Governor Profiles
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Thatcham Park Governors
Alison Webster - Headteacher
The Headteacher is an Ex-officio governor which means she is a member of the governing board by virtue of the position held in school and does not need to be elected.
Rachael Lorman - Chair of Governors, Chair of Pupil Progress and Learning Committee
Co-Opted Governor
Committees - Pupil Progress & Learning
Governance roles : Equality Governor (joint), Inclusion Governor including SEND/Pupil Premium
I joined Thatcham Park School as a governor in September 2021, having first become aware of the school in early 2020 when my children attended some key worker support that was hosted at the school for the West Berkshire area.
As mum to boy and girl twins who are also primary school age I know the importance of these early years on all aspects of a child's development and it is for this reason I decided to take this opportunity as a governor. I believe it important that a school should offer a safe and secure environment that allows every pupil to fulfil their potential whilst having fun and making friends.
My hope is that I can bring some of my experience and knowledge from working in the private retail and food manufacturing sector to the board especially in areas relating to the running of behind the scenes elements of the school.
Mark Bennet Vice-Chair of Governors, Chair of Finance and Resources Committee
Foundation Governor
Committees: Finance & Resources
Governance roles: Assessment data governor (joint)
I have been Team Rector of St Mary's Church since 2011, and was previously a curate in Chapel Allerton (Leeds) and Team Rector in Great Parndon (Harlow). Before training to be a vicar I worked as a chartered accountant (a qualification I still maintain) and I have been a passionate mathematician all my life. I am also a Director of The Kennet School Academy Trust and a governor of Kennet School as well as being a Berkshire representative on the Oxford Dicesan Board of Education.
I learned to work with schools in Leeds, where the deputy head treated me like a young teacher and gave me feedback on everything I did, and I learned about governance in rather hard circumstances in Harlow. I engage with various online governors forums and education blogs to keep informed and up to date. The church should not be in education if it cannot do a good job - and that means the church in Thatcham supporting Thatcham Park School in practical ways, from the youngest child to the most senior adult. My own schools giae me a great chance in ife. Our pupils deserve the same.
Rhiannon Dargan
Staff Governor
Committees: Pupil Progress & Learning, Finance & Resources
I joined Thatcham Park staff team in 2014, having previously worked in music education for 17 years. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, working across the age ranges and with the fantastic and welcoming team. When the opportunity arose for a new Staff Governor I was keen to become involved, both to expand my understanding of the 'behind the scenes' work that goes into the running of the school and also to support the Leadership Team and staff members at what is such a critical and fast-paced time of change in education.
I have been very excited to have been involved in the expansion and development of Early Years provision at Thatcham Park including the opening of Stepping Stones and the increase in Foundation 1 places. I am a passionate believer in the value and importance of Early Years education and share this on a regular basis with the other members of the Board.
Nick Hayes - Vice-Chair of the Finance and Resources Committee
Parent Governor
Committees: Finance & Resources
I Joined Thatcham Park as a parent Governor in 2023, with my eldest being a pupil here since 2018. I now have 3 children benefitting from the excellent School environment here and wanted to give something back.I have always lived locally and both my parents were primary School teachers so I have always been intrigued into how a school really operates and know how essential they are for providing our children with a great start to their education journey.
I work as a project manager in the FMCG industry and hopefully my business experience can help where required.
I very much believe in the school's values and vision and take pride seeing it lived and breathed every day through my children.
Leanne Fowler
Foundation Governor
Committees: Pupil Progress & Learning
Governance roles: Religious Education Governor
My name is Reverend Leanne Fowler and I am delighted to be appointed by the Oxford Diocese as Foundation Governor for Thatcham Park School.
Many of you already know me as Mrs Fowler, as I have only recently been Ordained as a Deacon in the Church of England and had previously worked at Thatcham Park School as a Teaching Assistant and then as a Pastoral Support Assistant.
My Thatcham Park life began in 2009 when my son joined the school, and my daughter in 2013. In 2016, I co-chaired the PTFA until I joined the support staff team in 2019. I have many fond memories of the school and even though I have left education as a vocation, I have woven so much time, effort, and love into Thatcham Park that I would like to continue to be a part of its heart with my new vocation.
I believe wholeheartedly in our community being made up of such wonderful, diverse, and unique individuals and my new role as Foundation Governor will be spent making sure the spirit of the school is upheld.
Caroline Page
Co-opted Governor
Committee: Finance & Resources
Governance roles - HR Governor and Health & Safety Governor
As an experienced HR professional and newly appointed HR Governor at Thatcham Park School (2026), I bring a wide range of skills and experience shaped by various roles across FMCG, manufacturing, education and the public sector. I currently work in an independent school, and I am particularly passionate about ensuring fairness, equality, and creating environments where staff and pupils feel valued and empowered.
In my governance role, I wanted to give something back and share my expertise to support the school’s strategic priorities, champion inclusive practices, and help foster a culture of continuous growth and improvement. I am committed to working collaboratively with school colleagues and fellow governors, ensuring the best outcomes for the school and community.
Sian Smithers
Associate Governor
Committees: Pupil Progress & Learning
About Me: I have lived in Thatcham almost all of my life, giving me a deep connection to our local area and a strong understanding of the Thatcham Park community. My commitment to the school is also personal; both of my daughters, now aged 12 and 15, attended Thatcham Park and thrived during their time here.
Professional Background: Professionally, I bring nearly 22 years of experience working within a local primary school. I currently serve as an Assistant Headteacher and lead a nurture resource, which specialises in supporting children with social, emotional, and behavioral needs. This role has given me extensive, hands-on insight into primary education, child development, and the diverse support systems children need to succeed.
My Commitment to Thatcham Park: As a governor, my goal is to channel my professional expertise and local roots into supporting the school’s leadership team. I am passionate about ensuring Thatcham Park continues to provide a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment—a place where every child can thrive, achieve their potential, and feel a proud sense of belonging within their school community.
Minutes from meetings
Copies of minutes from all governing board meetings are available by contacting gclerk@thatchampark.w-berks.sch.uk