Governors

I have worked in Special Education for the past 18 years and in senior management for the past 10 years, I have worked with children and young people from 4 to 25 and have a passion for increasing performance and improving outcomes. I have worked as a class teacher, Head of Literacy and AAC, Head of Education, Vice Principal and Head of College. I have always worked with children and young people with complex needs and have had a particular focus on those with Autism and behaviours that may challenge. I have worked with the National Autistic Society reviewing services seeking to be Autism Accredited as an external assessor. I am particularly interested in staff development and well being as well as supporting parents and carers.

Following a successful teaching career in Croydon, including 20 years in primary headship, I worked in Surrey as a Leadership and Management consultant and School Improvement Partner until I retired. Since that time I have been a governor, and Chair of Governors in maintained primary schools and the Chair of a special school governing board. Throughout my career I have seen myself as a learner as well as teacher. This has enabled me to develop and understand successful practice in the classroom, in leadership and management and in inspection, all of which I believe will allow me to contribute to the Board of Governors of Priory School. I keep myself up to date through a variety of governor training opportunities as well as reading.

I have lived in Croydon since childhood and come from a family where three relatives taught in Bromley. I enjoy music particularly and have sung in several different choirs. I also try to keep myself fit, enjoying Pilates sessions.

Term of office: 22/11/2022 to 22/11/2026

I am an internal auditor for a FTSE 100 insurance company. My role there is to support the achievement of the group’s strategy by facilitating the appropriate control of their risks. I have long admired the incredible work done by the teaching profession and school leaders and joined the board of governors at The Priory in March 2023. I want to put my skills and experience to work in helping the school achieve it’s vision of ‘Brilliant Lives’. The Priory’s mission of ‘creating a learning community that inspires and empowers individuals to do amazing things’ is one I feel extremely passionate about. I have a lot to learn about education and about driving strategies which achieve excellent outcomes in a specialist provision and will be seeking out learning opportunities to ensure the school gets the very best advantage of my existing competencies and knowledge.

Term of office: 21/03/2023 to 20/03/2027

My son is 13 and has been in special education at four different schools in two countries, so I have a very keen understanding of what a difference a good school and its resources can make for SEND families. I myself grew up with undiagnosed autism and ADHD and this has given me a very strong sense of the challenges many of our students have as well as a desire to help make sure Priory is able to provide students with the attention and resources I never had. For more than 20 years I have volunteered in various contexts to work for safeguarding and for mental and emotional well-being and I look forward to working towards the same values at Priory.

Term of office 05/09/2023 to 04/09/2027

I have been a governor for a local primary academy for nearly five years and, during that time, have seen the school complete a journey from Ofsted 'inadequate' to 'good' in all areas in early 2023. I understand the importance of strong governance in the school system in securing the best outcomes for children and am keen to continue helping make a difference to the lives of more children. I live only a few minutes' walk from Priory School and, as an official working in the Department for Education, I understand some of the challenges faced by the special school sector. I am keen to learn more about the issues and use my skills, knowledge and experience to make education a positive experience for the students at Priory School.

Term of office: 21/03/2023 to 20/03/2027

I believe that becoming a School Governor provides an opportunity to continue to make a difference to young people and act in their best interests. As a family law barrister I am so used to solving difficult problems related to children and families. This is achieved in a number of ways including advocacy, negotiating and problem solving. With my experience so far, I feel I am in a position to contribute as a Governor, putting the children’s best interests at heart.

Term of office: 18/07/2023 to 17/07/2027

I am passionate about good governance and inspiring the younger generation to embrace and strive for better education and employment in order to be able to have a better future in life. My passion has enabled me to facilitate work experiences within my work place to encourage students to learn and explore the various careers within the healthcare sector especially in Pathology. I believe the younger generation need the right and appropriate guidance to make the right decision at the right time. My vast experience and wealth of knowledge both in the academia (as a PhD scholar) and NHS would make me a good governor for your school as I will bring in my skills in leading quality, health and safety, change management ideas and tools to the team but also empower both students and parents to be the best of themselves in making a brighter future together.

Term of office: 08/06/2023 to 07/06/2027

Term of office: 13/07/2021 to 12/07/2025

Term of Office: 12/12/2023 to 11/12/2027