Sam lives in West Wellow and became a co-opted governor in February 2021. His eldest son currently attends Wellow School. Sam is a Chemical Engineer working in the Oil Industry and has always had an interest in becoming a governor and supporting children’s education. He is keen to provide support to the schools of Wellow and Awbridge in their continuous development and improvement utilising his skills from his career to support this. Sam has specific responsibility for communication and marketing as well as governor training

Vice chair of Governors

Helen Wheelwright - Co-opted Governor

 Rianna Arshad - Parent Governor

Rianna was elected as a parent governor in November 2021 and has 3 children currently attending Wellow Primary School. The family have lived in the village for nearly 4 years.

When not being a Mum, Rianna works as a Doctor in the Children’s A and E Department at Southampton General Hospital. This gives her a unique insight into how health and education impact each other. She has also been part of improvement projects within the NHS and hopes to use these skills as a governor.

Rianna will act as the governor link for the Creative Collaborative with the Art’s Council over the next 3 years.

Phil Le Gros - Parent Governor

Phil lives in Awbridge and joined as a Governor in April 2023. Bringing experience from his varied career in the IT sector, including working abroad and supporting mental health initiatives, he sees Awbridge and Wellow schools as critical parts of the community, and believes every child deserves the best opportunities that the schools can provide. Passionate about inclusion and developing life experiences which complement academic school life, Phil wants to ensure the schools help children to discover passions that will stay with them for life. 

Staff Governor - Laura Ackland

Laura became a staff governor in April 2023. She has been teaching for 12 years and has a member of staff at Awbridge for the last 7 years having previously worked at Wellow. Laura is the English and Computing Leader at Awbridge and enjoys sharing new books and technologies to enhance our curriculum. She completed the National Professional Qualification in Leading Professional Development in 2022 and hopes to use the skills she has learnt to support her roles both within school and as a governor.

Chris Stephens - Co-opted Governor   

Chris began living in East Wellow two years ago and became a governor in January 2024.  Prior to this, Chris has had a long standing connection with the community of Wellow, his wife grew up in the village and attended Wellow School herself.  Chris is currently Deputy Headteacher for the Quality of Education at The Romsey School and has held numerous other roles within education including being a Head of Mathematics for 10 years, a Professional Development Lead with the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) and a Leading Mathematics Teacher with Hampshire County Council.  He brings vast knowledge and experience of education and curriculum development through his role at Secondary Education level and has completed a Masters in Education at The University of Southampton.  Chris is excited to explore Early Years and Primary curriculum through his work as a governor and is looking forward to working with staff, pupils and the community in which he lives.  You might occasionally spot Chris out in either Awbridge or Wellow whilst he's out on one of his runs or walking his dog.

• Declarations Awbridge Wellow Primary Academies 2 10 2023
• Governor Attendance 22 23
• Governor Attendance 21 22