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School Advisory Board

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 Governing Board in March 2020, I have 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 governing board.  As the Development governor I provide a link between the governors and the Local Authority for training needs and feedback as well as helping to shape the induction process for prospective new governors. I also provide a link between the governors and the school SENco

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.

Lee Clark

Parent

Start Date 01/12/2023
End Date 30/11/2024

Biography:

My primary reason to become a Governor at Birch Hill School is really wanting to give little back to the school.  In my work in property management, I do have transferable skills that I can put into the school. Birch Hill School 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.

Nicola Down

Staff

Start Date 01/12/2023
End Date  05/02/2027

Biography:

Awaiting content

Joey Gurney

Vice Chair - Co-opted

Start Date 01/12/2023
End Date 30/11/2027

Biography:

I have been a school governor at Birch Hill since May 2020. I became a governor so I could give back to the community I grew up in by working with other members of the board to ensure the school is run as effectively and efficiently as possible. I am currently the Pupil Premium governor and I have recently been elected Vice Chair of the board.

I work in policy and strategy for a local authority. In my spare time I like to play football, cycle and read.

Ben Joseph-Franks

Parent

Start Date 01/12/2023
End Date 13/11/2026

Biography:

Awaiting content

Ruth Newling-Ward

Co-opted - SEN

Start Date 01/12/2023
End Date 30/11/2027

Biography:

I have been in education for sixteen years.  I have been a class teacher, Early Years Leader and leader of a range of different subjects.  I have taught in a range of different schools, here in England as well as having a career teaching internationally in several different countries. I am currently the SENDCO for a large primary school and have an educational interest in the teaching of children with additional needs. This is my second year as a Governor for Birch Hill Primary.  ON a personal level, I am a mum to two young children and have a husband who is also a school teacher.  We love family adventures and travelling the world together as a family.

Jane Newman

Co-opted - Safeguarding

Start Date 01/12/2023
End Date 30/11/2027

Biography:

I have been in education for more than 30 years. I began my career as a Newly Qualified Teacher at Birch Hill. Both my children attended the school and, as a family we have precious memories of our time at the school.

I have been a Headteacher in three schools and still love being part of the education profession. This will be my first year as governor at Birch Hill, although I have been a governor in other schools for 20 years. I hope that I can support the school in a positive and collaborative manner and give back what Birch Hill gave me as a teacher all those years ago.

I now have four grandchildren ranging from 8 months to three years of age. I love spending time with all of them and during recent times have started writing a book for them. In my spare time I am part of a singing group and love dancing.

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 governor. 

Further information about the governance of the school, including financial information, can be found on the Maiden Erlegh Trust website here.

Meeting attendance

Please see below for a copy of the attendance register and business interests. 

SAB meeting agendas and minutes are available upon request. Please send your request to trustees@maidenerleghtrust.org.

Scheme of Delegation

Click here to view the Scheme of Delegation