Governors/Meet the Governors

I grew up in a difficult area of the North East of England before studying at Loughborough University, from where I  graduated in Business Administration and French, before undertaking a long career in the insurance sector. I also has qualifications in Behavioural Science and am a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Insurers. My career took me to work in Chester, Liverpool, Melbourne, Manchester and Madrid before moving to Surrey when I worked in the City of London. During my career I was Director of Human Resources in a British, an American and a Japanese insurance company as well as being Managing Director of companies when working in Spain.

I am married with three adult children and a keen armchair sports fan, continuing to follow the fortunes of Sunderland Football Club, which I have supported for over fifty years, and enjoys watching rugby and cricket as well as playing golf. When bored I love to bake cakes etc, though my wife restricts this passion as I like to eat them too (much)!! My own experience has shown me how education and learning open opportunities and I am  passionate about ensuring children are given opportunities to develop and learn and encouraged to achieve.

I am a dedicated Parent Governors. A local resident and parent, I bring a wealth of expertise in business management from my career as a Board Director in a UK staffing firm, where I manage their business strategy and operations. My insight from a parent perspective, alongside my professional experience, greatly benefits our school’s governance. I am passionate about education and am committed to making a positive impact on our school community. I enjoy playing an active role in school activities and decisions, ensuring the best outcomes for our students.

I have worked in different businesses in the UK and Middle East and am now semi retired. I have been a governor at Barnsbury for 2 years and was previously a governor at Slough Grammar. I have a passion for learning  and  enjoy all sports, both watching and playing.

Hi, I'm Matt and I'm a parent governor with two children studying at Barnsbury School. I live close to the school in Mayford, with my wife, the kids and our pets: a cat and a bearded dragon. I work as Editorial Director for an international publishing company, and in my spare time I love to run and play sports, and just spend time with family and friends.

I joined Barnsbury as an independent Governor at the end of 2021 as I wanted to find a way to give back to my community. I have spent the majority of my career in IT leadership roles within the scientific R&D sector. I have two children (one at junior and one at senior school) and appreciate seeing school life from the different perspective that being a governor provides. I now live outside Guildford, but was previously in Westfield, so I know the area well.

I love learning, I have an interest in well being and inclusion. Alongside my IT roles, I am also an accredited leadership and career coach. As a governor, I am interested in SEND and Inclusion and am part of the Curriculum and Achievement portfolio group.

I joined the Governor's committee in 2021 and currently act as Safeguarding, Admissions and Science Governor. My work experience covers varied roles across industries and geographies over the last 22 years. Having worked in Sales, Operations, Finance and Management roles in Aviation, Banking, Rail, Oil & Gas industries; I bring a broad skill base to the table to help the committee achieve its developmental and strategic goals.

I have visited 50+ countries over the years, and my main passion outside of work is travelling. When not on the road I spend most of my time following various sports such as football, cricket and tennis whilst also attempting to reduce my golf handicap.