Governors

Cara Schwick
Co-opted Governor

I have lived around Petersfield all my life, and I live with my husband and children in my childhood home in Sheet. Prior to working at the Infant school, I worked as an Operations Manager at a local company. This involved implementing policies and procedures, having responsibility for health & safety, and co-ordinating training for staff members. I also enjoyed reviewing and analysing where improvements in performance had been made. I have two daughters, both of whom enjoyed their time at Petersfield Infants. During their time at the school I began volunteering, initially by listening to readers and helping with phonics, moving on to become a member of staff in 2016. I completed an apprenticeship course in ‘Support Teaching and Learning’ with Hampshire Futures and spend some of my time attending courses to further develop my knowledge, as well as understanding the Governor role fully. When I am not at school, I like to spend time with my family, walking, reading, or gardening. I really enjoy working at the school and I’m enjoying being a school governor. It is extremely rewarding to be involved with a school who actively encourages children to be the best they can be and to be part of their learning journey. 

Claire Cheeseman 
Chair

I have recently moved to Petersfield with my family and love the town and the surrounding area.  My eldest daughter now attends Petersfield Infants School, we love the ethos and family feel of the school.  I currently work as a Finance Manager in the healthcare industry.  I am new to the Governing Board and wanted to take the opportunity to make a difference and support children and their families so that they all achieve their maximum potential.

Clare Parsons
Co-opted Governor

I was born and brought up in South Wales, leaving to study at Southampton University when I as 18. I completed a 4-year BEd Hons history degree there and got my first job as a teacher in a large junior school in Portsmouth shortly after finishing. After a few years teaching I decided to try a different career and got a job in IT, working for IBM and was fortunate to do a variety of roles within the company, including being a Service Manager for one of IBM UK’s biggest clients. I have since returned to teaching which I am thoroughly enjoying; it definitely delivers job satisfaction! I have lived in Petersfield since 2002. I am married and have two sons, both of whom thoroughly enjoyed their time at Petersfield Infant School. Since having children my spare time has diminished significantly but when I do have that rare moment I like to go out for a run, read, visit the theatre, cook, catch up with friends or relax with a glass of wine.

Julian James
Co-opted Governor

I have lived in Petersfield since 2003, having grown up in Liphook and travelled the world, or at least the West Country, serving as a pilot in the Royal Navy. After leaving the Navy, my working life has mainly been focused on IT related activities including providing consultancy and infrastructure support to schools. Although no longer active in this sphere, I still maintain an interest in education and this was one of the factors that drew me to the role of governor. Petersfield Infant School is of particular interest as both of my daughters have benefitted from the outstanding education delivered by the team. Outside of work and family I can occasionally be found microlight flying and cycling around the local area, although it would be fair to suggest that I’m generally a fair-weather participant in both activities.

Pearl Wheeler
Co-opted Governor

I was born in Odiham but grew up in Silchester and Horndean. My early working life was spent in the manufacturing industry, marketing consumer durables. I moved to Petersfield following my marriage in 1980 and took a career break to spend the pre-school years at home with my two sons, Dan and Luke, now adults. I thought about how I wanted to spend the rest of my working life and decided to retrain as a language teacher at the University of Portsmouth. I spent my teaching practice at secondary schools in Hayling Island, Horndean and Woolmer Hill and later taught in Leigh Park, Havant. The most enjoyable part of this role was as a tutor and mentoring trainee teachers. As part of an MFL initiative, I spent time with primary teachers and helped coordinate language-learning for that age group. Although retired from teaching, I continue to be very interested in the development, welfare and education of children. In my free time I am an avid reader and a member of a bookclub. I enjoy music, current affairs, travel and foreign culture.

Sarah Pririe
Parent Governor

We’ve lived in Petersfield since 2014, having moved from Southsea in search of a quieter life! Initially we rented a property, but soon decided that we wanted to put down some roots, and we bought our house here in 2016. I live with my husband and daughter, who started at Petersfield Infant School in 2017, and has now moved on to Herne Junior School. I grew up in Fareham, and attended Portsmouth University, before training as a Chartered Accountant at BDO in Southampton. Since qualifying in 2007, I have worked mostly in online businesses (retail / travel) and I’m currently a Director of Financial Planning and Analysis at a global travel company. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family. When we’re not out at a local attraction or going for walks in the forest, we’re at home, making things and spending time in the garden.

Catherine Askam
Parent Governor

I have lived in Petersfield since 2011 and love being part of such a welcoming and active community. My son attends Petersfield Infant school, and he is thoroughly enjoying his time. I was educated in a community school in Yorkshire, and I graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering. I am now an Associate Director in Strategy & Consulting but when I am not at work I enjoy building Lego with the children, watching a bit of Strictly,  attending live music events, cooking and catching up with friends and family. 

I wanted to play an active role both in my son’s education and the local community, so being a Parent Governor was an ideal opportunity for me.

Sue Barrows
Co-opted Governor

I grew up in Fleet and left to join the Royal Navy when I was 19 to train as an engineer officer. 17 years of adventure later, I changed career, becoming the Headmistress’s PA at a school in Portsmouth. At the same time, I decided to get involved in my local community and so became a governor at Petersfield Infant School. In 2013, my husband’s job took us abroad for 4 years but on my return I was delighted to re-join the governors. I am currently working as a HR manager in a school in Portsmouth. I enjoy singing, cycling, reading, travel and spending time with my nieces and nephews.

Susan Phillips
Vice Chair

I live in Petersfield having moved here from London in 2010. My working background is in the public sector, beginning in a central London local authority and now as a civil servant in Westminster. I have had a number of roles in each organisation, most of which centred around children and young people and improving their life chances and opportunities. Away from work I enjoy the theatre, music and reading, working on my garden and allotment and I am becoming increasingly interested in the environment. I enjoy my role as a governor for Petersfield Infant School and hope that my life experiences help support the school team to make pupils’ time here the best it can be.