leadership, and governance across both.
Sonia Mcpherson
Foundation Governor
Term of office from 4th February 2025 to 5th February 2029
Bringing extensive experience in strategic planning, financial oversight, and team collaboration from my career in sales and business development. Passionate about providing children with the best education to reach their full potential. My ability to analyse data, manage budgets, and support leadership ensures financial efficiency and accountability. I am dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where children can thrive academically, morally, and spiritually.