Emma Brett
Acting Chair of Governors
I joined the Board in November 2020. I practised as a Solicitor before leaving the profession to raise four children (three of them with SEN). I understand many of the challenges faced by SEN students and the vital role targeted support can play in their educational journey. I spent my early years at schools in Nigeria and the Middle East and later taught in a rural school in Zimbabwe. I have an MA in English Language and Literature from Oxford University. I have recently taken on the role of link governor for Careers and PSHE and also sit on the Student Care and Guidance Committee.
Sophie Curtis
I am delighted to be joining in Autumn 2025 as the staff governor. I have worked here at John Hanson Community School for 8 years, having a number of roles during that time. I am currently Head of the Religious Studies Faculty and the Deputy SENCO. I have 3 children, all of whom attend the school, so I am very invested in our school. I think our school is a wonderful place for our young people and hope to help the governing body in their journey to making this school the best it can be, delivering the best education for the young people, whilst having the well-being of all staff as a central focus.
Elizabeth Kelly
I have worked in education locally in Hampshire (at Balksbury, Wallop and Farleigh primary schools) for over 15 years, latterly training at the Helen Arkell Dyslexic Centre to achieve diplomas in OCR Levels 3 and 5 as a SpLD teacher. I now work with pupils ranging from Years 2 to 8 with SEN issues and have recently completed my SEND Governor training and DTG training. I have an MA in English Literature and Language from Oxford and originally worked in finance for six years and subsequently at the Royal Academy of Arts, Piccadilly, running the Corporate Membership Scheme. I have had experience of committee work at the Andover Foodbank where I volunteered over a 10 year period. I am a mother of four adult boys, have 28 nephews and nieces and enjoy walking, cycling, reading and painting in my spare time.
Rachel Lawley
I am pleased to stand as a new Parent Governor at John Hanson and bring to the role a strong commitment to the education and well-being of it’s pupils. I hold a Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People’s Workforce, which has given me a sound insight into child development, safeguarding and learning support.
I live in Andover with my husband Jamie and our three boys: Jacob, aged 14, who attends John Hanson, and Hugo and William, aged 9, twins attending Amport Primary School. Outside of school life, I work part time as Accounts Manager for local company TDI Cables Ltd, which has honed my skills in communication, performance monitoring and teamwork.
I also volunteer regularly at Amport Primary School, helping listen to the children read. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Edward Scotney
I am a new parent governor excited to join the team. Father of 3, my eldest daughter has just joined John Hanson. I was inspired by a fabulous board of governors at my own secondary school (many years ago) to one day be a governor myself and try to help support the learning of students. Professionally I was a career chef and restaurant Manager and for the last 10 years have been a hospitality Operations Manager, most recently looking after a group of pubs for Fuller, Smith & Turner. I have a BA in drama studies from Winchester university and drama remains a passion. I look forward to learning about the role and getting involved with the school.
Harriet Walker
I am delighted to be joining the Board of Governors at John Hanson Community School in Autumn 2025. I am a Doctor in the Military and qualified from Southampton University in 2018. I now live locally. My career and my passion is based around leadership, coaching, mentoring and building effective cohesive teams that inspire growth and development. Throughout my career, I have lived and worked in various parts of the country, building a variety of experiences that I hope can contribute to the fantastic work already being done at John Hanson Community School.
I am very much looking forward to working in collaboration with the school, students, parents, teachers and the wider community to support our children to achieve their full potential.
Outside of work, I am kept busy with DIY and my cocker spaniel, Karson.
David Weston
I have contributed to the community in many ways since retiring from paid work. I have been a magistrate, a trustee for a local charity and a committed volunteer for Citizens Advice. I have been a governor at John Hanson since 2005 and has undertaken many roles within the governing body including Chair of Resources and a lead on literacy.