Governor Profiles
Governing Body 2025-26
Chair of Governors
Andrew Evans
Chair of Governors;
Co-Opted Governor
Term of Office: 1st April 2025 until 31st March 2029 (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.
Co-Opted Governors
(Appointed by the Governing Body)
Gregor Falck
Co-Opted Governor; Vice-Chair of Governors; Chair of Finance and Business Committee
Term of Office: 1st April 2025 until 31st March 2029 (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!
Jo Elgarf
Co-Opted Governor; SEND Link 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; Chair of Quality of Education Committee; Safeguarding, Looked After Children and Humanities Link 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; Careers and Extra-Curricular Link Governor
Term of Office: 7th February 2024 until 6th February 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 needs 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 I'm not out campaigning I'm probably walking my two dogs in Richmond Park. I’ve written two children’s books for charity.
Sue Towner
Co-Opted Governor
Term of Office: 4th December 2024 until 3rd December 2028
The skills I bring to the Governing Body: I have retired from my accountancy practice but still do some book-keeping work. I also write poems to order and have written a couple of light-hearted books with another on the way, so I am competent with figures and words. I am involved with community projects and mentor a university student under the Beyond Barriers initiative and am a business adviser with Young Enterprise. I enjoy working with teenagers, both helping to inspire them while being inspired by them.
Reason for becoming a Governor at Chessington: I enjoy being involved in the community where I have lived for over 30 years and feel I can bring a different perspective to the role.
A personal fact(s): I am a committed Speedway fan and love motorcycles in general but especially vintage ones, having had a licence for more than 50 years. I am a keen but inexperienced gardener but love learning new things.
Charles Upfold
Co-Opted Governor
Term of Office: 3rd December 2025 until 2nd December 2029 (four-year term)
The skills I bring to the Governing Body: I am a Degree Apprentice project manager for 3 years at an engineering consultancy company, with skills in reporting, finance management, and communications management.
Reason for becoming a Governor at Chessington: Having recently finished education and having a great experience, I would like to give back to the system and help where I can! I hope that I can use my skills to bring value as well as use this opportunity to develop them.
A personal fact(s): When I am not working, you will often find me at the gym or playing golf (not that I’m any good), I also enjoy travelling when I can.
Parent Governors
Elected by Parents, where there was more than one nomination
Claire Chapman
Parent Governor; Chair of Behaviour, Attendance & Personal Development Committee
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!
Headteacher
(The Head of School is an Ex-Officio member of the Governing Body)
Sarah Wilson
Headteacher
Term of Office: 1st September 2023 (ongoing)
Staff Governors
(The Head of School is an Ex-Officio member of the Governing Body. The other Staff Governor is appointed by Staff)
Retired Governors
KAREN CARMEN - Retired Governors Term of Office: 1st April 2021 - 17th July 2026
HAN-LEY TANG - Retired Governor Term of Office: 1st April 2021 until 17th July 2026