Governors

Stephen Allen

Co-opted governor (Vice Chair and Health & Safety)

I retired a year prior to the Covid pandemic after a career transgressing logistics, as a Hazardous Goods freight manager, then data analyst for the operations team in a Boiler manufacturer company. With a will to put something back into the community I enrolled as a volunteer with both NHS and RVS. I then responded to an advertisement in the local Community magazine advising of vacancies for co-opted Governors at the school, as I am of the belief that all children should be given the best opportunities for a good education and early start in life and am pleased to be in a position to give some service in this field. Away from volunteering I am a very keen Poole Pirates Speedway follower and also a regular at Poole Town Football club matches.

Tanya Best

Staff Governor

I have been a teacher at Upton Infant School since qualifying in 2016 and have loved teaching across all infant year groups. I currently teach in Year 2 and enjoy helping children grow in confidence and independence. Over the years, I have taken on a range of roles including leading School Council, Art and now Maths, where I support staff and pupils and contribute to developing our maths curriculum. Alongside my teaching career, I have been raising my own family, which has deepened my appreciation for the strong sense of community at Upton Infant School. I value the nurturing, family-centred ethos that supports both pupils and their families and where staff feel valued, heard and respected. I am keen to help foster and strengthen this shared sense of community across both the Infant and Junior schools as we federate. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and walking our dogs in the forest.

Alison Carter

Co-opted governor (Pupil Premium)

Duncan Churchill

Executive Headteacher

I have been head teacher of Upton Infant school since February 2017 and was appointed as Executive head teacher at Upton Schools, which include Upton Infant and Upton Junior schools in April 2025. I am honoured and excited to work with our school community as we develop the Federation of our two schools. Previous to working at Upton I was the head teacher of Mudeford Infant School and have previously worked at Christchurch Infant School too. Outside of work I am an avid runner who regularly runs in 5k races with my favourite distance being the marathon. I have been lucky enough to run the London marathon and the Berlin marathon twice. I am also a football fan and support Norwich City.

Diana Crisp

Co-opted governor (Data & Maths)

I am a retired teacher who worked in a local junior school for 23 years. I have also worked for Winchester University as a link tutor. This enabled me to go to many schools and help aspiring young students on their journey to be a teacher. I am also a Governor of a federated school locally which has an infant school and junior school. I was part of the governing body when it became federated and more recently became an academy. My children and grandchildren have attended Upton Infant and Upton Junior schools. Upton has been my home for 46 years and I enjoy living here very much. I hope to help to further develop the federation and look forward to working with the team of staff and Governors.

Dawn Goodwin

Co-opted governor (Safeguarding)

Rhian Homer

Parent Governor (curriculum)

I am a parent governor at The Upton Schools, where my daughters currently attend. Professionally, I am a teacher and Year 6 lead at my own school, and I hope to use my experience in education to help support and develop the learning and experiences of all children at The Upton Schools. My governor role is focused largely on supporting teaching and learning across the curriculum, with a current emphasis on reading and writing. Outside of school, I enjoy music, cooking, socialising with friends and family, and relaxing with a good TV series.

Jo Shepherd

Co-opted governor (Chair)

My name is Jo Shepherd and I'm the chair of the governing body at Upton Schools. I became a governor of Upton Juniors in 2021 and have been an active member of the board since then. I have held designated roles in SEND and safeguarding and was Vice Chair from 2023-2026, when I became chair. I live locally and have 3 children who have been pupils at the schools. I became a governor as I wanted to do my part in supporting the schools to flourish and provide the educational and pastoral care our children deserve.

Jill Turner

Co-opted governor (SEND)

My name is Jill Turner and I am currently attempting, but failing at, a phased retirement by being a SENCO in 2 local schools. I started my journey in education as a TA in a special school, qualifying as a teacher in 2000 teaching all year groups between Nursery and Y7 in a variety of schools across BCP eventually becoming Assistant Head, DSL and SENCO in a primary school in Bournemouth. In my last 2 schools I was the staff governor and enjoy the challenges that this offers to help a school team make things even better for the children. In my spare time I play a variety of instruments including the flute and trombone. I am also learning German and Arabic on Duolingo and like to go out geocaching.

Benjamin Whittingham

Parent Governor