Governor Profiles

Governing Body 2022-23

Co-Opted Governors

(Appointed by the Governing Body)

Chair of Governors

Karen Carman

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.

Johanne Kilby

karen_carman

Co-Opted Governor

Term of Office: 18th May 2022 to 17th May 2026 (four year term)

Skills I bring to the Governing Body: After an extensive career in the FMCG industry I have experience of working in large organisations and cross industry working committees to problem-solve and deliver new strategies, communication and oversee project management. Furthermore, following a career change 10 years ago, I am an experienced secondary school
teacher with an up-to-date knowledge of the education system, young people and the challenges facing schools.

Reason for becoming a Governor at Chessington: I now feel privileged to be able to help support and channel the education of the next generation of young people to prepare them for life in the wider society.

Personal facts: I am married with two grown up children. I am a keen sports fan and still enjoy playing and umpiring hockey.

Nicola MacBean

karen_carman

Co-Opted Governor

Term of Office: 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2025 (four year term) (second term of office)

The skills I bring to the Governing Body: I hope I can bring to the Board my passion for education, an international background and experience from the charitable sector, where I have also been a Trustee.

The reason for becoming a Governor at Chessington: I have a long-standing interest in education having trained as a teacher and obtained a Master’s degree in education planning and economics.

A personal fact(s): I now run a charity to support those working for human rights in China.

Andrew Evans

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 can25 (four year term). 

Han-Ley Tang

han ley tang

Co-Opted Governor; Vice Chair of Trustees (ECED)

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

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 will be starting 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!

Sarah Ward

sarah ward

Co-Opted Governor; Chair of Behaviour, Attendance, Personal Development & Wellbeing Committee

Term of Office: 19th May 2021 until 18th May 2025 (four year term).

The skills I bring to the Governing Body: I work with schools in and around Surrey providing career services as a registered career development professional. This includes workshops on employability skills, 1:1 career guidance and supporting schools with their careers programmes. This gives me a great insight into the current mindset of students. My background is in strategic HR and Talent Development for a range of well known brands. I hope I can bring my knowledge of business, careers and young adults along with my passion for wanting to help every young person reach their full potential. 

Reason for becoming a Governor at Chessington: I’ve worked as an Enterprise Advisor for Chessington for the last year and love the ethos and forward-thinking, caring attitude here. I’m keen to give back to the community and support the growth of the school and the next generation of talent in our borough.

A personal fact(s): I have two children and a Bengal Tiger cat.

Carolyn Withey

caroyn whitey

Vice-Chair of Behaviour, Attendance, Personal Development and Wellbeing Committee

Term of Office: 1st April 2021 until 31st March 2025 (four year term). 

Skills I bring to the Governing Body: Having worked in Primary Education since leaving school, I have a solid background of information both at ground and strategic level. I have specific interests in Special Educational Needs and Disability and the barriers to learning children face.

Reason for becoming a Governor at Chessington: Both my children are at Chessington School and I wanted to be able to give something back. I recognise the passion from the Leadership team to make this school the best it can be, and would like to help achieve that.

Personal fact: My eldest son was recently Lead Prefect.

Parent Governors

(Appointed by the Governing Body)

Gregor Falck

gregor falck

Vice-Chair of Governors
Parent Governor
Vice-Chair of Finance and Business (F&B) 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!

Claire Chapman

gregor falck

Parent Governor

Term of Office: 9th November 2022 until 8th November 2026 (four year term). 

Skills I bring to the Governing Body: 

Reason for becoming a Governor at Chessington: 

Personal facts: 

Staff Governors

(The Headteacher is an Ex-Officio member of the Governing Body. The other Staff Governor is appointed by Staff)

Ashraf Ali

ash ali

Staff Governor
(Headteacher);
CEO of Every Child, Every Day Academy Trust

Term of Office: 1st September 2015 (ongoing).

Skills I bring to the Governing Body: I have been Headteacher at Chessington since September 2015. I am also a local resident who has worked in a number of schools in the local area such as Grey Court and the Coombe schools. As headteacher I bring a wide range of skills and experiences to the Governing Body including school improvement, financial management and connection with local stakeholders.

There reason for becoming a Governor at Chessington: The motivation of knowing that a small group of well minded people really can change the lives of children.

Other Governor roles: None.

Retired Governors

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