Governor Profiles
Governing Body 2024-25
Co-Opted Governors
(Appointed by the Governing Body)
Chair of Governors
Karen Carman
Chair of Governors;
Co-Opted Governor
Term of Office: 1st April 2021 - 31st March 2025 (four year term)
Skills I bring to the Governing Body: As I am co-director of an organisation that works with adults (and their families) who have found that the traditional education system did not work for them, and I also run my own bookkeeping and advice business, I understand the need for schools to ensure all children reach their full potential, and also the need to balance the budget. I am experienced in analysing performance and financial data both in and out of an education setting.
Reason for becoming a Governor at Chessington: I have two children at the School and I feel it is important to try and ‘put back’ something into the community that my family is benefiting from.
Personal facts: I enjoy renovating houses (9 so far!) and gardening.
Governors
Andrew Evans
Co-Opted Governor; Chair of Quality of Education Committee
Term of Office: 1st April 2021 until 31st March 2025 (four year term).
The skills I bring to the Governing Body: I currently work for a Local Authority in the children, schools and families department and so bring knowledge of the children and young people’s landscape and skills in strategy, partnerships, projects, analysis and building relationships.
Reason for becoming a Governor at Chessington: Having recently settled in Chessington I want to use my skills and knowledge to support the School and community to provide excellent all-round opportunities for children and young people.
A personal fact(s): I am a big sports fan and enjoy going to see live matches, particularly watching Arsenal when I can.
Han-Ley Tang
Co-Opted Governor; Vice Chair of Trustees (ECED), Vice-Chair of Finance & Business (F&B) Committee
Term of Office (Second term of office): 1st April 2021 until 31st March 2025 (four year term) (second term of office).
The skills I bring to the Governing Body: My background is in management consulting, with expertise in data and analytics for corporate strategy, operational effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.
The reason for becoming a Governor at Chessington: I have volunteered as a Governor to apply my skills to a fresh challenge and make a positive difference to education in the Borough.
Personal facts: In my spare time, I enjoy football (GGMU!) and Formula 1, fixing an old motorcycle, and tinkering with technology.
Emma Turner
Co-Opted Governor
Chair of Finance and Business (F&B) Committee
Term of Office: 1st April 2021 until 31st March 2025 (four year term).
The skills I bring to the Governing Body: I currently work as a School Business Manager in a Single Academy Trust and have previously worked in local Kingston and Surrey Schools as Business Manager and supporting schools in working together. I have a degree in Education, and qualifications in school finance, project management and am an accredited School Resource Management Advisor (SRMA) supporting schools in making sure they use their resources to obtain value for money and the best possible outcomes for pupils.
Reason for becoming a Governor at Chessington: My daughter started at Chessington School in September 2021, and I would like to volunteer my skills but also support the Trust on their journey in any way I can.
A personal fact(s): During lockdown I started running and trying my best to continue!
Jo Elgarf
Co-opted Governor
Term of Office: 22nd May 2022 until 21st May 2028 (four year term).
The skills I bring to the Governing Body: I have previously been the Chair of a Special Needs School Charity and I helped fundraise thousands of pounds for the school and held many events. My daughter attends the SEN school and she has quad cerebral palsy. I have gained a lot of knowledge of various special educational needs, especially physical disabilities. Day to day I was responsible for overseeing the administration of the charity. I worked for many years in the NHS as part of their local strategy team and this gave me a great insight into the public sector in multiple areas including financial management and recruitment. I am also a Home Start volunteer and I have loved helping families grow.
Reason for becoming a Governor at Chessington: My son is at Chessington currently and I wanted to support the school. I believe all children should be happy and thrive whilst within an educational setting.
A personal fact(s): I studied European Studies and Media at Loughborough University. I grew up in Cornwall and love the beach!
Louise Grant
Co-opted Governor
Term of Office: 22nd May 2022 until 21st May 2028 (four year term).
The skills I bring to the Governing Body: I currently work as the assistant head teacher at a primary school in Richmond, having previously taught in Battersea. I have been teaching since 2001 and have taught in EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. I have had roles in SEND, Curriculum Leadership, Key Stage Leadership, Staff Governor and Safeguarding to name a few. I thoroughly enjoy my job and look forward to learning more about the leadership and management of a Secondary School. I also have experience as a parent of children with SEND as well as a masters degree in Equality & Diversity.
Reason for becoming a Governor at Chessington: Primarily, I have a son at Chessington School and I am keen to support the school and the staff in my role as a governor to be able to give back to the community. I also have an interest in education and hope that I can widen my knowledge and experience as well a bring a perspective from a Primary School setting.
A personal fact(s): I enjoy cooking and baking, spending time with the family on days out and going to the theatre. My pupils at school will tell you that I love nothing more than a cup of tea and a shortbread!
Helen Edward
Co-Opted Governor
Term of Office: 7th Febuary 2024 until 6th Febuary 2028(four year term).
The skills I bring to the Governing Body: With a background in business development and an MBA I’m keen to see Chessington School aiming high and making its mark in the community and bringing the best possible aspirations and opportunities to our young people. My PGCE training, classroom work as a teacher trainee and work as a school governor for a local state primary school give me a broad understanding of school life, academic curriculum and attainment. My previous specialisation in the pupil premium, safeguarding and pastoral have given me a keen interest in student welfare. My background work with charities such as Trustee of Kingston Charitable Foundation and Home Start have helped me to understand the range of need in the community. I also mentor at Kingston Uni and The Princes Trust and volunteer at Kingston Hospital A&E which keeps me a bit younger hopefully and grounded.
Reason for becoming a Governor at Chessington: As the parliamentary candidate for the last general election I’m keen to see government policy on education in action and represent our educational community for the Kingston Borough constituency. I have loved my work as a school governor and let go of my previous school to join our Chessington School board. I was born and lived the first few years of my life in Moor Lane, Chessington so I’m excited to become part of the Chessington community again.
A personal fact(s): I have two daughters in their 20s just finished uni and starting work so I have done the whole hatch to dispatch journey! My husband comes from Cheam and is in the hospitality sector. When Im not out campaigning Im probably walking my two dogs in Richmond Park. I’ve written two children’s books for charity.
Parent Governors
Elected by Parents, where there was more than one nomination
Gregor Falck
Vice-Chair of Governors
Parent Governor, Chair of Behaviour, Attendance and Personal Development (BAPD) Committee
Term of Office: 1st April 2021 until 31st March 2025 (four year term).
Skills I bring to the Governing Body: My experience is in tech platforms and e-commerce. I am an account director for a global corporation providing solutions to the wider travel industry. My core expertise is building and delivering on strategic objectives. I aim to achieve success by motivating and empowering people.
Reason for becoming a Governor at Chessington: I have a son at Chessington School, and I'm inspired by the energy and the direction that the School is going in. I am keen to contribute to that journey and to the School’s continued success. I have a passion for identifying talent and building a nurturing environment to help grow individuals to the best of their capability.
Personal facts: I am a qualified ICC Level 2 cricket coach. I coach an under 9 Colts' Cricket Team and play cricket, hockey as well as enjoying running, tennis, golf and some occasional mountain biking!m to achieve successs, golf and some occasional mountain biking!
Claire Chapman
Parent Governor
Term of Office: 9th November 2022 to 8th November 2026
Skills I bring to the Governing Body: I work in a primary school both as a classroom assistant and a ‘Forest School’ facilitator. In my roles I have gained lots of experience working with children who have many different special educational needs and disabilities as well as children with social, emotional and mental health needs. Beforehand, I worked in marketing communications and PR. This career equipped me well with communication skills, strategic planning and crisis management skills as well as organisational skills, hospitality skills, team building and people management skills. I hope all of these will put me in good stead to be a helpful and useful Governor for all our families here at Chessington School.
Reason for becoming a Governor at Chessington: I am passionate about quality education and equal opportunities in learning for all children. There is nothing more satisfying than watching children succeed. There are lots of ways that children can be successful. It’s important to me that schools meet the needs of all children, that all children have the tools and support they need to succeed and to reach their full potential, whatever that may look like. Chessington School does this brilliantly and is a thriving, bright and happy community that I feel lucky and proud to be part of. I love this school and I want to tell the world about it.
Personal facts:
I have an allotment where I grow lots and lots of flowers that I give away to friends and colleagues. I am at my happiest digging around in the dirt!
Other Governor roles: None
Staff Governors
(The Head of School is an Ex-Officio member of the Governing Body. The other Staff Governor is appointed by Staff)
Sarah Wilson
Ms Sarah Wilson
Head of School
Term of Office: 1st September 2023 (ongoing)
Skills I bring to the Governing Body:
Reason for becoming a Governor at Chessington:
Personal facts:
Other Governor roles: None
Retired Governors
NICOLA MACBEAN - Retired Governor Term of Office: 1st April 2021 until 5th February 2025
JOHANNE KILBY - Retired Governor Term of Office: 18th May 2022 until 19th July 2024
ASH ALI – Retired Governor
Term of Office: 1st September 2015 until 31st August 2023
CAROLINE WITHEY – Retired Governor
Term of Office: 1st April 2021 until 31st August 2023
SARAH WARD – Retired Governor
Term of Office: 19th May 2021 until 30th August 2023
ANDREAS KIRSCH – Retired Governor
Term of Office: 1st April 2021 until 8th February 2023
NATALIE PAGE – Retired Parent Governor
Term of Office: 1st April 2021 until 5th October 2022.
VANESSA SINET – Retired Parent Governor
Term of Office: 1st April 2021 until 29th June 2022.
TAMARA GRAHAM – Retired Staff Governor
Term of Office: 1st April 2021 until 19th July 2022.
RAMESH KAPADIA – Retired Co-opted Governor
Term of Office: 1st April 2021 until 31st March 2025.
Retired: 24th May 2021.
SARAH WILSON – Retired Associate Member
Term of Office: 7th December 2016 until 19th October 2020.
PAUL MORALEE – Retired Associate Member
Term of Office: 7th December 2016 until 19th October 2020.
AMY SMITH – Retired Staff Governor
Term of Office: 1st December 2016 until 30th November 2020.
Retired Governors and Associate Members
SONIA MOLNAR
Co-Opted Governor, term of Office: 6th October 2021 until 31st March 2022.
Associate Governor, term of Office: 17th March 2021 until 6th October 2021.
Co-Opted Governor, term of Office: 21st September 2016 until 30th November 2020.
JULIE HAMMOND
Parent Governor, term of office: 9th December 2015 to 8th December 2019
Co-Opted Governor, term of Office: 21st September 2016 until 30th November 2020.
Associate Governor, term of Office: 9th December 2019 to 31st March 2021