Thatcham Park Primary School

Although officially retired, I remain an Hon. Life Fellow in the School of Humanities at the University of Reading.  My research specialism is the effect of war and conflict on children. I have written numerous books on the topic and taken part in many TV and radio programmes, in the UK, Europe and the USA.

I was formally Dept. Head at the Institute of Education at the University of Reading and was responsible for curriculum development in the Humanities and all Teacher Training, both Primary and Secondary.  Before becoming an academic I had a very successful teaching career from Assistant Teacher in History and Geography to Assistant Deputy Head in a large comprehensive school. I am a Governor at 2 other schools in Reading and the West Berks area.

I am married with 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren and when not working I make stained glass windows in my studio at home and try to play golf.

Chair of Pupil Progress and Learning

Co-opted Governor

Committee: Pupil Progress and Learning & External Relations and Pastoral Care

With two children at Thatcham Park Church of England School, I am extremely motivated to support and help the development of the school. A firm believer that every child deserves the opportunity to grow and develop both academically and socially through school, I aspire to act in the role as a “critical friend” that the school deserves in its’ Governors.

I was born in Birmingham, was educated through the state system and attended Sheffield University where I graduated with a degree in Business. My career has been spent in the oil and gas industry including spending time working in Norway and the United States of America. We moved to Thatcham in 2009 upon my return to the UK. In my spare time (what little remains after family and a daily commute to London) I am a coach and Club Secretary of Thatcham Harriers Football Club.

Vice-Chair of Resources

Co-opted Governor

Committee: Finance & Resources

I am Team Rector of St Mary's Church, and have previously been 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 currently a parent Governor at Kennet School and have recently been elected as a Berkshire representative on the Diocesan Board of Education.

I learned to work with schools in Leeds, where the deputy head treated me like a NQT and gave me feedback on everything I did, and I learned about governance in rather hard circumstances in Harlow. I engage with the UKGovernors website, which was a huge support in tough times, and am a member of the Mathematical Association. 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. My schools gave me a great chance in life. Our pupils deserve the same. 

Chair of EXPC

Co-opted Governor

Committee: External Relations & Pastoral Care

Co-opted Governor

Vice-Chair of Pupil Progress and Learning

Committee: Finance & Resources & Pupil Progress and Learning

Since becoming a Town Councillor in 1997 I have always had a special interest in children. I have three children of my own anve have fostered three children. I am on the management committee of Home Start, the Detached Youth Project and and early chairman of Thatcham Youth. As a West Berkshire councillor I am a member of the school improvement panel and visit primary schools. I have been a governor at Kennet school since 2005 and at Thatcham Park since 2012. As an elected councillor for Thatcham North in both TTC and WBC I have particular interest in both Thatcham Park and Kennet schools as I feel it's important that Thatcham children have the best possible education. I feel as a governor I can contribute to that.

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.

Co-opted Governor

Committee: Finance and Resources & External Relations and Pastoral Care

I have two daughters one of which attends Thatcham Park and my youngest will hopefully start when she reaches school age. I have lived in Thatcham for over 25 years and have a solid knowledge of the local area and community groups. I decided to become a parent governor because I wanted to help make Thatcham Park as good as it can possibly can be, for the benefit of all the children.

I have 11 years’ experience as a primary school teacher in an Ofsted rated outstanding school. I have been a mentor to newly qualified teachers; have supported other schools in their literacy development and run assessment and moderation training. 

I have sat on charity committees and volunteered for over 15 years at my local disabled sailing centre. I am therefore familiar with presenting and digesting materials at committee level.

It is my belief that the children of Thatcham Park should have fun while they learn; make friends in a safe and nurturing environment whilst striving to achieve academic excellence. I would like to be part of a governing body that ensures these are met.

I am friendly, approachable and will strive to promote open communication between the school, parents and pupils.

More than anything I am driven to see children of all abilities succeed.