Meet The Governors
Julia Evans, Headteacher
I joined the Governing Body In September 2016 as the new Headteacher. I have been a school Governor for 15 years, at 3 previous schools and have seen them all through Ofsted a number of times. I enjoy the challenge of providing the best information so that the Governors can challenge me on the school’s performance! To unwind, I love to ride my horse, Chalky, play the piano, or maybe even ride him to music. I lead the music group at my church and enjoy using these skills to support and inspire the children.
David Phillips, Co-Chair
I have been a governor since 2011, and am now a Co-opted governor. I am responsible for safeguarding in school. I live in Winkfield Row with my wife and have two children at the school. I work for Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service as a fire officer and head of community safety & fire safety. This includes implementing safety education within schools, overseeing safeguarding policies and developing activities for young people’s health, safety and well-being.
Julian Brecknock, Co-Chair
I have been a governor since 2012, and am now the Local Authority governor. I am responsible for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and for monitoring delivery of the national curriculum and pupils’ progress, bringing my professional experience in data analysis. I very much enjoy working with the school management team, we have a varied set of skills that combine to make up an open, honest and proactive governing body.
Catherine Menon, Vice Chair
As a Foundation Governor I am appointed by the Diocese, I am responsible for the ethos of the school and for maintaining links with the St Mary’s Churches. I also monitor pastoral care within the school, which includes pupil welfare. I trained as a lawyer and have strong diplomatic, strategic and trustworthy skills. I endeavor to give the school focus and direction. I am a current parent.
Zoe Lee, Deputy Head and Staff Governor
Having joined the school in September 2017, I bring many years of experience as a Deputy Head and a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator. I have previously been a Governor at a children’s centre, so have an understanding of accountability and strategic focus from both perspectives. I enjoy the daily challenges that working in a school brings, and am motivated by making a difference, either for an individual child, or at whole school level. I firmly believe in partnership working and am keen to develop effective relationships with all stakeholders for the good of the children.
Soo Bartholomew
I am a Co-opted governor and I have been associated with schools through my work in the facilities industry for the last 30 years, where I have observed the transformation of the education system in England from Nursery to Sixth form, College and University. Having grown up in Warfield, my life has been intertwined with both Winkfield and Warfield starting with my early years attendance in the Guiding movement in Winkfield and Chairman of the playgroup before my two daughters started their formal education. I enjoy the challenge of ensuring a successful, happy, safe environment for the pupils to learn in.
Hilary Smethurst-Evans
I joined as a Co-opted governor in 2016. A musician and educator by profession, I am a member of the strategic leadership team at Berkshire Maestros. I am a formally trained saxophonist, woodwind specialist and violinist. I direct student ensembles and teach in both primary and secondary schools across the county. In my spare time I enjoy making cakes! I am enjoying the opportunity to challenge and contribute to the running of Winkfield St Mary's and am delighted to be a school governor.
Philip Wray
I became a Co-opted governor in December 2016. I live in Winkfield Row and have 1 child at the school with another hopefully starting in September 2017. I volunteered to join the Governing body in the expectation of using my professional expertise within finance to support the head teacher and the fellow governors with the school strategy. I also believe in the strength of having a strong local community, and so hope this enthusiasm will help with my role as a governor in ensuring a successful future for the school and the children.
Caroline Derbyshire
I became a Co-opted governor in December 2016. I live in Winkfield Row and I have one son currently in Year 5 and another son who left at the end of the last academic year. I work as an Assistant Head Teacher at a school in High Wycombe and I am hoping my knowledge of education will help support both the Governing Body and Headmistress. I have particular strengths in pastoral care, safeguarding and also assessment and tracking. I am looking forward to helping the school develop on its educational journey.
Louise Tamplin
I am a new Parent Governor with a daughter in Year 2 and another daughter hopefully joining in September. I work as a Training Manager and my strengths are in communication, strategy, marketing and coaching. I am pleased to be joining the Governing Body and I am committed to supporting the school so that every child can achieve their potential.
Amanda Hall
I have recently joined the Governing Body as a Parent Governor. I have a son at the School and am very pleased to be getting more involved and working with the Governing body to ensure the best outcomes for our children. In my recruitment and marketing role at Brunel University London, I am focused on working with secondary schools, sixth forms and prospective students across the UK and have a keen interest in education at all levels.
Kate Jones, School Bursar
I attend meetings as a non-governor to update the governing body on the school’s finances. I oversee the financial administration of the school.
Gemma Lenton
I support the Governing Body as clerk, bringing my experience as a PA for Bracknell Forest Council. My role is to advise on procedural and legal matters, to take minutes of meetings and carry out administrative tasks for the Governing Body. I can be contacted by email clerk@wsmschool.org or via the school with any queries you may have, or if you would like to know more about becoming a governor.
We are currently convening monthly as Full Governing Body, Committees are currently suspended until further notice.