Governor Biographies

Mike Gauntlett - Chair of Governors

I first became a parent governor at Funtington in 1999, as I wanted to support the school in providing an environment, where the primary objective was to improve the education & well-being of all current & future pupils. I stood down for 5 years, but "the pull" was too much, and I became a community governor in 2012. I am currently Chair of the Governing Board. I have always enjoyed my time as a governor, and value being able to contribute to the ongoing work of such an enthusiastic, & effective, governing body and school team. I am a local farmer and value the importance of a strong, vibrant, local community, within our beautiful area.

Sam Blacker - Parent Governor 

I have been a governor at Funtington Primary School since 2021 and I am currently Vice Chair of the board. Both of my children attended the school, and we really value the education and experience that they have had. We moved to the local area in 2015 and understand the importance of the links between the school and the local community. A strength of the school that I value is the emphasis placed on health and wellbeing of the pupils and extracurricular activities that are provided. I aim to use my professional experience in my role as an academic at the University of Chichester and with external organisations to help support and develop the school.

Nick Ford - Parent Governor

I joined Funtington Primary School as a parent governor in February 2024. Having moved to the area in 2019, I feel very lucky to have both my children attend the school, and it is a great privilege to serve on the governing board. I come from a family of educators and seek to use my experience as an academic and manager at the University of Portsmouth to support the success of Funtington Primary. I am passionate about inclusive education and ensuring that all children feel happy and safe at school and develop a life-long love for learning.

Becky Golds - LA Governor

I have a long-standing association with Funtington School where I attended as a pupil, along with many other family members. I am now delighted to have my daughter enrolled here. With experience owning and running my own company, I have developed a strong foundation in problem solving and leadership. I believe these skills will enable me to positively impact on the challenges faced by the school. I am passionate about continuous learning, particularly in new technologies and innovative working methods. As a newly appointed school governor I am eager to expand my knowledge and contribute positively to the future of Funtington School, ensuring the well-being and success of its pupils and staff.

Ray Knight - Associate Governor

I have been a governor at Funtington Primary School for 50 years plus; also Chairman during this time. I was born in West Ashling and went to Funtington School until aged 11 years, then on to the Lancastrian Secondary Modern School in Orchard Street Chichester. We moved to East Ashling in the early 1950’s where I started to work in the family business as an agricultural engineer and blacksmith. I was a member of the local scout group and the church choir until I was called up for National Service for the RAF. On return, I worked in the family business, got married and had family, the children went to Funtington Primary School. I am still very much involved with the school.

Sam Poynter - Co-Opted Governor

I have been a member of the Governing Body since 2014, firstly as a Parent Governor and now as a Co-opted Governor. I have lived in West Ashling for 14 years and have had children attending the school. My working life has been spent in education, working for Hampshire County Council as a teacher and now as an Educational Psychologist. I believe that every child has the right to access high quality education delivered in their local school and it is this belief that drew me to support Funtington Primary as a governor.

Jeremy Smith - Co-Opted Governor

I have been a governor at Funtington Primary School since 2019. I grew up in Chichester and two of my children currently attend the school, where they are thriving and very happy. I have worked in education for nearly thirty years, first as a secondary school maths teacher and more recently working with teacher training programmes at the University of Chichester. I also sang in the cathedral choir in Chichester for over seventeen years. I am proud of the way in which this school is a place at the heart of the local community, where pupils and staff feel confident, safe and successful, and where all are helped to realise their potential.

Julie White - Staff Governor

I first started to work at Funtington Primary School as the school cook in 2010. The staff and children have always been so friendly and welcoming along with Mr Knight who always stopped to talk when he visited the school. In October 2016 I jumped at the opportunity to cover the position of School Secretary and was soon appointed to role permanently. I am looking forward to helping Funtington to continue to grow and develop as a staff governor. Prior to working at Funtington, I worked as an assistant systems manager with the FHSA/Health Authority helping to rollout systems for the digital transfer of patient records. I have also been on my local Scout Group general committee and my local sailing club house committee.