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.

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 

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. 

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, 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 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.

Patrick Mukholi

I am originally from Kenya trained as an Agricultural Engineer and later called by God to the Church ministry.

As a Foundation Governor I am appointed by the Diocese. I am responsible for the foundation Christian ethos of the school to ensure that it is sustained and developed. I keep and maintain links with the St Mary’s Winkfield Church and the Diocese of Oxford. It is my role to help focus all decisions and discussions within the context of the Christian foundation of the school.

I also monitor pastoral care within the school, which includes pupil welfare.  The spiritual care of the school community is especially important.

All children Christian or not are valued by God and the church and are individually unique. Together with other governors, we have a mission to help each pupil to fulfil their potential in all aspects of their personhood: spiritually, academically, socially, morally and physically.

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.