Hello, My name is Andrea Warner-Lee.  I have been teaching for 18 years across both KS1 and KS2.  I grew up in London and moved to Dorset about 13 years ago.  I love reading, watching films, cooking and socialising.  This is my first time being a staff governor.

I was appointed Clerk to the Governors at Southill Primary School in  2014.  I retired to Weymouth from North Yorkshire following ten years as a Headteacher’s PA, Office Manager, and Clerk to Governors in a secondary school.  Before this, I spent 21 years in the pharmaceutical industry.  I currently clerk three Primary Schools in Dorset and have completed the Professional Clerk’s programme.

I first joined Southill Primary as a school reader in Feb 2023. I was immediately struck by the positive and welcoming feel of the school so I joined the Board of Governors in February 2024.

My career background is retail and investment banking and I have also set up and managed my own businesses.

My skills include financial management and using data positively to celebrate achievements, and I have a particular focus on HR and people development and building a positive culture in organisations.

I’m looking forward to using my skills to support the Board and staff, and to ensure continuous improvement in the education for the children and hopefully also having some fun along the way!

I am married with 4 children and 5 grandchildren, and I have 2 dogs and a cat.
My hobbies include ‘nana duty’, dog walking, running and cold water swimming.

I have been on the board of a national animal charity and I am also a volunteer with the Cinnamon Dog Trust.

I hope to meet as many of you as possible over time, as I value your views and I’m keen to ensure the school works closely and collaboratively with the community.

So please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have anything you’d like to discuss or to ask me about school governance. I’d be delighted to help.

I am excited to assume position of Vice Chair of governors, having joined the governing body in 2024.

I have an extensive background in IT project management and have led architecture on several national projects – so have a keen eye for data and processes.

I originally volunteered as governor because having young children and a partner who has worked in education, I see how valuable the education system is and wanted to find a way to contribute something back.

Beyond my professional expertise, I’m a keen DIY enthusiast, martial artist, and astronomer. I enjoy sharing these passions with my children, fostering their curiosity, creativity and resilience.

Through my role as a governor, I hope to bring a strong approach to problem-solving and decision-making, providing the best possible experience for the school and students.

I joined the Southill governing board as a co-opted governor in January 2022. I look forward to working with the school community in ensuring all children enjoy school and are challenged to their full potential.
As a former head and school leader, I am passionate about promoting high standards of educational achievement for all children.  In my role as a school leader, I worked successfully with several boards. I understand the value they can add strategically, have benefitted from their wise counsel and witnessed the growth that can come about through pertinent challenges. I hope my skill-set, driven by the School’s vision can help drive forward Southill’s ambitions and development.

I was born in Bournemouth and have now returned to Dorset with my partner via London, Taunton, Canada and Germany.

My teaching career has mainly been in independent and international schools for children aged 3 to 18. For the latter part of my career, I have worked with the inspiring International Baccalaureate curricular, an inclusive and challenging suite of programmes.

I am delighted to be able to serve my local community as a School Governor and also volunteer at both the Radipole and Lodmoor RSPB reserves.

I joined the team at Southill Primary School in September 2011. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching in Reception and Years 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6. I served as the Deputy Headteacher for over 8 years, and in September 2024, I was proud to take on the role of Headteacher. I am committed to ensuring that Southill Primary is a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone.

As Headteacher, I aim to lead the staff in providing an exceptional education and joyful experiences for all the children every day. My goal is to create an environment where pupils can thrive, supported by a dedicated and talented team.

On a personal note, I’m married with two grown-up daughters, two gorgeous grandsons and a cheeky fox terrier called Mabel. I love books, films, history and watching live music, all of which bring joy and enrichment to my life.