Governors (ID 1222)

• Anna Benfield
  Co-opted Governor
  Anna Benfield

  I was co-opted as a governor in October 2023. My responsibilities include: SEND, CLA and Pupil Premium, and quality of education (Humanities, Geography and History).

  I am passionate about supporting pupils with SEND and their families because I have extensive experience in this area as a parent.

  I work as a marketing manager for an independent prep school. Married to Lee, I enjoy long walks with our Irish setter, travel and going to the cinema.

• Natasha Fisher
  Co-opted governor
  Natasha Fisher

  I joined the Governing Board at William Cobbett over 3 years ago as I wanted to support the community where I live, and I enjoy utilising my experience to help make the school the best it can be. I work for a global British-headquartered pharmaceutical company and have held various positions over my tenue in the commercial arena, including being responsible for launching new medicines and vaccines.  I grew up in the UK and spent 10 years living and working in New Zealand. I am a Mum to two primary school aged boys, and live with my husband in central Farnham. My current Governor responsibilities are Maths and RE and I have also previously been responsible for English and Behaviour and Attitudes.

• Lesley Goodall
  Co-opted governor
  Lesley Goodall

  I am a complete newbie to the role of governor and in working within education. My background and work experience has been as a self-employed business consultant with over 25 years of experience working with international airlines and airport authorities in improving business processes using lean six-sigma methodology; work that enabled me to work across different countries and cultures. I retired back in 2019. Despite having many hobbies to keep me occupied, I now feel that I should also use what remains of my active brain on doing something useful and being a governor is of particular interest, especially as I have a granddaughter at the school and a grandson who will hopefully follow her in a couple of years’ time. I am hoping to add value as a Governor around art and performance data.

• Jeremy Harrison
  Co-opted governor
  Jeremy Harrison

  I am a co-opted Governor of the school, appointed in January 2021. I have never worked in education. Before fully retiring about 3 years ago I had been in business after which I then ran my own financial consultancy for about 20 years. I find the school environment bracing. As I now have 5 grandchildren, 3 of whom have started in schools in the North of England, I am acutely aware of the importance of a good education which is something that William Cobbett School is providing and as a Governor I look to maintain the school's high standards.

• Katrina Howells
  Co-opted governor, vice-chair
  Katrina Howells

  I have been a Governor for over three years. My children are both currently at William Cobbett and it is important to me to be a small part of making children's experiences of the school positive through effective governorship. I am an Occupational Psychologist and I spend my time working with clients in the corporate world coaching both individuals and teams with a focus on well-being and high performance. I spent the first three years as a Governor responsible for inclusion and my focus is now on safeguarding.

• Suzi Hunt
  Parent governor
  Suzi Hunt

  I have been a governor for just over a year, originally focusing on Foundation Subjects and now on English. I have two children at William Cobbett Primary School, and I am committed to supporting the school in delivering the best education and enabling all children to thrive. I have over 20 years’ experience working in education in both core and creative subject areas, and I am a Learning Technologies Ambassador, exploring ways in which technology can be used to enhance the curriculum and build valuable life skills. I am currently a Subject Leader in a Multi-Academy Trust, which includes provision across the Junior, Secondary and Sixth Form sectors, allowing me a perspective on progression throughout the education system. I also work for an exam board as an A Level examiner.

• Mel Jackson
  Staff governor
  Mel Jackson

  Having worked in infant and primary schools for many years, I wanted to learn more about how governing bodies support schools. I have been part of the William Cobbett Primary School Governing board as a staff governor for 3 years. I have found it fascinating, learning and being part of supporting the great journey that the school is on.

• Annette Kratz
  Co-opted governor
  Annette Kratz

  • I joined the governing board in November 2020, having been a governor in Staffordshire at an independent secondary school for over 15 years while living there. I worked in Higher Education for nearly 40 years, sending staff and students abroad all over the world. I could not visit the school until the end of the summer term 2021 due to the pandemic but took on responsibility for the Foundation Subjects and have met staff and pupils in PE, Art and Science. I am now focusing on aspects which enrich the curriculum and have recently visited Allsorts. In retirement, I am involved in climate change issues, work on my allotment and represent the Governors on the Eco Council.

• Amanda Pardoe
  Co-opted governor
  Amanda Pardoe

  I am a Deputy Head Teacher at an infant school and have been a staff governor there for 6 years. I recently moved near to William Cobbett and wanted to join the governing board to learn how other school boards operate, as well as being able to share my own educational expertise to help develop the school. In my spare time you will find me renovating my house from top to bottom, reading or walking my goldendoodle, Mabel.

• David Pink
  Parent governor
  David Pink

  As a former pupil of William Cobbett, I am now glad to return to the school in the capacity as a Parent Governor. I feel committed to giving back to the community and environment that helped shape my future.

  I currently oversee PSHE and behaviour and attitudes.
  A former mussel farmer, Royal Marine Commando and private maritime security officer, my life experiences bring a unique lens with which to discharge my role in providing a parental viewpoint. I am currently studying at the Royal Agricultural University for a Masters level degree in Rural Land Management.

  I am passionate about: agricultural law; regenerative farming; rural planning and mountain biking.

• Nick Somerville
  Chair of Governors
  Nick Somerville

  I was asked if I would join the Governing Board as I have considerable experience in education, albeit at a secondary level. Since then, I have really enjoyed being involved with the school and, hopefully, being able to make a positive contribution to the lives of the children here at William Cobbett. I taught in maintained and independent schools and recognise that, whilst it is important, there is much more to school than just what happens in the classroom. My interests include old cars, sailing, travelling and flying small aeroplanes. I also spend my time volunteering as a trustee for a couple of charities and as a museum guide.

• Andrew Stear
  Headteacher
  Andrew Stear