Sarah Asher - Chair  - Parent Governor

I was appointed in November 2021 as parent governor. I subsequently become vice chair of governors in September 2022 and, from the middle of March 2023, Chair of Governors.

Having worked as a professional fundraiser for statutory and charitable organisations, I have significant experience of project management, income generation, stakeholder relationships, charity governance and informal learning / engagement activities, which I bring to the role of governor.  I have two children in the school and one who has just left for secondary school. I am committed to sharing my skills and time to ensure everyone in our school community is happy and thriving. 

Caroline Kaegler Devine - Vice Chair - Co-opted Governor

I joined the governing body in November 2022 as an associate governor with responsibility for environmental sustainability and in September 2023 was appointed as a co-opted governor and elected vice chair.  I have two children who both attend the school.

My career has been spent in education: as a primary school teacher in schools in south London, and in a variety of roles in the Department for Education.  Most recently, I worked on sustainability and climate change.  My experiences of working in central government, with local authorities and Academy Trusts, and both with and within schools are beneficial to my role as governor and I hope to support the school and staff so all children thrive now and in the world of the future.

Neil Skinner - Co-opted Governor 

I was elected parent governor in September 2013 and converted to a co-opted governor when I became chair of governors in 2017, a post I held for 3 years, becoming vice chair for 2021/22. 

As you've probably read elsewhere, money is particularly tight within state education at the moment. It's essential governors work alongside the school leadership team to make sure we operate as efficiently as possible, including working with other schools and that we use what funds we do have in the best interests of the children in the school's care.

I have two children, both of whom went though the school, and I work in network engineering for a mobile telecommunications company.

Staff Governor - Amy Cochrane

I am a class teacher, currently teaching in Year 2, and returned to teach at Walton in 2022 after completing my teacher training here. 

Rachel Whitton - Local Authority appointed Governor 

I am Deputy Head Pastoral and DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) at St. Teresa's Effingham.  I have lived in Walton on the Hill all my life and value the community the village provides for its residents - the May Pageant being the highlight of my year!

I am a PE teacher with 19 years experience working in numerous prestigious state, independent day and boarding schools.  Over the last eleven years, I have specialised in pastoral care, becoming a DSL and wellbeing lead, and am passionate about the role of promoting the wellbeing and holistic development of students and staff, enabling every member of a school's community to flourish.  I hope each Walton on the Hill pupil will build the confidence to embrace opportunity, develop a love of learning in and out of the classroom and, above all, feel supported and listened to as they embark on their journey to adulthood.

Nicola Fannin - Co-opted Governor

I joined the governing body in March 2019 as an Associate Member and was appointed a co-opted governor in September 2019.

I am a parent of three children with two still at the school, and work for a large financial services company in the local area. My job involves providing strategic and financial advice to senior management and governing bodies of financial institutions and incorporates financial analysis and people management, all of which are skills I believe have relevance in my role as governor.  My aim is to support the school and its staff to ensure every child continues to have the opportunity to reach their full potential and feel happy and confident in their school environment. 

Wesley Deavall - Parent Governor 

I have a son and a daughter at the school.  I had been volunteering at the school and decided to become a parent governor to help retain the school's excellent reputation for academic success and happy, healthy, friendly children. I was appointed in May 2023. My qualifications are in Human Movement Science/Studies, Biokinetics and Sports Science.  With 15 years experience, I feel my professional skills, combined with my passion for making a difference to the lives of children such as mine, who need particular care and attention, make me an excellent parent governor.

Anne Edwards - Associate Governor (non-voting expert)

Anne is Professor Emerita and former Head of the Oxford University Department of Education.  She is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, and of the Learned Society of Wales and is a former President of the British Educational Research Association.  She also has honorary doctorates from the Universities of Helsinki and Oslo.  Anne lives in Walton on the Hill and is working with the English and RE Leaders in our school sharing her expertise on teaching and learning.

Harpreet Birdie- Associate Governor (non-voting expert)

In addition to the governors shown above, Richard Laing, Head of School, was appointed for a second term of office as a co-opted governor in July 2019 for four years and Timothy Samuel, Headteacher, is an ex officio governor.

Register of Governor's Interests 

See attachment below which details governors' interests.