Co-opted Governor

I joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1991, served overseas in the British Embassies in Budapest, Rome and Baghdad, and worked in various policy departments including Middle East, Central Europe, Counter Proliferation, Counter Narcotics and Counter Terrorism.

For the last 7 years I have held various leadership roles in inter departmental transformation programmes to share IT and Corporate services.  This has given me valuable experience in business strategy, and planning, business change, and performance assurance.  I am looking to apply this to my role as a governor.

I have a Physics degree from Oxford University, and a Post Graduate qualification in Organisational Change.  I speak Hungarian and Italian.

My wife is an Assistant Head and SENCO in the borough.  My daughter is at university and my son is a sixth former.

Address: c/o Capella House School, Egerton Rd, Twickenham TW2 7SL

Appointed by the Auriga Academy Trust

Term of Office: 09/07/2019 - 09/07/2023

Headteacher

I have worked in Education for just over 20 years, initially as a learning support assistant in a school for pupils with autism before I graduated with a BA Primary Education (Hons.) from Roehampton University. I have been a class teacher and leader within both mainstream and special schools.  I have taught across all key stages during my time as a teacher from Early Years to Key Stage 4 and have had a number of roles and responsibilities. I have a keen interest in technology and physical activity and how they play a key role in education today. 

I believe that relationships are the single most important aspect of leading a successful school. This is something that I instil in all members of the school team. Relationships built with families are key to supporting the success of their child, if a relationship is established and based upon strong communication, honesty and trust it ensures that even in challenging circumstances everyone is working together with the pupil’s success in mind.  

I am an ambitious and passionate leader and believe strongly that all children, regardless of their starting point or needs, have the right to an education that is aspirational and equips them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead successful lives. 

Co-opted Governor

I am a retired Primary School Head teacher. I have been a head teacher in nine different schools varying in size from 21 pupils to 720 pupils. I have taught in a Social Priority Areas in London and in rural two-teacher schools in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. I have also been responsible for a Hearing-Impaired Unit. I have a granddaughter who is on the Autistic Spectrum and hope to bring an understanding of special needs to this role.

Although I am person who listens to reasoned arguments and gives wide consideration to views that may differ from my own I have personal principles and feel strongly about matters of social justice. With the marked divisions in our country at present I feel it is important that the views of those less well-placed and who have special needs are heard.

I have been a School Governor in a range of schools and was appointed as an elected member of my local council. I am an active member of a political party and have stood in local elections three times. I have been a branch secretary to my professional association the NAHT.

Despite being retired I am an active sportsman playing football into my 70s plus Bowls and Chess

Appointed by the Local Governing Board

Term of Office: 09/07/2019 - 09/07/2023

Co-opted Governor

I have been involved in Education for nearly 30 years, previous to this I worked in industry in Dublin, Ireland.  During my early career as an educator I worked across both the mainstream and specialist settings as both teacher and Senior Leader, predominantly based within the Kingston and Richmond Local Authorities.

Over the last 10 years I have worked extensively as a SEND Consultant in London.  A great deal of the work has been to provide Leadership and Management consultancy providing strategic and operational support to schools, Academies, and Free Schools.  My work has focussed mainly on Special Educational Needs and Inclusion; supporting senior leaders with re-structuring their SEN/Inclusion Departments in line with school context, resources and the National Agenda.

I have provided extensive training for Staff, including governors and the schools’ SEN departments. Sometimes I have worked as an Interim SENCO setting up systems, training and reorganising the departments.  I was also heavily involved in the setting up of The St. Marylebone CofE Bridge School, a specialist Free School for children with speech language and communication needs in Westminster, which I also led (Headteacher) and managed during its first year. I continue to have links with the school and provide support if necessary.

My most recent work has been involved with establishing and setting up the new Resource Base for Girls with Autism and Social Emotional Mental Health at Tolworth Girls School in Kingston.  I hope that my educational and SEND experience plus my extensive involvement with the St. Marylebone Bridge School will be of benefit to both the Governing body and the pupils at Capella House.

Appointed by the Local Governing Board

Term of Office: 09/07/2019 - 09/07/2023