Governor Roles and Biographies

Mr Simon Fletcher is the Chair of the Local Governing Board and he can be contacted via office@esglt.co.uk

Since joining the Great Learner’s Trust in June 2019, a Local Governing Board has replaced the previous Full Governing Board and the committee structure has been simplified so that all governors have an overview of all aspects of school governance.

The key roles of governors are to:

• Set the school's vision, ethos and strategic direction

• Hold the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils

• Oversee the financial performance of the school and making sure money is well spent

• Report to Trustees

The Local Governing Board (LGB) meets three times a term.  One meeting each term has a curriculum and standards focus, one a finance and resources focus and the third a focus on the Co-Headteacher report, School Improvement Plan (SIP) and Governor Monitoring and Evaluation visits. 

Mr Simon Fletcher is our Chair of Governors and Mrs Charlie Perry is our Vice Chair of Governors.

• Curriculum and Standards

• Resources

• Headteacher report, SIP, Governor monitoring and evaluation visits

Smaller working groups will be convened as required and will report back to the LGB.

Current Governors

The Governing Body consists of 14 people who are appointed for a 4-year term of office:
8 Community Governors
2 Parent Governors (we currently have 2 vacancies)
2 Staff Governors
2x Co-Headteacher (ex-officio member)

Members of the Great Learners’ Trust join the meetings as observers but do not have voting rights. Our governors have a mix of skills and backgrounds.  If you are interested in joining us, please get in touch via the school office.

Introducing Our Governors

Simon Fletcher, Chair

• Finance Lead, Data Protection, Risk Register and Performance Management

Simon has worked in professional services for over 30 years. He has performed a variety of strategic and operational leadership roles in Clifford Chance, a global law firm. During his time at the law firm, he established the charitable foundation and led a number of the firm’s corporate social responsibility initiatives focused on increasing access to education. Since stepping down at Clifford Chance Simon has taken on a number of other senior roles in the charity sector. He is currently the Director of Operations for ClientEarth, a global law environment charity that is using the law to fight climate change and protect nature. In addition, he is the vice-chairman of Pets As Therapy a national charity that supports volunteers and their dogs who visit hospitals, hospices and schools. The charity runs a Read2Dogs scheme focused on helping improve literacy in children by developing their confidence, interest and enjoyment in reading. In his various roles, Simon has particular experience and expertise in leadership, governance, financial management as well as risk management.

Simon was born in Aylesbury, was a pupil at Aylesbury Grammar School and now lives in Bucks. As well as walking his dog, Simon enjoys reading, live music and the occasional long-distance run.

Term of Office | 13 March 2018 to 12 March 2022

Charlotte Perry, Vice-Chair

• Curriculum Lead
• Development Sport and PE

Charlotte has spent her working life in Aylesbury and has a breadth of experience in people management, data analysis, project work and relationship building. Charlotte became a Governor to support children during their schooling to help ensure they have a happy experience and are encouraged to progress and develop themselves as far as they can. Charlotte first became a Governor in June 2012 and spent 6 years as a Parent Governor at another local primary school; both chairing a committee, and acting as Chair of Governors. Charlotte's son is now in school at Elmhurst and she is happy to have joined the Governing Body of a progressive school that is committed to the dynamic development of its staff and pupils. Charlotte believes the skills she has learnt in business life and in school governance so far will help to support Elmhurst School in its ongoing journey.

Term of Office | 22 October 2019 to 21 October 2023

Bindy Wright, Staff Governor

Originally from Birmingham, Bindy has lived and worked in Buckinghamshire for over 21 years. Bindy's background before coming to Elmhurst school (Family support and DSL) had been working with people in need of support in some context or another. Bindy managed projects supporting adults and teenagers with mental health issues and has worked in secondary education. Bindy is qualified in social work and worked for a long time in front line social care with children and their families.

Bindy is married with two children: one of primary age and one who is of secondary age. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, music and socialising.

Term of Office | 23 June 2020 to 22 June 2024

Hannah Bruce, Staff Governor

Hannah has been teaching within the EYFS since 2015 both in the UK and Dubai.  Hannah joined Elmhurst in January 2020 as a Reception Class teacher.  

In her free time, Hannah enjoys spending time with her family and 2 cats, Lola and Bella. She also enjoys playing sports such as Netball and Lacrosse. Hannah is a keen baker! 

Term of Office | February 2022 to February 2026

Marcus Pickover, Community Governor

• Child Protection and Pupil Premium

Marcus has 25 years of working within Buckinghamshire Schools, gaining experience across both the primary and secondary phases. He joined Ashmead School in 2005 where he has served as a Co-Head Teacher for the past 13 years.

Within this time, Marcus has previous experience of working with two Governing bodies and has been fortunate enough to support other schools, both locally and further afield through a range of different forums.

Marcus lives in Aylesbury and enjoys all the area has to offer with his wife and family.

Term of Office | 28 April 2020 to 27 April 2022

Annabella Gunn, Community Governor

• Website compliance and SEND Governor

Anna joined the Elmhurst Governing board in 2020. Having worked in various roles from Sales and Marketing, Learning Support Assistant to Business Support officer at SEND IAS, Anna's experience and knowledge is wide-ranging. Anna has a strong Digital understanding and enjoys helping Elmhurst and the academy with all things digital. Anna is the Treasurer on the Friends of Elmhurst PTA. In November 2021 Anna took on the role of SEND Governor.

Anna lives in Aylesbury with her husband and two children who both attend Elmhurst. She loves baking birthday cakes for family and friends and reading.

Term of Office | 17 November 2020 to 16 November 2024 

Ian Mash, Community Governor

Ian has worked in the telecoms and ICT industry for 40 years working for British Telecom, as an Independent Consultant and managing a consultancy team with Huawei Technologies. He has a Degree in Education, a Diploma in Management Studies and an MBA from Henley Management School. Ian also qualified as a Programme Director and was a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

He has a keen interest in Education and was involved in the parents' fundraising committee at his children’s schools. Ian is married with two children and one grandchild and in his spare time enjoys tinkering with Classic Cars, walking his dogs and reading.

Term of Office | 15 June 2021 to 14 June 2025

Kate O'Loghlen, Community Governor

Kate has thirteen years of experience working for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office setting strategic direction for policy at the EU, global and multilateral level. Kate has led multi-disciplinary teams and acted as senior risk holder. Kate is passionate about bringing her strategic and policy experience to the Elmhurst Governing Board to ensure it achieves the very best outcomes for the children.

Kate recently moved to Buckinghamshire from London with her young family. In her free time she enjoys running, swimming and reading.

Term of Office | 7 July 2021 to 6 July 2025

Kara Dowson, Community Governor

Kara has worked in education for 15 years across the globe. Starting her career in Oxfordshire, she has also taught and led in Bangkok and Dubai. Before taking up her existing role, she was Headteacher of a Nursery and Junior School in Northamptonshire and also worked with the Enigma Maths Hub supporting other schools in the local area. During her Headship, she achieved an MA in Educational Leadership and Management from the University of Buckingham. She is currently working for the National College of Education on their Level 7 Senior Leadership Apprenticeship and Masters programme as a Senior Leadership Tutor. Being hugely passionate about professional learning, Kara relishes being able to support school leaders on their own leadership journeys.

Outside of work, Kara lives just outside Leighton Buzzard. She volunteers for Spectrum Community Arts, which is a local organisation hosting classes for children with additional needs and disabilities. In her spare time, she loves to play golf and visit local independent restaurants.

Term of Office | 7 December 2021 to 6 December 2025

Barbara Capstick, Community Governor

Barbara lives in Winslow, with her youngest grandchild attending Elmhurst School.  Since retiring she has become very involved in the local community.   She is an active member of U3A, WI, St Laurence Church and Winslow Big Society. Barbara enjoys travel and has visited many parts of the world.

Barbara was a headteacher for eighteen years in Buckinghamshire.  She was very fortunate to have opportunities to work with the Local Authority, DFES and was on a government think tank representing Primary Schools.  Her interests were Early Years, learning in the outside environment and challenging all children.

With seven grandchildren, her deep interest in Education continues and she looks forward to supporting Elmhurst School.

Term of Office | 25 January 2022 to 24 January 2026

Erij Khan, Parent Governor

Erij is a mum of three children, her youngest child attending Elmhurst. She is qualified teacher of Mathematics and Computer Science. Erij accumulated vast teaching experience by working in different education settings such as universities, FE colleges, and secondary schools.  More recently, she has been working as a Maths and ICT (Digital Skills) tutor with WEA and Buckinghamshire Council, delivering adult education sessions.

Erij has worked in an education setting as a Lecturer and Practitioner for the past 14 years. She has particularly good experience in developing and setting a curriculum according to the teaching program and learning requirements.

In addition to the above, at a previous appointment at Milton Keynes College, she was engaged in the management of the outstanding provision of English, Maths and ICT qualifications for the apprenticeship department where Erij was the main contributor to developing the curriculum and resources. Moreover, she has arranged training sessions to support tutors and trainers in their delivery programme.  She has been involved in training sessions for parents and helped parents understand how they can help and support their children at home with their children’s learning.

Term of Office | 5 July 2021 to 4 July 2025

Alan Rosen, Link Trustee

Alan served as a Secondary Headteacher in Bucks for 14 years and has worked in schools ranging from struggling to high-achieving and from small to large.  His career started in Hertfordshire, teaching Maths, IT and PE.  

Over the years he has been involved in areas such as curriculum design, leadership development, introducing leading-edge IT to enhance teaching and learning, global dimensions, marketing and academisation.

He has been a Governor in a Bucks Primary School and chaired the local authority's Schools Forum, which has responsibility for decisions and recommendations on school funding across the county.

He joined the Trust in October 2019.

Page Last updated 07/06/2022