Governor Profiles

As a local resident, I first got to know Beckley School when my children were here as very happy pupils and I was elected as a Parent Governor.  Currently a Foundation governor, I chair the governing body and attend both committees.  I am committed to high standards of educational achievement for every learner, and I believe that excellent local schools should be at the heart of their communities.  

My professional background is in organisational development, planning and training – overseas and in the UK, voluntary and public sectors.  I have lived and worked in developing countries in Africa and Asia, where education is almost universally recognised as the greatest asset society can give to children.  Here in Britain, the educational landscape has changed a great deal in recent years and demands on school leaders seem to have grown and grown.  As a governor I must try to balance support and challenge so that the school works effectively for all our community.     

I have been a long-standing Parent Governor of Beckley CE Primary School and have, therefore, a thorough insight into life here. We chose the school for our three children – two of whom have successfully been through the school and one who is at the beginning of her schooling here – because of its Christian values, and the emphasis placed on the holistic development of each child, as well as its excellent education.

As a qualified primary teacher who has taught at several Oxfordshire schools, I have a sound knowledge of teaching and learning and have a genuine interest in school improvement at all levels. It is my deep-rooted belief that this is based on an excellent partnership between children, parents, staff and Governors, with whom engagement and communication is key.

I am part of the Teaching and Learning Committee and have a particular interest and experience in Special Educational Needs and Disability, thus being the SEND Link Governor.

I am a local resident and my children had a really wonderful time at Beckley School when they were pupils. I was associated with the school over a 12 year period and was elected as a Parent Governor during that time. When I originally stood as Parent Governor I wanted to help and support the school and offered my professional experience as a senior manager within higher education. My reasons and experience are the same now (almost 10 years on!). It has been great to return to Beckley School and meet new staff as well as see several familiar faces. My day job in an educational setting is associated with students and research, but there are many aspects of my work which are helpful as a school governor, not least experience of finance, human resource management, facilities and good governance. As a Governor I consider it a privilege to be involved in the education of the next generation.

I have been a Parent Governor at Beckley School since March 2019 when my son was in year two. My background is in Industrial Engineering where I have spent 25 years working for Rolls-Royce, including as Chief Engineer designing the Engine Control Systems for Boeing and Airbus aircraft. I currently work as Product Engineering Director for a UK technology start-up that provides Artificial Intelligence solutions into a whole range of industries across the globe. I am a certified LEAN practitioner as well as a High-Performance Culture coach. My passion is in exploring how to help teams engage and adapt to the ever-increasing pace of change that surrounds us all.

I hope I bring a new perspective to what I have seen to be a very professional leadership team at Beckley School and that I can help them to be successful in ensuring the progress of all children across the school and the drive for excellence.

I am a Beckley resident and avid supporter of our precious local institutions. I was an active advisor to the “Save the Abingdon Arms” project and am keen to see Beckley School continue to grow and flourish. I regularly coach the Beckley & Horton kids Saturday morning football sessions. All three of my children currently attend the school – that coupled with my work-from-home job, means I am local, available and ready to give more time and energy to Beckley School. I have a good understanding of the school system as my mother, sister and brother are teachers. I feel I have the right balance for this role, combining my considerable life experience with a “youthful”, energetic vigour. I have worked in various leadership roles across different industries and understand how to work in teams and get things done.

I am the Vicar of the Four Parishes Benefice, which covers Beckley, Forest Hill, Horton-cum-Studley and Stanton St John, so villages within the catchment area of Beckley School. I am delighted to say that Beckley Church is the School’s Church, where children and staff are exceedingly welcome. 

I am privileged to be a Foundation Governor of the School, by virtue of my role as the Vicar of the Parish of Beckley, but my background fits well with being a school governor. I am an accountant by training, but spent the last twenty years of my career, before entering full-time ministry when I moved here, in assurance and governance in the higher education sector. I therefore have a good knowledge and interest in the education sector, albeit another aspect of it. My assurance, governance and financial background stand me in good stead as a governor. I look forward to continuing to work with the School, and learning more about the primary education sector. I am aware I have a new set of acronyms to learn! I am passionate in aiming to help to ensure all children are able to thrive to the best of their ability, and reach their full potential.

I joined Beckley C of E Primary School as a teacher in 2012. In September 2024, I was appointed Acting Head Teacher. Over this time, I have seen many changes in the school. What has remained constant are the values that drive the school and its commitment to excellence.

I am committed to providing the best possible education for the children of Beckley School.  At Beckley, we strive for excellence in all we do. We want all children to realise the school vision and 'soar on wings like eagles.'

I became a parent at Beckley school in 2022, in the last year I have seen so many great things from the school. 

I have been working in education for a long time, I trained to be a Special Educational Needs teacher originally then moved onto mainstream education. I am currently the Early Years Lead at a CofE school with a similar demographic to Beckley. Becoming a governor at Beckley has been a real pleasure, it is inspiring to see how dedicated and committed the team are and I am proud to be a part of it. 

My work in schools has given me much experience of safeguarding and I am currently a Designated Safeguarding Lead at my school. Therefore I was happy to take on the responsibility of safeguarding in my govenor role.