Chair of Governors/Local Authority Governor

Mrs Ann Arscott

08/06/2026 - 07/06/2030

"I am an experienced governor and am committed to supporting the staff and children throughout their journey through the Foxhills Federation. I totally support our Federation vision of Care, Learn, Engage, Achieve, Reflect (CLEAR). I have a background in healthcare as a radiographer, and manager of several medical research studies. Since retiring, I have achieved a long-held ambition to walk the 630 miles of the South-West Coastal Path with my husband. I enjoy sailing and travelling, keeping my garden under control, and spending time with my grandson.
It is important for governors to keep up to date with matters that impact on their efficient operation, and education as a whole, and I take advantage of the training courses offered by Hampshire Governor Services. I am very honoured to be Chair of the Board of Governors, and retirement affords me the time and flexibility needed to fulfil this role across both schools. I enjoy the challenges it brings, and the satisfaction of seeing the schools provide an excellent education for all our pupils."

Headteacher

Mrs Lucy Howe

08/06/2022

Associate Governors

Mrs Heather James

21/09/2022

 

Mrs Sophie Foster

02/01/2024

 

 

Co-opted Governors

Mrs Anne Marie Datlen

08/06/2026 - 07/06/2030

As Development & Training Governor, I am responsible for co-ordinating the training sessions on offer to all of our governors throughout the year. Before training for my current role in school, my background was as a Training Officer for the Maritime & Coastguard Agency. After having a family, I retrained to work in Early Years provision before being appointed to my current role providing teaching cover across the junior school. I am also very fortunate in that I have responsibility for emotional literacy and pastoral support for all children whenever they might need it.

Originally an ‘outsider’ to the area having come from a military background involving many moves, I now live locally and consider myself a native to Hampshire!  As a family, we have a very strong bond with our school as my husband attended Foxhills as did our children. During my almost fifteen-year tenure, I have seen the school develop in so many ways and although the role of the governor can be challenging, it is very rewarding. Our aim is to ensure that we provide the very best educational opportunities and experiences for the children in our care, and it is a very great privilege to be able to contribute to that as a governor. 

 

Mrs Nikki Medley

25/09/2025 - 24/09/2029

I have been with the Foxhills family for seven years and have worked across the junior school in all year groups. I am currently in year 5 in Elder class. Being a governor is not new to me, as I was a safeguarding governor for eleven years in my previous school, so fully understand the role and importance of the governing body. Outside of school, I enjoy baking lots of goodies for my family to enjoy and walking my Cocker Spaniel, Maple.

Mrs Donna Neill

08/06/2026 - 07/06/2030

I was co-opted as a governor at the start of the 2019-2020 academic year and have joined the Children’s Learning and Achievement Committee and the Safeguarding Committee.

I am currently a stay-at-home parent but formerly worked as a commercial lawyer for more than 12 years.  My most recent role was as a senior legal adviser for an international academic publisher, and previous roles have seen me work in a law firm and for a TV production company.  Now, however, I spend most of my time looking after my two daughters, one of whom has just joined the Infant School, my elder daughter recently moved to secondary education having attended the Infant and Junior schools.  I also have an interest in art and travel and play regularly in a fairly informal netball team.

Whilst my daughter was at Foxhills Infant School I regularly volunteered as a classroom helper, helping children and teachers with a variety of activities and trips.  I am pleased to now be able to contribute some of my time in the more formal role of governor. I am passionate about education and feel privileged to able to support the school in ensuring that all our children are given the best possible opportunities to thrive, both at school and throughout their lives. 

Mrs Glenda Thornley

08/06/2026 - 07/06/2030

I am a longstanding governor and manager of the on-site Ashurst Pre-school. I am passionate about education and the difference it can make to children. I have four children of my own and they have all gone through the Foxhills schools.

I have a BA hons degree in childhood studies, and I like to learn all aspects of the education system. I have worked as a Special Education Needs co-ordinator in all my roles within pre-school and nursery settings. It is exciting being part of the new Federation and I am interested in the emotional wellbeing of all the children on site. Children are excited to learn when they are happy and secure, and every child has a potential to reach. 

 

 

Caroline Hubbard

27/02/2023 - 26/02/2027

I joined the Governing Body at Foxhills in February 2023 as a co-opted Governor. My background is in Education, as a teacher of English for 32 years. I was a Head of Department in a City School and then a New Forest School for a total of 16 years. I subsequently worked as an L.S.A at Foxhills Junior School with a focus on reading intervention in Year 3 and SATs preparation in Year 6 until my retirement. I work currently as a Volunteer teaching English as a second language as part of an initiative funded by the Library Service. I am active in the local Community as a longstanding member of Ashurst and Colbury Parish Council and as a Trustee at Colbury Memorial Hall. I am also a member of the Outreach Group which supports the elderly in our community. I am pleased to be a part of the Board of Governors at Foxhills and will enjoy the challenge of working with others to support the provision of the best education for all pupils

Mr Paul Terris

29/02/2024 - 28/02/2028

I am a new governor in 2024 and am really looking forward to being part of the school leadership team and striving to make a positive impact, in support of our vision for federated and high performing schools. My experience is in business management at a senior level dealing with decisions, relationships, contracts and budgets in a multi-national corporate environment. I feel that I can bring my commercial acumen and collaborative ‘one team’ ethos with me and use this to help in the strategic aspect of the cultural, academic and educational needs of the school. I have lived locally in Ashurst for nearly 20 years, and my grand-daughter is a pupil at Foxhills Infant School. As I’m retiring this year, one of the key things I have to give is time and commitment to the role, which I’m really enthusiastic and excited to be starting this year

 

 

Mrs Lowri D'Sa

23/10/2025 - 22/10/2029

I am a co-opted member of the Foxhills Board of Governors and am delighted to support the Federation’s work, particularly around safeguarding. I’m passionate about helping children and young people understand healthy relationships and develop safe personal boundaries.

I currently serve as the Service Manager for the Child & Youth Team at Stop Domestic Abuse, leading practitioners who support children and families in refuges, schools and the wider community. Over the past twelve years, I’ve been a Designated Safeguarding Lead across organisations in Canada, Wales and England, and I value the opportunity to support staff in providing compassionate, effective and professional care.

My work includes supporting children, young people and parents affected by domestic abuse, as well as facilitating programmes for teenagers who have experienced or displayed harmful behaviours in their own relationships.

As a Foxhills parent, I have a personal investment in the wellbeing of our children and deeply appreciate the healthy, happy and safe environment created by the school and its families. With online safety and digital abuse becoming increasingly significant issues, I’m especially committed to helping shape strategies that keep children safe in a rapidly changing digital world.

 

Mr Chris Willmott

08/06/2026 - 07/06/2030

 With an extensive background in public service and fire safety, I am honoured to serve as a member of the Foxhills Board of Governors. My career has been defined by a commitment to safety and community, having served in both the military and the fire service across Hampshire and London. For the past 25 years, I have also operated a specialised fire safety consultancy.

 Professional Expertise

 As a professional fire risk assessor, I have dedicated much of my career to the education sector, working extensively across nearly every London Borough. My decision to specialise in schools stems from a desire to protect educational institutions; while schools consistently strive for the highest safety standards, they can often be vulnerable to exploitation by external parties. I view my role as a safeguard, ensuring our Federation receives honest, expert guidance.

 Personal Connection to Education

 Education is a core value within my own family:

  * My wife has served in various educational capacities, including as a Teaching Assistant.

  * My daughter is currently a secondary school teacher in St Albans, Hertfordshire.

 Key Interests

 Within the Governing Body, I take a keen interest in health and safety and the overall working conditions of our teaching staff. I am dedicated to ensuring that Foxhills remains a safe, supportive, and high-functioning environment for both students and educators alike.

 

Parent Governors

Mr Chris Boalch

17/10/2024 - 16/10/2028

I am delighted to serve as a parent governor for the Federation. My son has recently joined the infant school in Year R so it is important to me to see that the school thrives for him and his peers. I worked in primary education for many years as a teacher until 2023 and in that time performed many roles, including being a member of governing bodies. I am now an adult functional skills teacher delivering English to apprentices across the country, so my passion for education still burns within me!

Mr Michael Paye

17/10/2024 - 16/10/2028

I joined the governing body at Foxhills in late 2024 as a parent governor. Over the years, I have volunteered with the Air Cadets and supported secondary school students in completing their Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

Professionally, I am the Vice President of Research and Development at a global cybersecurity software firm, where I oversee strategy, budgeting, architecture, security, HR, and contracts. I hope to leverage my skills and experience to support the school's overall strategy and help provide the best opportunities for all the children at Foxhills.

My family and I moved to Ashurst in 2022 but my wife and I have lived in the Southampton area for many years and enjoy spending time in the New Forest. Our son currently attends Foxhills Infant School, and our daughter will join in 2028. I am excited to support the school to the best of my ability in the years ahead.

Clerk to Governors

Mrs Tracy O'Connor

 

We currently have a vacancy for a co-opted governor. If you are interested, please contact the Chair of Governors, Mrs Ann Arscott at A.Arscott@foxhillsfederation.co.uk for information