Winkfield St Mary's C of E School

 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.

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. 

Zoe Lee, Deputy Head 

I joined WSM in 2017 and am currently the Deputy Head and SENCo having many years of experience in both roles. I am Staff Governor and the subject lead for History and Geography. Within my role as SENCo, I have supported many schools over the years to develop their SEN provision to ensure all children are supported appropriately. I am also one of Bracknell Forest’s Lead SENCos which has enabled me to work alongside colleagues across the local authority, enhancing good practice and mentoring new SENCos. 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. 

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.