LOCAL GOVERNING BODY 

Our governing body is a Local Governing Body (LGB) of Initio Learning Trust. Please find below details of how our LGB is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each governor. Serving as a governor is very rewarding role and the Chair of Governors would be happy to speak to anyone who is interested in joining the LGB. 

Kate Batorska, Headteacher - Ex Officio 

As Headteacher I hold an ex-officio position on the LGB. I moved to West Dorset from Somerset in 2001 and have lived in Bridport since then with my husband and son. I have been a teacher for nineteen years, working across a range of year groups and have been both Deputy Head and SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). In 2012 I completed a Master’s Degree in Early Mathematical Intervention. This fuelled my passion for pursuing the very best teaching and learning approaches that help our children develop a love of learning and a belief that they can achieve the very best. 

Sally Walton - Chair of Governors 5.2.20 to 2.2.24 

I am a Co-opted Governor. My husband and I moved to West Dorset in 2014 and I would now like to give back to the community. I have enjoyed reading with Year 5 at local school and look forward to the opportunity at St Mary's where hopefully my more analytical side and business experience can be of assistance. 

Michelle Sage - Vice Chair of Governors 

I am a Co-opted Governor, appointed by Directors of the Minerva Learning Trust. I am linked to the current Year 2 class and I have enjoyed getting to know them and the school. I am serving on the resources' committee.  I used to be a teacher before becoming a mum and moving to Dorset! I now work on a caravan park but wanted to remain connected to the education system and offer support where I can.  

Clive Faircloth

I am a Foundation Governor, appointed by the Diocese of Salisbury. A lifetime’s experience in education for me involved teaching RE and English in Kent and in Dorset. Within that experience has been over thirty years of pastoral work in mixed comprehensive schools and, having been both Deputy Head and Co-Headteacher of what became an Outstanding school, retirement beckoned. Now I remain active in working in education including working as a governor, pursue a variety of leisure pursuits and the fortunes and misfortunes of Fulham Football Club.  

Vanessa Jessopp - 27.2.20 to 26.2.24

I am a Staff Governor, elected by the staff to serve on the LGB.

Christine Proctor - 24.5.21 to 23.5.25

I am a Co-opted Governor, appointed by the Directors of the Minerva Learning Trust and serving a 4-year term. I moved to Bridport in 2010, and luckily became a teacher at St.Mary's from 2011 until 2019. I taught Year 2 initially and then Year 1, was Key Stage 1 leader, KS1 Literacy co-ordinator, staff Governor and a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Prior to this I worked in several Primary Schools in Southampton from 1995, and have taught Years 1-5, and had many responsibilities including SENCO and Assistant Head. In the distant past I worked for the Civil Service as a VAT Inspector! I am passionate about reading, art and music and over the last few years have really enjoyed volunteering in school and working with the children in a more informal way.

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Clerk to the Governors

Ms. Kate Rigby: karigby@initiolearning.org

Please click the logo below to access the Initio Learning Trust Governance structure and Member and Trustee biographies.