Who Are We?

Graham Nagel-Smith, Headteacher

I have been Headteacher at Morgan’s Vale and Woodfalls Primary School since 2004 having previously taught in an Independent School for children aged 2-16 and a large comprehensive Secondary School. I completed my teaching qualification straight after my degree and my Headteacher’s qualification (NPQH) shortly before taking up the post at MVW and have been teaching since 1994.

My staff and I have worked hard to create a harmonious learning environment where everyone feels welcome and able to achieve their very best and the School’s Christian character is at the centre of this. I attend all the governors meetings and am a member of both of the governors sub-committees.

Out of school I am married with four boys (and a dog), I am actively involved in our local church and play hockey for a local team.

Rob Alcock

I am a Radiologist who has both a degree and PhD in Physics, having also studied Medicine later in life. Having previously been a Foundation Governor at a popular primary school in Plymouth, I moved to the area with career progression and was appointed a Foundation Governor at Morgan’s Vale and Woodfalls Church of England Academy where my daughter is now a pupil.

I have an international outlook upon life having previously lived in and retain close ties with China and South East Asia. Having not been overly academically successful as a teenager I understand well that education does not always go to plan, that individuals develop at different rates and with the right encouragement can still flourish. I have a passion for developing persistence in overcoming hurdles in life, and, believe in instilling good core Christian values into our children’s lives as a foundation to fall back upon when needed for life’s twists and turns. My aim is for Morgan’s Vale and Woodfalls Primary School to continue to be a highly interactive school with a happy learning environment and supportive culture for our children to thrive in their education and development.

Veronica Batchelor

I have been a Foundation Governor since September 2021. The school is located within the area that I serve in as a Church of England priest and it’s a privilege to be a part of the Governing Body.

I have lived locally for a very long time and both of my now adult daughters attended the school. Before becoming a priest, I worked for eight years as a pre-school leader. After attending theological training, I was ordained in 2010 at Salisbury Cathedral.

I have been the local vicar since 2014 and I am so grateful for being able to live and work in such a beautiful area and within a great community. I’m pleased to be able to serve on the Governing Body helping the school to provide for the spiritual and emotional well-being of the children and wider school family.

Daniel Bishop

I began as a Foundation Governor in January 2022. We moved to live in Redlynch in 2020, and I have two children at MVW who love the school!

I am a history and politics teacher and taught in Buckinghamshire and Cambridgeshire, before moving to Wiltshire; I am currently Deputy Headteacher of a secondary school, and have a particular interest in curriculum development, teaching and learning and careers provision.

Invariably, a lot of my free time revolves around family life and my interests include all things sport-related (especially cricket, rugby and football), current affairs and politics, reading (history and politics, as well as a good 'Whodunnit?') and I am a member and trustee of Salisbury Methodist Church and Methodist lay preacher.

Richard Bolton

I am a Christian with three adult children and 4 grandchildren. I was appointed as a link foundation governor for Religious Education in November 2021. I am on the Parish Roll of both St Mary’s and St Birinus churches and I am a member of St Birinus PCC.

Now retired, I worked for the NHS for 35 years, initially as a medical photographer then, later, as the manager of a regional diabetic eye screening service based at Salisbury District Hospital.

I am amazed at the fantastic places schools are nowadays compared with what I experienced as a child. I think that a child’s positive experience of an adult role model is as important as a good education and in a small way I hope that I am part of both this fantastic school and a positive role model to the children.

Anthony Bunce

I’ve lived in Redlynch since I was a teenager, and my wife was a pupil at Morgan’s Vale 35 years ago. It’s wonderful to see my own two children thrive in the same supportive atmosphere. As a mobile herdsman’s son, I attended multiple schools growing up, and I feel this gives me particular insight into the importance of stability, and the community values that the school gently instills.

For the past 20 years, my career has been mostly in retail management, and latterly in the Veterinary sector. I was appointed Parent Governor in 2019, and also serve on the Finance, Staffing and Buildings (FSB) committee. When not found under a car bonnet, I enjoy running, walking with my family, and going to the gym.

Rosemary Hawley

I have lived in India, London, West Africa, South Wales, Wolverhampton, Liverpool and now Lover.

I have worked as a teacher - very briefly - community worker, non-executive director and chair of various NHS bodies; been a magistrate and university governor. I serve on the Academy Trust and chair the Curriculum Committee. I am a Foundation Governor nominated by the PCC of St Mary's Church and have responsibility on the Curriculum Committee and some policies.

Now retired I still keep up a small amount of work in Liverpool, as well as being a governor of MVW and a secondary school in Salisbury.

Jill Horsburgh

I joined MVW Governors in June 2018, I am a foundation Governor and serve on the Finance, Staffing and Building Committee (FSB). I studied modern history at Oxford University and am a qualified teacher. I retired as Head of The Godolphin School, Salisbury, in 2010 and now live in Morgan’s Vale. I am currently a volunteer supervisor with Wiltshire Citizens’ Advice and a Steward at Salisbury Cathedral. I am also chair of governors at Bishop Wordsworth Academy Trust. My other interests include literature; classical music; singing (member of St John Singers), travel; gardening, riding and walking three dogs (English Springer, Jack Russell terrier, Border terrier).

Renate James

I’ve been Foundation Governor since 2020 as well as being a parent at the school since 2016.

I’m a counsellor in private practice working with families, couples and individuals. As part of my work with families I serve on the referral panel for the Wiltshire Family Counselling Trust.

I am passionate about both mental health and physical wellbeing. I specifically enjoy all things outdoor and active such as cycling, taking our (big) dog - Cotton for long walks, and having lots of fun and laughter with my friends and family!

I am a Christian and a member of the Downton Baptist Church. I believe part of my role as governor is to bring faith, trust and openness to God’s will for the school.

Gareth Shaw

I am a parent governor with a daughter in the school and a son in Mini-Morgans. I am also a part of the curriculum committee.

I am a qualified teacher with a specialism in Early Years and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and currently work as the Inclusion Teacher in an SEND hub nursery. I have a masters degree in Early Years Education and Music.

I believe in every child’s ability to learn independently and in their right to be included. I have a further interest in how we can support children in creating and expressing their own views as well as finding ways to ensure they are listened to in meaningful ways.

Outside of work I love painting, music and my VW campervan. My wife and I also have a baby daughter who I'm sure will also be causing havoc in the school in a few years time as well as a dog who seems to takes pride in being as muddy as possible.

Sheila Youings

I have a degree in Educational Psychology and a Masters in Health Psychology, although I worked for 16 years in Genetic research which I found fascinating. I have a grown up son and daughter and one gorgeous grandson.

I have been a Governor for 11 years and for all of my time as a Governor have been on the Finance, Staffing and Buildings (FSB) Committees. I believe that children with learning difficulties should be supported and that bright children should be stretched. I am interested in all areas of school life, but I suppose Pastoral Care is my particular interest.

I enjoy most sports, my hobbies are walking, tennis and occasional golf. I also volunteer one day a week for a local charity.