David Rawlins

Chair Of Governors & Parent Governor

After 12 years in the military — where I was medically discharged following injuries sustained in Afghanistan — I built a new career focused on leadership, integrity, and continuous improvement.

I now lead a consultancy that supports organisations with governance, compliance, and risk management, helping them to build transparent, responsible, and high-performing cultures.

As Chair of Governors, I’m committed to ensuring our school provides a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment where every child is encouraged to thrive, every voice is valued, and every decision supports the best possible outcomes for our pupils and families.

Jenny Evans

Foundation Governor

My working life was spent in education, starting as a secondary school teacher in SE London before taking a career break to raise my 3 children, then retraining as a primary school teacher. After that, I worked in the same one-form entry school in Dartford for almost 25 years, teaching classes in all year groups except Reception. For the last part of my career, I was appointed as Assistant Head and then took over as Acting Head for the last year. Throughout most of my time in this school, I was on the Governing board as a Staff Governor.

On retiring, I moved to Andover with my husband, and we settled in happily here about 20 months ago. I have 4 (soon to be 5!) grandchildren living in Bristol and Kent. I decided to offer my services as a Governor because of my desire to see schools become the best they can, offering opportunities to all children to become keen learners and to achieve their potential.

I am a committed member of St Mary’s Church in Andover, where I am involved in leading the children’s work and the Parent and Toddler group. Outside of this, I have enjoyed having time to work in the garden, getting to know the area by visiting local towns and attractions and taking walks in the countryside whenever possible.

Abigale Churchill

Local Authority Governor

Having lived in Andover my whole life, I moved to P20 in the first wave of housing on the new development.  My son joined when the school opened, and I became a Parent Governor that same year.  I remained on as a Governor when my son left for seniors and now have the position of Local Authority Governor.

I enjoy helping in my community and over the years have volunteered at the community centre and the schools PTA. I attend church each week and currently serve within the Primary helping with singing time.  Not as an example I might add!

I have my own Carpet & Furniture business which has been a family business since 1986.  I left for a while and had a career in Supply Chain Management, Inventory and Purchasing but came back when I had my son.

I have a daughter, son, 2 beautiful granddaughters and an energetic Cockapoo.  My free time is essentially full of family activities. I love the school very much and so being a Governor has always and continues to be a pleasure for me.

Vacant

Ex-Officio Governor

Dr. Rowena Hansen DVM PhD MRCVS

Parent Governor

I am a veterinary surgeon with a PhD in parasitology. I work as a senior leader within the civil service, and as an advocate for animal health and welfare, and the environment. I am an active Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) ambassador with a strong commitment to inspire interest in STEM fields in education.

As a parent at Pilgrims' Cross for ten years, I have been a part of the school’s journey of growth and change. As a Parent Governor, I value the collaboration between families and educators to enhance the school experience and education for our children.

Jim Cascarini

Head Teacher

I have taught in Hampshire schools for over 25 years, in large & small settings with a variety of differing contexts. Helping children learn is my passion and, since becoming a Headteacher, I have been able to help shape successful and happy school communities.

School Governors are often the 'unsung heroes' of school life, doing a lot of work behind the scenes to lead the school. I am proud to have been a Governor for the entirety of my teaching career and now enjoy receiving the support our governors give me at Pilgrims' Cross, as 'critical friends'.

Outside school, I enjoy spending time with my family, am a keen cyclist and gardener and member of my local church. I love listening to live music, am trying to learn to speak Italian- and enjoy curling up with Jane Austen!

Jessica Scowen

Foundation Governor

I moved to Andover from London 10 years ago with my husband and 4 children. I have been a military wife for the past 25 years. I enjoy spending time with my family, being creative and getting out on my bicycle when I can.

I am a Foundation Governor and work in the school as an HLTA. I also run the group for service children, Little Troopers. I have been a Governor, in 4 different schools, totalling 12 years. 

I love my job at Pilgrims' Cross and can't think of anywhere I would rather work! All the children are amazing, and I feel privileged to get to help them learn.

Howard Jameson

Foundation Governor

I have lived near Andover for over 30 years and, although getting ordained meant I worked away for over twenty years, we always counted Andover as home. My wife and I worship at St Mary’s Church, although I take services all around the area. My current Clergy role is that of Assistant Archdeacon of Winchester. Previously, I have been a Vicar around Bradford-on-Avon and then moved to urban north Bristol to live on a brand-new housing development. Whilst in north Bristol, I was also on the Diocesan Board of Education, and for the last three years there I was the Vice Chair of the Board. This is the sixth school at which I have been a Foundation Governor.

I am married with two grown-up sons and one grandson. I have just completed an MA in Theology. In 2023, I walked the West Highland Way in order to be able to write more knowledgeably about being alone in the wilderness. I play the guitar and love photography. My wife and I try to spend time away in our camper, preferably in France. When I’m at home, I love to cook and bake bread regularly.

Neil Maxfield

Foundation Governor

Born in Doncaster and raised in Leeds, I have lived in Andover for 25 years, moving here after university, having met my lovely wife Emma whilst working in Newbury. We now live in North West Andover, near the train station, with our dog Billy. We have three children, two of whom, Poppy and Tom, live somewhere between us and university, and our youngest, Olivia, who lives at home.

I am a retail "veteran" of something like 30 years on and off, starting as a produce assistant at Morrisons during my GCSEs, and finishing (so far....) in my current role, a part of the National Leadership Team for EE Retail, the mobile division of British Telecom.

I am an active member of the local community, and our family generally worship at St Paul's on Smannell Road, where Emma and I are part of the welcoming and refreshments team. I am also a Governor at Queen Mary's College (QMC), where my daughter Olivia is a student. 

In terms of other interests...well, I have now hung up my rugby boots, but most recently represented the Southampton Veterans Rugby League team, where I played at stand-off or centre. I am a keen supporter and follower of various sports and sports teams, notably (and passionately) Everton FC, in addition to Bath Rugby, Leeds Rhinos and Williams F1. I am also a graduate of History with a scholarly specialism in WW1; an interest which led me to join The Western Front Association, of which I remain a keen and active member.

I am very proud to support and represent our school.

Lucie Samuel

Staff Governor

As one of Pilgrims' Cross's current Class Teachers, I am excited to be stepping into the role of staff governor and experiencing a different aspect of the school.

Originally from Walmer, Kent you might ask how I've ended up in Andover! I studied at the University of Derby doing Creative Expressive Therapies with Music, which contributes to my vision of Music within a school setting. In October 2022, I decided that the sea was calling me, a move back down south was needed and in January 2023 I landed here, at Pilgrims' Cross.

In the summer, you can find me volunteering at many indie-folk festivals, and spending time with my family. I'll be chasing gigs throughout the terms (the more obscure the better) and if you ask me about Quidditch, you might get a full run down of how to play in real life! 

I am proud to be a part of the brilliant family of teachers and support staff that are crucial to our school community. I have experience across various settings which allows me to bring a well-balanced viewpoint, and I believe my courageous tones and belief in the school will translate well into my position as Staff Governor.