Governor Profiles

Member of the Standards Committee, Staff Governor

Personal Statement

Reason for becoming a Governor at Caterham:

As a teacher I have always been aware of the importance and existence of the role of a governor. When the opportunity arose I saw it as a chance to see what is involved. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience and it has given me a better understanding of the Committee’s, the huge importance of a Governing Body, but also the involvement, understanding and support this governing body has within the Caterham Community. It has been one of the best experiences I have had to date in education.

Skills I bring to the Governing Body: 

As a Staff Governor I feel I give an insight to the staff perspective, the day to day management but also the impact of so many of the items brought to the Agenda. Within my role in Sixth Form I feel confident in sharing many of the strategies used throughout the school and also those recently implemented to support student progress and outcomes. I feel it is important that Governors who are not able to see the day to day impact know that their support in these initiatives does make a difference.    

Personal Facts:

As a PE teacher I still try to be active but still play netball throughout the year and when I was younger was fortunate enough to play around the country and overseas.

I love to travel and often spend half term breaks exploring the UK. 

Personal Statement

Reason for becoming a Governor at Caterham:

Having grown up in the area, I joined the governing board to support a local school in achieving their objectives to deliver the highest possible standards and maximise each pupil’s educational experience. I believe all children should reach their full potential regardless of their social background. Working alongside the existing governing members, I feel this role is also a great opportunity to widen my skills and professional development. 

Personal Statement

Reason for becoming a Governor at Caterham:

I have two children that currently attend Caterham. I strongly believe a school should be central to its community, and the voice of the community should be heard in the school. I believe all children should have the opportunity to achieve their potential.

Skills I bring to the Governing Body: 

I have over 20 years of experience working in education and currently work in a local primary school, which gives me a good understanding of our community.  My job is to oversee provision for the pupils that have special educational needs – a role which allows me to support and work in partnership with parents whilst working closely with pupils. I have had extensive mental health training and am currently the lead primary teacher involved in a project with the Redbridge Emotional Wellbeing Team and the Anna Freud Centre.

Personal Facts:

In my spare time I enjoy going to the theatre, watching films, baking and spending time with my family.

Personal Statement

Reason for becoming a Governor at Caterham:

I joined the Caterham Governing Body in October 2021. I am very interested in the education sector and strongly believe that our experiences as well as the skills and confidence we develop as a young person has a huge role in shaping our future. As a governor at Caterham, I am privileged to be able to play a small (but meaningful) part in this journey of the students.

Skills I bring to the Governing Body: 

As a lawyer by profession, I am trained to think critically and analyse facts, which helps me spot areas where things are going well or there is room to improve. I have also had experience in mentoring young people across a range of ages, backgrounds and abilities.

My aim is to use my experience and training to help Caterham continue to grow and provide its students with the best high school experience that they can have and can treasure for life.

Personal Facts:

I was born and grew up in India - completing my primary, secondary and legal education there. I then moved to the UK to start work at a London City firm as a trainee solicitor, which was the start of a new life in the UK. This has given me the perspective of someone who has called two countries (that are quite different from each other in many ways) home.

When I am not working I enjoy catching up with friends and family, playing badminton and following creative and interesting new inventions.

Personal Statement

Reason for becoming a Governor at Caterham:

I joined the governing board as a co-opted governor, elected in February 2019. I became a governor to be able to contribute in a small way to the local community and especially to the education sector. I am a strong believer in education and happy to support an inclusive and all-round education for children in any way. Caterham's ethos and positioning as an inclusive school appeals to me greatly.

Skills I bring to the Governing Body: 

Having worked in Marketing and Communications departments within universities I believe my skills in digital communication helps me understand and scrutinise the papers and policies that the governing body receives for monitoring and approval.

Personal Facts:

In all of my workplaces I have always been an active advocate for inclusivity and have been part of EDI committees and groups. I enjoy working in the Higher Education sector where I get to meet colleagues from around the world and have interesting conversations with them.

I enjoy reading world literature and learning languages in my spare time.

Personal Statement

Reason for becoming a Governor at Caterham:

I am of Vietnamese origin and many years ago, I was fortunate to win scholarships to study in the UK. I am very grateful that the high-quality education that I received built a very strong foundation for my career and achievements later on. I strongly believe that all children deserve a good education which can provide a strong start in life. I would like to give back to the community and provide the support to local children and their families, especially those from less privileged backgrounds.
 

Skills I bring to the Governing Body: 

I am a Chartered Financial Analyst by training, and I have worked in the City for more than 15 years within investment management. I bring financial skills, business acumen as well as people management skills to the Governing Body.    

Personal Facts:

Outside of work, I am a very busy mother of two young boys who really keep me on my toes. I also love playing piano and practising yoga and meditation.