Governors
Meet the Governors
Tim Fettes - Chair of the Governing Board
I work as a Contracts Director for a main contractor who specialises in residential refurbishments and new builds in prime Central London. My background is not that of a traditional builder, upon graduation I started a career in advertising working on global brands such as adidas, Harrods and Patek Philippe. I am currently completing a master's at Oxford Brookes University in Project Management in the build environment.
I grew up in Chobham and have lived in Sunningdale since 2010, we currently have two children; one at Holy Trinity and one at Charters. I am now in my second term as Local Authority appointed Governor.
Jo Steel - Vice Chair
I was Parent Governor from July 2021 to July 2023 when I was elected one of the school's Diocesan Foundation Governors. I have two sons currently at Holy Trinity.
I have 15 years experience as a qualified governance professional working across the not-for-profit and charitable sectors, supporting boards of directors and trustees to achieve high levels of governance in their organisations and I feel very passionately about utilising these skills to support Holy Trinity in reaching its goals and mission.
I am the link governor for SEND and work closely with the staff lead to ensure that this element of the curriculum is delivered to a high standard.
Another key passion of mine is looking at what we can all do to help reduce our carbon footprint and waste and I hope to further pursue this during my term, working with the school to see what more we can do to help the environment and further reduce our environmental impact.
Barry Aherne (Chair of Finance and Resources Committee)
My career was spent in large public sector organisations where financial budgeting, control, project and performance management were my forte. I believe this experience allows me to make a positive contribution to the smooth running of our school. I have been a Governor for five years and chair the Finance and Resources Committee.
Aileen Boaler - Chair of Standards, Achievements and Curriculum Committee
I grew up in the local area and after working overseas for a number of years we moved back to Sunningdale in 2000. I have a background in systems analysis, IT & Accounting working within Government and later the advertising industry before joining our family business. I have also been privileged to have worked with a number of local charities over the last 20 years.
We have four children who all attended Holy Trinity School before moving onto Charters. I joined the Holy Trinity Governing Board as a Diocesan Governor in 2013, taking on Chair of Standards and Curriculum Committee soon after. I then completed the Aspiring Chairs Course whilst Vice-Chair of the governing board, before being appointed as Chair in 2017, taking over from longstanding Chair, Richard Pelly. I now support Tim Fettes in his newly appointed role as Chair.
I strongly believe that we all have an opportunity to work together as a team and a community to inspire our children and enable them to flourish, keeping the wellbeing of the school community at the heart of all we do.
Andrea Williamson (Chair of Admissions Committee)
I was elected as a Parish Church Governor in 2019. As a local resident and with children at the school I wanted to give back to the local community in taking this role. With 20 years in business, mostly in the technology area, I aim to bring my experience to the Board in working with diverse groups of people and committees to achieve successful outcomes. With the introduction of GDPR, I am helping the Governing Board to ensure all measures are being taken to protect the privacy of the pupils, staff and supporting businesses that interact with the school.
My objective in my role as a Governor of the school is to ensure that the high standards already set by the school are maintained whilst ensuring that we do not lose the nurturing ethos and community spirit that makes Holy Trinity CE School the wonderful school that is.
Revd. Jon Hutchinson (Safeguarding Governor)
As the Vicar of Holy Trinity Parish Church, Sunningdale I am an ex-officio member of the Governing body and very pleased to serve the school in this way. I’ve been involved in governance at a Church of England academy group in Nottingham, at both secondary and primary levels and have particular experience as governor responsible for safeguarding. I’m also involved at the school leading assemblies, hosting the prayer group and taking part in annual festivals with the children.
Dolapo Ogunbawo (Safeguarding Governor)
In 2020, I started my second term as a governor at Holy Trinity. My first term as a church governor was from 2011 to 2015. I am a licensed lay minister (LLM) at Holy Trinity Church, Sunningdale.
With a PhD in education, my work experience has traversed the various stages of the education system to include higher education institutions, teacher training colleges, primary and secondary schools and special education needs and disabilities (SEND).
I am committed to improving the life chances of people - children and adults, especially the marginalized and those in challenging circumstances. I took early retirement from the Institute of Education, University College, London in June 2013 to set up Ascot Education Services working as an independent consultant in education to provide support and training services to schools, local authorities and other clients on small group tutorials, leadership development, safeguarding, awareness of domestic abuse, equality and diversity.
Peter Grover
I have had a career in the travel industry for over 35 years with commercial roles in a number of airlines, reservations systems, tour operators, online travel agents and most recently working with corporate hotel bookings and now have my own company. I have an MBA from Kingston University.
I have lived in Sunningdale since 2008, have been a Governor since 2017 and have three children at Holy Trinity School. I also sit on the Sunningdale Parish Council.
Jon Sharland - Parent Elected Governor
I was delighted to be elected a parent Governor in October 2021. Having recently moved to Sunningdale from Windsor, I have a daughter at Holy Trinity.
In my professional life, I am an Account Manager for a global IT company, I work with senior staff to ensure successful delivery of large IT projects for banks and government organisations. My responsibilities include P&L of the project and selection of our team.
Nicholas Holt - Parent Elected Governor
I currently have two children (William and Elizabeth) within the school, with Charlie also joining in September 2024.
I am passionate about education and believe that primary education can be the building blocks to a lifetime of learning. An education that offers breadth and depth can provide all of our children the opportunities in life that they deserve.
I have worked as COO and in Corporate Development for an Education business, managing 21 schools across the UK; delivering high quality education to a broad range of children (backgrounds and ages). This also covered developing EdTech businesses; I believe and understand the power of technology and its ability to democratise education. I am therefore able to bring relevant experience to the role.
I am a huge believe in Holy Trinity and the amazing work that our school do. I really enjoyed my role on the PTA last year (first ever male rep?) and I hope that you saw me behind the BBQ at the Summer fair or the bar at Christmas. It would be an honour to be elected as a Parent Governor and represent you and your children's best interests in our fantastic school.
Jo Griffith (Headteacher)
I became Co-Headteacher at Holy Trinity Primary School in September 2018 and have been Headteacher since September 2020. Over the last 24 years, I have worked in a number of schools across the country, in The Midlands, London and now RBWM.
As a class teacher, I have had the pleasure of teaching all year groups from EYFS to Year 6.
I have held numerous leaderships roles including Deputy Headteacher, Assessment Lead, and led most of the National Curriculum subjects in one school or another at various times.
I love working with children—there is never a dull moment! No two days are the same and I draw on the children for purpose and drive. In all the roles I have held in education, I feel I have always kept the children’s best interests at the heart of all decision making. I’m proud and feel very privileged to be able to make a difference to children’s lives and find a way to ensure their voices are heard.
Carmel Barnes (Staff Governor)
I joined the Holy Trinity family in January 2018 as Class Teacher and became Assistant Head in September 2020. Prior to teaching, I was a Forecasting/Logistics Manager, working for a FMCG company developing relationships with the supply chain teams in France and with the major multiples.
I am committed to raising the educational achievement of all and have high expectations of the children by creating a positive, happy environment where children feel safe and confident to flourish. I feel it an honour to serve as Staff Governor.
In my spare time, you will find me still playing competitive netball and at the side of a football pitch cheering on my boys.
What does the Governing Board do?
The Governing Board aims to promote high standards of educational achievement. The Governing Board has a strong focus on three core strategic functions:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
- Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff; and
- Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.
The Headteacher, Mrs Griffith, is responsible for day-to-day management of the school and is the lead designated person for child protection. The Governing Board works to support and strengthen the leadership of the Headteacher and other staff.
The Governing Board has responsibility for the financial performance of the school and for setting the school’s budget. The school has a dedicated budget to cover salaries, running costs, maintenance and equipment. The Governing Board works with the school to decide how many and what types of staff to employ, which equipment to upgrade or replace and what the priorities are for implementing new strategies and initiatives.
The Governing Board appoints the Headteacher, and is involved in the appointment of other staff. The Governing Board monitors the school's progress, and sets annual targets for the school's performance and for the Headteacher.
The Governing Board is also the Admissions Authority. It sets the admissions policy, makes admissions decisions and defends admissions appeals.
All of the Governors are volunteers, who give freely of their time, skills and energy by attending regular Governing Board and specialist Committee meetings; attending school events and visiting the school to experience lessons and the life of the school; and undertaking the necessary training to fulfil their role. They are elected for a four year term.
The Full Governing Board meets at least once per term. Much of the business is delegated to Committees that meet as required to complete their business.
Foundation Governors have a specific role in preserving and developing the Christian ethos of our school.
If you have ever considered becoming a School Governor or would like further information on what the role entails, please see the RBWM website, https://www.rbwm.gov.uk/home/schools-and-education/school-governors
To register your interest or for further details, please contact the Clerk to the Governing Body, Mrs Carol Elsasser. (c.elsasser@holytrinityprimary.org)
Agreed priorities and plans for the Governing Board
To be an inspirational place of learning where:
- we facilitate opportunities so every child can flourish in a place where they feel safe, happy and confident.
- staff well-being and professional development is valued and supported in order to fulfil their roles, inspire others and experience personal fulfilment.
- the school provides facilities that enables an optimum learning environment.
- the school plays a central role within our community and enjoys strong links with the church, local companies and other schools.