Governor Profiles

Governing Body 2023-24

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), 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

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!

Parent Governors

Elected by Parents, where there was more than one nomination.

Gregor Falck

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!

Claire Chapman

gregor falck

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

gregor falck

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

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