School Advisory Board (SAB)
Should you wish to make contact with the School Advisory Board (SAB), please contact the Clerk, Jane Hodgson, by emailing: j.hodgson@maidenerleghtrust.org
SAB Members
Michael Dillon (Headteacher)
Ex-officio
Start Date 01/09/2015
End Date – ongoing
Biography:
I began my teaching career in Haringey, North London and then worked in Richmond upon Thames, before moving to Bracknell Forest in 2015. It is a privilege to be the Headteacher at Birch Hill, a school with an enthusiastic staff and a committed community. I live in Farnborough with my wife and two children. When I have any spare time, I enjoy listening to music, training for the odd triathlon and long distance swimming event!
Stephen Weeks (Chair)
Co-Opted
Start Date 01/12/2023
End Date 30/11/2027
Biography:
I joined the Birch Hill SAB in 2020, having been a governor for over 10 years at other Bracknell Forest Schools. I'm excited to utilise my skillset to help further improve the performance of the school and School Advisory Board.
I have 2 children in secondary education, I am currently involved with ecommerce sales having previously run my own printing business and worked for over 20 years at Syngenta. In my spare time I like mountain biking, walking and spending quality time outdoors with my children.
Helen McAllister
Elected by staff
Start Date 16/06/2025
End Date 15/06/2029
Biography:
With over 20 years of experience in education in Wokingham, Reading and Bracknell, I am proud to serve as a dedicated and passionate member of the school leadership team. I am a qualified SENCO and joined Birch Hill Primary School and Nursery in 2022. I currently work as an Assistant Headteacher, leading Upper Key Stage 2 and teaching in Year 6. Throughout my career, I have been committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and high-achieving learning environments where every child can thrive. My experience spans a wide range of roles, and I bring a deep understanding of both classroom practice and strategic leadership. As a SAB Member, I am passionate about ensuring that all pupils receive the best possible education and that the school continues to grow as a nurturing and ambitious community.
Christian Schweizer
Elected by parents
Start Date 31/01/2025
End Date 30/01/2029
Biography:
Having lived in Bracknell for the past ten years and with a son at the school, being a member of the Birch Hill SAB is a great way to make a contribution to the local community. I have a professional background in long-term market research projects, delivering high-quality and time-critical data to public sector clients. I’m hoping that my transferable skills, including an eye for detail, can be utilised at the Birch Hill SAB in the times to come. Learning is still a big part of my life. I’m studying for a second degree at the University of Leicester, currently at Diploma level of a distance learning BA course in Classical Archaeology and Ancient History.
Tom Brades
Elected by parents
Start Date 23/11/2024
End Date 30/11/2027
Biography:
I joined the School Advisory Board to help support the school my son attends, and one day my daughter will. For over 20 years, I have been involved with the Sea Cadets as a volunteer and this has given me a strong understanding of youth development, safeguarding, and leadership. In my day job, I am a Project Manager and have extensive experience in health and safety, facilities management, budget control, and compliance. When I am not working, spending time with my family, or volunteering with the Cadets, I enjoy Gaming, hiking, rock climbing, and watching films.
Lee Clark
Co-opted
Start Date 01/12/2023
End Date 30/11/2028
Biography:
My primary reason to become a SAB Member at Birch Hill Primary School is really wanting to give a little back to the school. In my work in property management, I have transferable skills that I can put into the school. Birch Hill has almost always been part of my family. Not only do my two daughters currently attend the school, but my sister and myself too, were former pupils of the school. I have met some of my best friends whilst a pupil at this school many years ago that I am still close with now. Birch Hill has not only given me a great basis of education, it gave me my good friends too. It would make me extremely happy if I can give a little bit back and be part of a group that helps make this school succeed in future years.
Nigel Penstone
Co-opted
Start Date 01/12/2023
End Date 30/11/2027
Biography:
I started as a primary teacher in Portsmouth over 30 years ago. I have also taught in Windsor, Crowthorne and, most recently, Woking. During my teaching career I have also been a Deputy Headteacher.
I have also worked for Slough Borough Council as an ICT Advisory Teacher and also worked for London Grid for Learning as a Curriculum Advisor.
I have lived in Bracknell for nearly 20 years. My wife and I, who is also a teacher, enjoy the theatre and we both have been chaperones at South Hill Park in the past. I look forward to using my experiences to support Birch Hill Primary as a SAB Member.
Further information about the governance of the school, including financial information, can be found on the Maiden Erlegh Trust website here.
Meeting attendance for 2024-25 can be found here.
Please see below for a copy of the business interests.
SAB meeting agendas and minutes are available upon request. Please send your request to trustees@maidenerleghtrust.org.
Click here to view the Scheme of Delegation