Dear parents and prospective parents,

The governing body of Hinton St George C of E First School is committed to providing the pupils with a rich and varied education and ensuring that each child reaches its potential. The school provides a stimulating, supportive and encouraging environment in which children can grow and develop. The pre-school is an integral part of the school and this ensures that these young children are supported in developing physically, socially, emotionally and intellectually in a way which can be built on progressively as they move through the school.

The number of pupils is comparatively small, and this enables the children to feel part of a close community. They interact well with one another and show concern for each other. The quality of their behaviour is outstanding. The children are well known to the staff, both teaching and non-teaching and this ensures that their needs are met effectively.

As governors we are proud of the standards each of the children achieve. These are higher than national and county averages. The school was judged to be “good” by Ofsted in 2018. Since then the focus on raising standards further has been successful due to the leadership provided by the headteacher and the commitment of the staff.

The school is an important part of the village community and is supported by the community. In particular, the parents and friends’ association (PFA) provides significant financial support which enables the school to improve its facilities, its learning environment and class resources. There is a wide range of after school clubs organised and managed by staff and parents. These further contribute to the rich experience the children receive.​
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Kind Regards

Jane Gifford

I trained as a teacher and taught in a number of primary schools in the North East and the Midlands. I taught all year groups from nursery to Year 6. I became a head teacher of a primary school with a nursery and having completed a Master of education degree, was appointed by the Queen in Council to be one of Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Schools (HMI). This role required me to inspect schools both state and independent throughout the country.

On retirement I worked for an independent inspectorate specialising in the inspection of small schools in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.  Currently, I edit school inspection reports for the School Inspection Service.

I retired from the profession of Financial Planning 3 years ago and am now enjoying retirement . My interests include gardening, travel and family. In the past I have been involved, in a voluntary capacity, in a variety of professional, educational, service and charity organisations. I have lived in Hinton St George for more than 5 years and enjoy being involved with the community.

I am a Church of England priest.  My wife Julia and I job share the role of Rector for the parishes of Merriott, Lopen and Hinton St George with Dinnington.

We moved here from Bridgwater in September 2011 and I have been a Governor at Hinton School ever since.  Prior to being ordained I have worked as a geologist, environmental scientist, missionary, intelligence analyst, charity fundraiser and as a sales assistant in a wine shop!  When not working as a governor or Rector, I enjoy walking, gardening, travel, reading and photography

​I have been an Education Welfare Officer for the past 4 years and prior to that have been an Adolescent Support Worker and a Senior Social Work Assistant. I have worked for the LA for the past 14 years and am a serving Magistrate.

Currently I am the Education Welfare Officer for Hinton St George C of E First School as well as being the Education Welfare Officer for another 38 schools across Somerset. I have been associated with the school since 1977 when I first attended the school, my children also attended between 1995 and 2001 and still speak very fondly of the school and their time there. It is important to me that the school continues to thrive due to my long association with it and I believe that I can bring positivity and creativity to the role.

I am the school’s staff governor and work as the class teacher in Kingfisher Class. I started working at Hinton in September 2019 and really enjoy the personal feel of this small school. I have been teaching for 5 years and have taught from year 1 up to year 5, in a contrast of different schools.

I am passionate about education, the challenges that it holds and aiding the next generation to reach their potential. I enjoy the outdoors, fitness, travelling and love to try and utilise the wonderful part of the world that we live in both in and outside of work.

I have three children, two who attend Hinton, Fletcher in year four and Teddy in year one.  We moved to the area just over three years ago.

I work as a support worker in the community.   I have worked in schools in the past in the role of special educational needs assistant which I really enjoyed and it gave me a real interest in education and how schools are run.

I look forward to being part of the governing body in the role as parent governor, helping the school to maintain its high standards for our children.
I’m friendly and approachable and look forward to getting to know those of you who are new to the school. The school has a lovely community where we all like to help each other and the school.   I hope to be part of continuing that all together.

Neil Lukins

Tim Brawn