At St John’s Catholic Primary School, our Governors play a vital role in shaping the future of our school and supporting its mission to nurture and educate every child in the footsteps of Jesus. Our Governing Body is made up of dedicated volunteers from the local community, including parents, staff, and representatives from the Diocese. They work closely with the Headteacher and senior leadership team to provide strategic oversight, ensure high standards of teaching and learning, and safeguard the wellbeing of all pupils. Through their commitment and expertise, our Governors help maintain our strong Catholic ethos and contribute to the continued success and growth of St John’s.

If you would like to learn more about our Governors profiles please read on.

Foundation Governors

Mike Simmons

I am a Foundation Governor and a committed Catholic.

A retired NHS member of staff my skills include:

Building Maintenance, Electrical Engineering and Health and Safety. I am complimented that my fellow governors have elected me as Chair of the Governing Board.

I have been a primary school governor for over 15 years, my commitment and reward is to see every child enjoy school and reach their highest potential.

My monitoring links are for Safeguarding and SEND.

Clare Doogue

I have been a Foundation Governor, appointed by The Bishop, at St John’s for many years. Up until I retired two years ago I worked for Wiltshire (County) Council in both the Architects and Property Services Departments. I worked on many building projects including schools, libraries, magistrates’ courts and police and fire stations. I did a full range of work from seeking tenders through to keeping the budgets. The capital programme and maintenance budgets ran into millions of pounds. In the last five years I worked on the implementation of a new finance, procurement and HR system for the County.

I am currently Chair of the Resources Committee, at school, which oversees the school finances and premises. I am also the link Governor for RE, SMSC and Art. I have enjoyed a long association with St John’s as I am a former pupil of the School. I have enjoyed my time as a Governor immensely taking part in school trips and for many years the year 6 venture week as well as attending School Masses, Class Liturgies, Nativity Plays and the Easter Witness Services. I am very proud of St John’s and have been privileged to work with many dedicated and talented staff and governors and polite and well mannered pupils – a credit to their parents and the School.

Dee Perkins

I am a Foundation Governor appointed by the Bishop of Clifton. As a practising Catholic I attend St Bernadette's Westbury where I have taken an active part in many parish and community activities. I am a retired Primary school teacher and was Principal of a Nursery School. I have been an Assessor for students working towards their NVQs and a Mentor for young Teenagers. As a Mother and Grandmother, I have a keen interest in the ever-changing Education system of the country. I am honoured to be appointed to this role and to be able to use my experiences and skills within the St. Johns School family.

Peter Matthews

I am a Foundation Governor with link responsibilities for Science and Health and Safety at 

St John's Catholic Primary School.

I was appointed by the Bishop in October 2023.

I was also educated at St John's and I am very proud that my two daughters and my four grandchildren have all followed in my footsteps with their education at St John's.

I have been retired for the last three years having successfully run my own Kitchen and Bathroom fitting business for over twenty years ,which is now run by my Son-in-Law.

I enjoy my connection with the school and have been involved with hearing pupils read along with assisting on school trips and attending school Masses.

Along with my strong Catholic Faith, I am also a Eucharistic Minister at St John's Catholic Church in Trowbridge.

Sarah Hollywood

I work in secondary education and feel privileged to serve as a Foundation Governor, giving back to the sector that has shaped so much of my own journey. I am passionate about supporting staff, students, and the wider school community, and I see this role as an opportunity to contribute positively to the future of education. With a strong focus on well-being, behaviour, and community values, I am committed to working collaboratively with fellow governors to ensure every child has the best possible opportunities to thrive.

Rebecca Porter

I am a foundation governor here at St John’s, having been recently appointed by the Bishop in July 2025. The school is very important to me as it is where I went to school and now I am a parent at the school, giving me a personal connection to the community. 

As part of my role, I take a special interest in the Early Years, as this is such an important stage in laying the foundations for children’s learning and development. Having previously worked as a primary school teacher, I have a keen interest in the education sector and a real appreciation for the work that goes into creating an inspiring and supportive learning environment. It is a privilege to see how this is brought to life for the children.

Alessia Bertoncello 

I'm Alessia Bertoncello, for the past three years, I have been proud to serve as a school governor at St. John's Primary, a school that is very special to me as my son goes there. Being part of this community inspires me daily and makes me more dedicated. Being a foundation governor in conjunction to helping with the PTA, I constantly try to contribute to creating a caring and supportive environment for our children. My experience in business and managing projects helps me contribute to a brilliant team of governors and school members, but what matters most to me is making a positive difference. As part of my role I also monitor Maths. Supporting the school gives me a sense of purpose, and I feel inspired when I see the dedication, hard work, and clear vision that help guide the school’s future. I am truly proud of the role I play and of the many achievements the school has made, each one showing the love and effort that go into creating a bright future for our children.

Parent Governors 

Rebecca Dixon

I am a committed and engaged parent, and I am keen to contribute to the school community by serving as a Parent Governor.

As a parent, I am deeply invested in the learning and well-being of not only my own child but also of all pupils at the school. I believe that education plays a critical role in shaping the future, and I want to play an active role in helping the school continue to grow, adapt, and succeed in an ever-changing world.

I bring curiosity, openness, and a willingness to listen and learn. Although I may not have a background in education, I offer the perspective of a parent who cares deeply about teaching quality, student welfare, communication, and school-community engagement.

LEA Governor

Douglas Marr

We have had 2 children successfully pass through St Johns who both enjoyed their time there. I work as a software engineer. I have helped with various aspects of school Governance from working on committees through to assisting with the school website. I am currently Chair of Admissions. 

As a Governor you are able to witness first hand how much change goes on in education but also the hard work and dedication put in by both teachers, support staff and the Head.