Governors
Hannah McLoughlin
Chair of Governors
I’m delighted to introduce myself as the new Chair of Governors at our school. I have been a parent governor for nearly three years, a role I have thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend to anyone interested in becoming more involved in the strategic side of the school behind the scenes. The role has given me a greater insight into just how hard our staff work for the benefit of all the children in their care, and I am excited to be part of the next stage in our school’s journey as we begin the BIG refresh. I believe there are many exciting things ahead for our whole school community.
Chris Owen
Vice-Chair of Governors and Local Authority Governor
I’m originally from Felpham and recently moved back to the village with my family after 15 years of building my career elsewhere. I joined the school governors in September 2025 and I’m excited to share my professional experience, help shape the school’s journey towards excellence and give something back to the community I’m proud to be part of — especially now that my son attends Bishop Tufnell. Outside of work, I’m passionate about martial arts (mainly kickboxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu), love walking my two dogs, Ted and Darcey, along the beach, and there’s usually some rock music playing in the background with whatever I am doing!
Fr John Challis
Ex officio Governor
I have been a School Governor since 2000 and served on the Governing Body as a full member of six schools and as an associate on thirteen. I have been at BTPS since 2016 and over the years served on all of it is sub committees as well as being Chair. As the Rector for St Mary’s I enjoy visiting the school in my capacity of priest to the school and in my capacity of ‘Wellbeing’ Governor. I am married to Jenny and we have three children, along with two dogs, one cat, a snake and numerous chickens which I breed.
Lorna Bilous
Foundation Governor
I am a retired nurse, having worked within the local community, and I am a member of the congregation at St Mary's Church, Felpham. My three grown-up children all attended Bishop Tufnell School, and I became a school governor in September 2025 as I wanted to give something back to the nurturing school community. In my spare time, I enjoy meeting up with friends, quizzing, reading, walking, going to the theatre and holidaying with my sister.
Julia Carey
Foundation Governor
I live in Middleton-on-Sea and I became a governor at Bishop Tufnell 6 years ago. I want to help ensure that our local school is a school to be proud of and that all our children are enabled to be the best they can be and enjoy their primary school years. I am a retired teacher and headteacher, so I know how big the challenge is for schools and families in these days. I am married with two grown up children and enjoy meeting up with friends and family, walking, travelling and in quieter moments, sewing. I am a member of the congregation at St. Nicholas' Church.
Fr Brian Cunningham
Foundation Governor
I was ordained in Guildford Cathedral in the early 1990’s and spent the first years of ministry working in Guildford and then South London, where I served as a School Governor. Most of my ministry since has been spent in education, as a School Chaplain and teacher in the secondary school sector. Currently I work for a Christian Charitable Foundation in Chichester which seeks to relieve poverty and social isolation, especially among the elderly, by providing accommodation to those in need. I am married to Sally, have two adult sons and live in Felpham.
Heather Kirk
Foundation Governor
I began volunteering when my second child entered the school in 1999, later joined the staff looking after the Infant Library and returned to volunteering after my retirement pre-Covid. I am passionate about libraries, literacy and wildlife gardening. I am a member of St. Nicholas congregation.
Anita Walker
Foundation Governor
Laura Sands
Local Authority Governor
I moved to Elmer with my husband in 2024. Prior to this I lived in West London and was a School Business Manager. After retiring and moving here I wanted to continue to use my knowledge and experience so thought that the best way I could do this was to become a School Governor. I am proud to be part of the Bishop Tufnell community and enjoy being able to support the strategic direction of the school. I have two grown up daughters and enjoy coastal and country walks with my husband and our Sproodle, Ruby. I also enjoy outdoor swimming, Pilates and the challenge that my new coastal garden brings me!
Tyson Stevens
Parent Governor
I am one of the Parent Governors at Bishop Tufnell. I am passionate about ensuring every child thrives, feels included, and is given the best possible opportunities. As a current Head of Inclusion and SENCO at a West Sussex primary school, I bring extensive experience in driving meaningful, sustainable change for children with a wide range of needs. I have worked across two local authorities, leading improvements in inclusive practice and strengthening support systems for pupils, families, and staff. Bishop Tufnell is on an exciting journey of positive development, and I am pleased to contribute to its strategic direction. I believe strongly in collaboration, transparency, and high expectations for all. As a governor, I look to use my professional expertise and commitment to support the school in continuing to grow as a nurturing, ambitious, and forward‑thinking school where every child can succeed.
Joshua Chamberlin
Headteacher
I am Joshua Chamberlin and I am the Headteacher of Bishop Tufnell CE Primary School. I have been a Headteacher in South West London for a number of years and am very happy to now be working closely with the governors, staff and parents at Bishop Tufnell to see our school go from strength to strength and our children truly flourish. I am passionate about inclusion, seeing every child explore their passions and interests, and as a former PE teacher, seeing the Tufnell sports provision thrive! I'm also a musician and currently play bass guitar in a band - watch out the Chichester music scene!
Will Benham
Staff Governor
I am Will Benham and I have been a class teacher and year leader at Bishop Tufnell CE Primary School since 2017. I have been teaching for 8 years and believe children should be challenged to achieve their full potential and learn through risk and challenge to develop into resilient and confident individuals. In my own time, I love going on holidays and kayaking.
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Louise Type
Associate Governor and Deputy Headteacher
I am Louise Type and I have been the Deputy Headteacher of Bishop Tufnell CE Primary School since January 2019. I have been teaching for 20 years and believe in ensuring that all children feel valued, safe and achieve the best that they can. I am a Nana to two grandsons and love spending time with my family and going running for some much-needed peace and quiet!
The Governing Body is a group of volunteers – with representatives from parents, the community, the local authority and staff including the Headteacher. We also have a professional clerk. All Governors are committed to making a positive contribution to the school and the education of all pupils.
The Governing Body is collectively responsible for:
- Ensuring clarity of the School’s vision, ethos and strategic direction.
- Holding the Headteacher to account for achievement of the School Development Plan - including the quality of teaching, pupil’s progress & achievement and pupil’s behaviour and safety.
- Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure that its resources are managed effectively.
The Headteacher and the Leadership Team are able to draw on our skills to support and strengthen their decision making, monitor their programme of continuous school improvement and ensure that the school fulfils all statutory obligations.
As part of our commitment to Safeguarding pupils, all Governor appointments are subject to checks by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Appointments are made with a term of office of 4 years. Some Governors then seek reappointment for subsequent terms.
The Full Governing Body meets 4 times a year, plus 3 Committees meet at least once a term to discuss Resources (this includes Staffing, Finance, Premises & Health and Safety), Curriculum and Christian Distinctiveness. Governors rely on reports from the Headteacher, Staff and Committees, feedback from stakeholders including external audits and reviews plus their own scheduled visits to the School. Minutes from past meetings are public documents available for anyone to read, and are kept in the school office. We do, however, maintain the right to confidentiality where appropriate. Non-governors may attend meetings at the invitation of the Governing Body.
Should you wish to contact the Governing Body, please email [email protected].
Governors’ Allowances
School governors provide a voluntary service, and cannot be paid for their role as a governor. But they can receive out of pocket expenses. This may include reasonable expenses to cover travel costs or child care costs incurred as a result of fulfilling their role as governor. Where the board has a delegated budget, whether to pay allowances and what allowances might reasonably be paid are matters for the board to decide. Where a board does not have a delegated budget, allowances and expenses may be paid by the local authority at a rate determined by them.
Payments can only be paid for expenditure necessarily incurred to enable the person to perform any duty as a governor. This does not include payments to cover loss of earnings for attending meetings. Travel expenses must be at a rate not exceeding the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) approved mileage rates which are changed annually and are on HMRC website. Other expenses should be paid on provision of a receipt and be limited to the amount shown on the receipt. Further sources of information.