Woodmansterne Governors (ID 1051)

• Juliet Mitchell
  Vice-Chair of Governors & Co-Chair of Finance, Facilities and Resources Committee
  Juliet Mitchell

  Juliet lives close to the school and is involved with several local community organisations. She has been on the governing body at Woodmansterne School for many years, and is currently Vice-Chair. She has been with the school through its growth to the current all through school. A career at the bar provided her with an insight into many areas of life. She is keen to foster links to exploit the varied opportunities available to children of all ages and abilities.

  Date of appointment: July 2023
  Appointed by: Governing Body (Co-opted)
  Committees: Juliet is Co-Chair of the Finance, Facilities & Resources Committee, a member of the Pastoral and Community Committee, and the Pay and HR Committee.
  Business Interests: None
  Juliet is also the link governor for Humanities.

• Chris Blackburn
  Vice-Chair of Governors & Co-Chair of Finance, Facilities and Resources Committee and Pastoral & Community Committee
  Chris Blackburn

  Having worked across various functions in a retail setting, Chris brings his experience in procurement, operations and finance to the board. His experience in managing properties across London has enabled him to support the school as Health and Safety link governor. Chris has always had a strong interest in education and addressing educational disadvantage having worked in a school in the suburbs of Paris.

  Date of appointment: July 2023
  Appointed by: Governing Body (Co-opted)
  Committees: Chris is Co-Chair of the Pastoral and Community Committee and Co-Chair of the Finance, Facilities and Resources Committee, and a member the Pay and HR Committee.
  Business Interests: None

• Harry McNeill Adams
  Co-Chair of Academic and Achievement Committee
  Harry McNeill Adams

  As a former maths teacher who now works in education policy, Harry brings a wide range of personal and professional experience to his role as a governor. He is passionate about tackling educational disadvantage and is particularly interested in inclusion and improving the experiences of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. As a long-time resident of Lambeth, Harry is excited to join the Woodmansterne community on its journey to becoming a large all-through school where children can be the best version of themselves.

  Date of appointment: July 2023
  Appointed by: Governing Body (Co-opted)
  Committees: Harry is the Co-Chair of the Academic & Achievement Committee
  Business Interests: None
  Harry is also the link governor for EYFS, Arts & MFL.

• Damian Mitchelmore
  Co-Chair of Academic and Achievement Committee
  Damian Mitchelmore

  With 15 years of experience as a history teacher, head of faculty and senior leader in a range of secondary schools in south London, Damian has a strong understanding for the opportunities and challenges of education today. For the last 5 years, Damian has worked as managing director of an education consultancy business called OLEVI. In this role, he acts as a strategic partner and coach, empowering both school and trust leaders across its network of 1,500 schools, to clarify and realise their strategic visions to achieve better outcomes for the staff and students they serve.

  Date of appointment: July 2023
  Appointed by: Governing Body (Co-opted)
  Committees: Damian is the Co-Chair of the Academic & Achievement Committee.
  Business Interests: None
  Damian is also the link governor for English & Literacy.

• Karen Abies Aghatise
  Co-Chair of Pastoral & Community Committee
  Karen Abies Aghatise

  Karen has been a school governor since 2020. She works in the healthcare sector and brings a variety of personal and professional experience to the governing body. As someone who grew up in Lambeth, she is enthusiastic about giving back to the community she was raised in. Karen believes education can contribute to great levels of success and she is passionate about ensuring the next generation are equipped and empowered to the best version of themselves.

  Date of appointment: September 2023
  Appointed by: Governing Body (Elected)
  Committees: Karen is the Co-Chair of Pastoral & Community Committee 
  Business Interests: None
  Karen is also the link governor for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.

• Peter Hogg
  Governor
  Peter Hogg

  Peter has lived all his adult life in South West London and has been a resident of Streatham for 16 years. As the father of two secondary school-aged daughters, education is a topic very close to his heart. By profession, Peter is a Chartered Surveyor and has worked in private practice in London all his career. He aims to bring his knowledge of property and business to bear for the benefit of the school and it's long-term performance.

  Date of appointment: July 2023
  Appointed by: Governing Body (Elected)
  Committees: Peter is a member of the Pastoral and Community Committee.
  Business Interests: None

• Faye Agbalaya
  Governor
  Faye Agbalaya

  Faye has been a governor at Woodmansterne for 8 years and is a parent of two children at the school, one in primary and one in secondary. Faye works as a senior leader in social housing and has experience of managing a wide range of services including complaints, facilities, tenancy management, financial inclusion, debt management and customer services.

  Date of appointment: July 2023
  Appointed by: Governing Body (Co-opted Parent)
  Committees: Faye is a member of the Academic and Achievement Committee and Finance, Facilities and Resources Commitee.
  Business Interests: None
  Faye is also the link governor for Safeguarding and E-safety, Behaviour, Suspensions & Exclusions. 

• Kylie Penfold
  Governor
  Kylie Penfold

  Kylie is a former primary teacher and is currently a full time carer for her two children who are both in secondary school. She has been a governor at Crown Lane for 5 years. Kylie has extensive SEND experience and has used that to help inform her role as a governor. She is very excited to form a part of the new governing body for the Woody-Crown Lane federation.

  Date of appointment: July 2023
  Appointed by: Governing Body (Elected)
  Committees: Kylie is a member of the Pastoral and Community, and Pay & HR Committee.
  Business Interests: None
  Kylie is also the link governor for SEND and Medical.

• Jemma Naish-Williams
  Governor
  Jemma Naish-Williams

  Jemma is the Trust Lead for Professional Development at Aldridge Education, working with schools across the country. She supports teachers and leaders at all stages of their careers to develop their practice, strengthen leadership and improve outcomes for children and young people. She has led extensively in London and brings a strong understanding of urban school contexts. Jemma is also an experienced coach and a network leader for WomenEd, where she champions inclusive, human-first leadership. As an educator, she is passionate about developing creativity in the classroom and tackling educational disadvantage. As a governor, Jemma hopes to use her knowledge and experience to support Woodmansterne and Crown Lane Federation in achieving its vision and serving its community well.'

  Date of appointment: July 2023
  Appointed by: Governing Body (Elected)
  Committees: Jemma is a member of the Academic and Achievement Committee.
  Business Interests: None
  Jemma is also the link governor for Careers, Transitions and Sixth Form.

• Josh Henry
  Governor
  Josh Henry

  Josh works in a senior management role in local government, covering everything from project management, HR and health and safety matters. He's passionate about public services being fit to meet the challenges of the 21st century, and the importance of young people have a strong start in life. Having lived in South London for a number of years, he's looking forward to giving something back to the community and bringing his experience to the governing body.

  Date of appointment: July 2026
  Appointed by: Governing Body (Elected)
  Committees: Josh is a member of the Pastoral and Community, and Finance, Facilities and Resources Committee.
  Business Interests:
  Josh is also the link governor for Premises, Health & Safety.

• Eve Hand
  Parent Governor (Elected)
  Eve Hand

  Eve is from a family of educators and is passionate about State education and it's ability to transform lives. As a lifelong Lambeth resident who attended local state schools, she is very familiar with both private and state schools in the area. She enjoyed a successful early career in the City and as an accomplished linguist, now follows her passion of travel, working as a freelance Travel director. She brings this extensive business experience to her role on the governing body. She has two children at Woodmansterne school and has always been an active member of the PTFA. As one of two Parent Governors, she is there to ensure the parent voice is both represented and heard.

  Date of appointment: July 2023
  Appointed by: Governing Body (Elected)
  Committees: Eve is a member of the Academic and Achievement Committee.
  Business Interests: None
  Eve is also the link governor for MFL, Arts & PE and OPAL.

• Caroline Findlay
  Parent Governor (Elected)
  Caroline Findlay

  Caroline has been an active member of the school community and governing body at Woodmansterne School for many years. She has been with the school through its growth to the current all through status. Caroline is a swimming instructor and has coached many people (young, old and the amazing Skye!) in our community and works to support people into employment. Caroline champions the importance of sport in developing healthy minds, resilience and in promoting active and healthy lifestyles. Caroline is passionate about inclusion and SEN and works effectively to both challenge and support school leaders in inclusive practice.

  Date of appointment: July 2023
  Appointed by: Governing Body (Elected)
  Committees: Caroline is a member of the Pastoral and Community Committee.
  Business Interests: None
  Caroline is also the link governor for attendance.

• Reuben Stephenson
  Associate Governor
  Reuben Stephenson

  Through roles in both local and national politics, as well as experience working for the Leicester Diocesan Board of Education, Reuben has developed a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing schools, communities and the education sector. These experiences have given him valuable insight, and having lived in Lambeth for the past two years, he is keen to support the local community and help ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

  Date of appointment: July 2026
  Appointed by: Governing Body (Elected)
  Committees: Reuben is a member of the Academic and Achievement Committee 
  Business Interests:

• Jacob Taylor
  Staff Governor (Elected)
  Jacob Taylor

  Jacob is the Executive Chef and Head of Food Education at Woodmansterne School. Jacob joined the school 5 years ago and brought with him over 10 years of experience in business ownership and restaurants. This has evolved into a fervent dedication to enlightening young minds and a commitment to imparting culinary wisdom in students. Jacob spearheads a new and exciting national food curriculum in partnership with Leiths School of Food and Wine, redefining how pupils engage with food. He sits on a parliamentary government APPG committee for the 'Future of School Food,' and is a member of the national 'Future Education Mapping Project' advisory board. He is dedicated to shaping a healthier, more informed generation through education.

  Date of appointment: March 2024
  Appointed by: Staff (Elected)
  Committees: Jacob is a member of the Pastoral and Community Committee.
  Business Interest: None

• Samantha Palin
  Executive Head (Ex-Officio)
  Samantha Palin

  Sam was appointed as Executive Headteacher in April 2016 and has overseen 2 builds at Woodmansterne and its substantial growth to a 2 form entry primary and thriving secondary school. Prior to this, Sam worked at a high-achieving girls' school in Surbiton and had previously held senior positions at several local secondary schools in Wandsworth and Croydon. Sam has also worked as a consultant for Education London supporting school improvements in English at key stage 4.

  Date of appointment: July 2023
  Appointed by: Governing Body (Ex-Officio)
  Committees: Sam is a member of the Finance, Facilities and Resources Committee, the Pay & HR Committee and alternates attendance at the Academic & Achievement Committee and the Pastoral & Community Committee.
  Business Interests: None