Winkfield St Mary's C of E School

Hilary Smethurst-Evans - Chair

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.

Amanda Hall - Vice Chair

Being a governor is really rewarding and a great way to be more involved with the school. I joined the Governing Body in 2016, initially as a Parent Governor before becoming a Co-opted Governor. My sons both love the school and it’s great working with the Governing body and staff to ensure the best outcomes for our children. 

In my student recruitment, admissions and marketing role at Brunel University London, I work with schools, sixth forms and prospective students/parents across the UK and internationally. I have a keen interest in education strategy at all levels.

Catherine Menon 

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. 

David Phillips

I have been a governor since 2011. I live in Winkfield Row with my wife and two children. I work for Bracknell Forest Council as the Safeguarding Board Manager. This involves gaining assurance that organisations throughout Bracknell Forest are working together to safeguard children and adults at risk. Previously I worked as a fire officer and head of community safety implementing safety education within schools, overseeing safeguarding policies and developing activities to improve young people’s health, safety and well-being. I use this experience to support the governing body’s work.

Philip Wray 

I became a Co-opted governor in December 2016, volunteering to join the Governing Body so that my professional expertise within finance could be utilised to support the head teacher and the fellow governors with the school strategy.

I live in Hayley Green, and have 1 child at the school and another who is ‘graduating’ from WSM in July 2021.

Caroline Derbyshire

I became a Co-opted governor in December 2016. I live in Winkfield Row and both my children attended Winkfield St Marys. 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. 

Visiting the school is always a real pleasure as the children are true ambassadors of the school values and clearly show the school's strategy in action.

Louise Tamplin

I joined the Governing Body in 2016 initially as a Parent Governor and have recently moved into a Co-opted Governor role after my 4 year term ended. I work as a Trade Marketing & Training Manager and my strengths are in communication, strategy, marketing and coaching. 

When we are able to, I enjoy visiting the school to talk with our wonderful pupils and fantastic staff. It is so positive to see first-hand how engaged the pupils at Winkfield St Mary’s are and to observe what we have been discussing in our meetings.

As a Governor I am committed to supporting the school so that every child can achieve their potential.

Julian Brecknock

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.