Meet Our Governors | Vigo Primary

Marty Johnson, Chair

I have lived in the Andover area since 1963 and have three grown up children. I joined the Governing Board at Vigo Infants School as a Co-opted Governor in 2015. Previously I worked at Andover College for thirteen years both as a Lecturer and as an LSA specialising in working with SEND students. I have also worked at a local Primary school for two and a half years. I became Chair of the Governing Board at the beginning of the Autumn term in 2018 when Julie Bray was appointed Head Teacher. I feel very fortunate to be part of the school during this exciting time, when as a Governing Body, we will be focussing on developing and supporting improvements, ensuring every child will achieve their learning potential and enjoy a high quality education.

Sara Falk, Vice-Chair

I joined the Governing Board of Vigo Junior School in December 2014. I am passionate about improving education in Andover and sit on the governing boards for John Hanson and Smannell Fields School. I am also part of a team that set up a local charity called Kids on Track which runs activity clubs during the holidays and after school. I have four teenage children but before that I worked as a Management Consultant.

Denise Grafe

I have been a governor at Vigo Primary school for 6 years. I am currently Chair of the Teaching & Learning Committee.

Before I moved to Andover I was a governor at an inner London primary school for 8 years.

While working in London, I set up a reading scheme with a local primary school. 40 members of staff went to the school weekly either before they started work or during their lunch break to read with the children. Due to the success of the scheme we were able to forge other links with the school. The school choir sang at our annual carol service and at the beginning of each academic year, those children with reading partners came to the office for breakfast with their reading partners to catch up after the summer break.

Rebecca Clarke

I joined the governing board of Vigo Primary School in July 2018. I have worked in education for my entire career, firstly as a teacher, then headteacher, in the school improvement services of a number of local authorities and finally as Director of Schools in a London borough. Now mostly retired, with grown up children and now grandchildren, I look forward to having the time to support the school in the next steps of its improvement journey. I am the SEN governor and have a particular interest in ensuring that every child receives the highest quality of education.

Jemma Perkins

I joined Vigo FGB in March this year as a co-opted governor. I have no direct experience in education but I have two sons who recently graduated from UK universities and I live in the local area. Through personal circumstances I am passionate about the mental health and well-being of our children. I believe in developing self-awareness and building resilience in children from an early age to ensure they will be robust enough to face the challenges of the modern world ahead. I am looking forward to taking a special interest in the teaching of English within the school and continuing to evaluate the overall School Improvement Plan along with the FGB.

Sarah Hicks

I joined the governing body of Vigo Primary School in September 2016, I chair the Pay Committee, I sit on the Resources Committee and I also undertake the role of Development and Training Governor. I have been a school governor for over 10 years, having previously been a chair of governors in an Infant school, and I am keen to use the skills and experience I have gained through my different governor roles and from my work with Hampshire County Council to ensure all of the children at Vigo receive the best possible education.