Governors

Welcome to our Governors’ section. 

Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.

We have a lively, supportive Governing Body made up of members of the local community, parents and staff.

Our Governing Body

David Whitehead – Executive Headteacher

I am very proud to be the Executive Head Teacher of Borden Church of England Primary School. I have been a teacher for many years and I love my job! I have also served on Governing bodies since 2006.

I support Liverpool Football club.  I enjoy listening to all sorts of music but my favourite group is The Beatles.  I also enjoy watching films, my favourite film at the moment is ‘Cars’.

I have two children Jack (aged 4), Mollie (aged 2) . They keep me very busy!

If you see me around in school please introduce yourself so I can get to know Borden’s parents better.

Karen Godsell – Head of School

I have been teaching for 22 years at five very different schools across South London and Kent. This varied experience has provided me with a wider perspective on school improvement and a wealth of information and strategies to draw from. Although I have enjoyed all of the schools that I have been a part of, I have always been drawn to return to a small faith school and am very proud to be leading such a caring, family orientated school with such high expectations on developing each child to their full potential – academically, emotionally and spiritually. I am very fortunate to work with an excellent, dedicated staff team, committed governors and supportive parents and everyone plays their own significant part in ensuring that our pupils are happy, independent learners and leave us ready for the next phase of their education.

Helen Stewart – Chair of Governors

I have been the Chair of Governors since January 2017. I retired from full employment in October 2013 and became a Governor at another school within the Unitas Collaboration. I joined Borden in January 2016 to help and support the Governing body when numbers were low. Now as Chair, I see that the Governing Body is growing and expanding, but we can always do with extra support.  I have lived and worked in Sittingbourne for over thirty years, mainly in Health, Social Care and Education, so I have a range of experienced to support me in my role as Chair.  Borden School is an exceptional school with many highlights and talents, but also has many challenges facing it over the next five years.  My children were supported by a good educational system  in Sittingbourne, and I know how a good start in life will provide children with the best foundation to develop their future lives. I aim to support  current and future children within the school to achieve the best they can.

Mrs H Kitchingham

I became a Parent Governor at Borden in September 2014 and am now a Foundation Governor and Vice Chair of the Governing Body. With 2 children at the school I decided I wanted to take a more active role in their school community. I was a primary school teacher for 15 ½ years and now work at Borden pre-school. I hoped my interest and experience in education would be useful in making decisions and helping to ensure our children enjoy an exciting, challenging and diverse curriculum that enables them all to achieve their potential. It is very rewarding to belong to the governing body, responding to the responsibilities and challenges involved, and working with others to ensure that the children and staff work in a happy and secure environment.

Mrs L Emery

I have lived in Borden Village for 20 years and have been a governor for Borden School since October 2014. I care for my grandaughter, who attends this school, whilst her parents work.

Previously I have had many years experience of working in early years pre-school settings, one of which was Borden Pre-School.

I became a school governor as I wanted to take a more active part in the school, with my previous experience in childcare I find it a very rewarding role. Working together with the staff and other governors to continue to develop Borden Schools happy and safe environment, which helps all children to learn and achieve their full potential.

Mrs B Gould

I have enjoyed living in Borden village for over thirty years with both my children attending Sittingbourne schools.  I trained as a primary school teacher but spent most of my teaching years working in special needs education eventually becoming a Special Needs Co-ordinator.

Mr J Batchelor

Mrs  E Tench  – Clerk to Governors