Chair of Governors

Rachel Bennett - Appointed by the Members

I am Rachel Bennett. I worked as a senior leader in a Bournemouth secondary school for nearly 30 years. On retiring from leadership in July 2023 I looked for ways that I might support and give back to my local community. It took just one tour of Pokesdown Primary School to inspire me to join the team of Directors! I was bowled over by the expert direction of the leadership, the enthusiasm and dedication of the teaching and associate staff and the wonderful, joyful conversation I had with the students when I asked them about their learning and wider-school experiences. Just over a year, and an Ofsted Inspection later, I feel incredibly proud to be part of Pokesdown Community Primary now serving the school as the Chair of Directors.

Barras Stone - Appointed by the Members

I have had a long term interest in children’s' education both through my work and through being a parent and grandparent. I have been a school governor in Bournemouth since 1996 and with Pokesdown since 2000. I am now mostly retired, (with some part time work commitments), having worked in a range of industries including British Aerospace, Blue Circle Cement, the BBC, British Gas and Bournemouth University. I have lived within a few steps of Pokesdown school for many years and know it to be an amazing school, the atmosphere is wonderfully supportive of the children. They learn with enthusiasm and are a credit to their families. I am really proud to be a part of Pokesdown school.

Paul Lord – Elected by the Parents

As an ex-pupil of Pokesdown, with my eldest daughter just finishing her journey at the school, and my middle daughter recently starting, I am extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to contribute back to the school community. As a qualified Accountant I have passion for maths, but I want to ensure that children have a wide variety of learning opportunities, to become well rounded individuals able to adapt for the future. I have worked for a variety of companies, from large corporates to local childcare. I am hoping my experiences and learning from these will support the school making positive contributions in the children's learning and development.

Anne Piggott - Appointed by the Members

My Name is Anne. I was born in Cardiff and lived there for many years until I moved to live in beautiful Bournemouth in 1999. I have been a Primary Teacher for over 33 years, a job I absolutely loved. I was fortunate and privileged to spend my last 20 years of teaching at the remarkable Pokesdown Primary School, a school I care about with love and passion! This year I had early retirement and it is a privilege and honour to become a Governor again at this incredible school. There certainly is not another school like Pokesdown. It radiates love, laughter, vision, the list goes on and it is a joy to be part of helping the school develop from strength to strength. 

John Kidney - Co-opted by the Directors

I am John Kidney, I am married to Jo and have two adult daughters and two grandchildren.  I was born in Northampton and lived there for most of my life.  From the age of seven, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher. 

I am now retired after forty-five years in the teaching profession, mostly in primary schools in Northamptonshire. In 1992 I was appointed as Deputy Head at Alfred Street Junior School in Rushden, I served there for twenty-five years, eight as Deputy Head and seventeen as Headteacher.

Throughout my career, I served as teacher governor and then as headteacher governor.  I also served as a parent governor at my daughters’ school.   

In 2020 Jo and I, we moved to Southbourne to be closer to family and I am now a licensed lay minister at All Saints’ Church Southbourne, where I am Parish Safeguarding Officer and the church council lead for children and families. 

Prior to moving to Southbourne, I was a volunteer safeguarding trainer for Peterborough Diocese and chair of trustees for a Church of England care home. 

I am very pleased to have been invited to join the directors and hope that my experience will be of benefit to Pokesdown. 

Jade Forster - elected by the parents

waiting to be updated

Charlie Cooper - Co - opted by the Directors

Having recently moved to the Southbourne / Pokesdown area and hoping that my 2 year old daughter will attend Pokesdown in a few year's time, I was keen to support & contribute where I can as early as I can. I have a passion for STEM subjects, having done Aeronautical Engineering at university, followed by a career in finance, and now software, so want to use this experience to help the next generation develop these skills, especially around maths, financial literacy & adapting to new technology. I love the school curriculum and think it’s so important for learners to be able to question and explore. 

Lee Forde - elected by the parents

I’ve always been someone who enjoys being active, outdoors, and involved in music, and those interests have shaped the way I connect with children and young people. I started out working in the trade before moving into outdoor activities and education instructing, which gave me a real appreciation for hands‑on learning and the different ways children can be inspired. That path eventually led me into the school environment and later into social services and child protection. I’ve learned a great deal from the families, colleagues, and teams I’ve worked alongside, and I’m committed to helping children feel safe, supported, and able to reach their full potential.

Some of the most meaningful moments in my work have been the small, unexpected ones—like hearing from a former student who simply remembered a voice or a conversation. Those reminders of trust and connection stay with me and reinforce something I’ve come to believe strongly: every child is reachable, and the key is finding the spark that inspires them. I’m proud to be part of a team that works together to understand each child’s background and create an environment where they can grow, thrive, and feel a sense of belonging.