Dr David Haygarth - Chair of Governors:

David works for central government leading the FCDO’s decarbonisation and renewable power work in the UK and overseas estate. For 20 years prior to this he worked in local government and higher education on a range of corporate, housing improvement and educational property schemes designed to improve sustainability in public facilities and reduce their operating costs. He holds a PhD in law, a B.Sc. (Hon’s) in environmental management, a PGC in research methods is a Chartered Environmentalist and Member of the Energy Institute. He is also an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Honorary Lecturer at Royal Holloway University. He also served with the RAF reserve for 20 years and was commended in the 2020 Queens Birthday Honours for his role in in battlespace management transformation. Davids key motivation for being a governor is to help ensure the school is a safe, secure, and sustainable place to learn and work and support the senior leadership team with their aspirations for the children and staff development.  David has been a governor since October 2022 and has been the Chair of Governors since October 2024.

Grace Simpson - Vice Chair of Governors: 

I joined the Governing Body as a Foundation Governor in 2023 and currently serves as Vice Chair. I also holds the role of Link Governor for SEND and Pupil Premium. I am an experienced secondary school teacher, having previously served as Head of Year and Curriculum Lead. I now teach young people at a hospital school in London. Grace has two children, one of whom currently attends St Peter’s.

Michael Conley - Headteacher:

I am Michael Conley, the Headteacher at St Peters CofE, serving in this role indefinitely as part of my ongoing commitment to the school community. With six years of experience as a headteacher and a background as a SENDCo, I bring a strong understanding of leadership and inclusion to my role as a governor. I hold an MA in Leadership, which has equipped me with the skills to navigate the challenges of school management and improvement effectively. My professional journey has also involved preparing for and leading both SIAMS and Ofsted inspections, experiences that have deepened my insight into school standards and accountability.

Before becoming Headteacher, I spent three years as a staff governor, and in total, I have nine years of governance experience across various roles. This has given me a well-rounded perspective on school governance and the importance of collaboration between staff, governors, and the wider community.

Outside of school, I am passionate about swimming and make it a point to swim five miles each week. I also have a keen interest in politics and aspire to work with the Department for Education in the future, which reflects my dedication to education beyond the school gates.

Within St Peters CofE, my primary responsibility is leading the school as Headteacher, ensuring we provide a nurturing and high-quality learning environment for all our pupils. I chose to become involved in school governance because it is an integral part of my role, allowing me to contribute directly to the strategic direction and success of the school. I look forward to continuing to work closely with staff, pupils, parents, and governors to make St Peters CofE a place where everyone can thrive.

Laura Harvey - EYFS Lead and Staff Governor: 

I’m a primary school teacher at St Peter’s and have been teaching for over 20 years, with a particular passion for the Early Years. As a staff governor and a parent of three—two of whom have attended St Peter’s—I’m proud to be part of this school community both professionally and personally.

In my role as governor, I aim to bring my experience in the classroom and my insight as a parent to help support the school’s vision, ensuring every child has the best start in their learning journey.

Lorraine Dodd - STEM and Communications:

As an IS and IT Director with over a decade of experience, I am passionate about digital transformation and innovation, leveraging technology to enhance human potential and improve customer experiences. Beyond my technical leadership, I am committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive tech industry where women thrive, actively participating in multiple women in tech initiatives. I strive to bring more STEM activities into classrooms, inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in technology while building their confidence.

Katie Goodwin - Attendance and Behaviour:

I come with a strong background in the construction industry, complemented by previous experience in the legal and justice sectors. My diverse experience allows me to contribute valuable insights into policy development and decision-making. Passionate about the development of children, I have over a decade of experience volunteering in the scout association, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive.

Jemma Regnard - Governor Development, Admissions and Sports Premium:

Having been a parent of the school since 2012, I have a strong interest in supporting our school's continued growth and success. With a background in stakeholder engagement and operations, I bring skills in communication and strategic thinking that I believe are valuable to the governing board. I am passionate about ensuring all children receive the best possible education and thrive in a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment.

Carol-Anne Chandler - Christian Ethos and Curriculum: Awaiting Bio

Tara Coles - Website Compliance and Complaints Panel: 

Tara joined the Governing Body in 2022 and sits on the Community Committee, responsible for the school website and communications. Tara has had a varied career working in change and project management across government and private sector, currently working at the Met Police. She started off her career as a secondary school teacher in London. She is mum to two children, both at St Peters.

 

Nicola Russ - Finance: Awaiting Bio

Kate Hoskin - Safeguarding: Awaiting Bio

Kate is a Local Authority Governor and joined the Board in August 2021. She is the Link Governor for Year 5, the Safeguarding Link Governor and chairs the Community Committee. Her background is as an NHS Paediatric Dentist, who before semi-retiring, had experience as a departmental lead, responsible for developing and delivering an outpatient and inpatient service in a hospital setting. She is the mother of two adult children and the grandmother of two grandsons (aged five and seven).

Father Mark Harris - Foundation Ex-Officio: Awaiting Bio

Alison Jones: 

I am Alison Jones, a newly appointed Governor at St Peter's.  I have a child in Year 6 and I also have 2 older children who attended St Peter's, making me a parent at the school since 2006!

As the Office Manager at Maple Cross JMI School, I have great experience when it comes to the ins and outs of both the operational and administrative sides of Primary School.  I also oversee attendance at our governor meetings, so I have experience in the sort of topics discussed etc. I also worked as a Teaching Assistant at St Peter's for a few years before I had my last child. 

I have been part of the PTA at St Peter's over many years and really enjoy making memories at the fun events that we offer.  As part of this, I am often in and out of the school and therefore I know a lot of the staff.  I am looking forward to meeting those I don't know so well and also meeting the children.  

As a Governor, I am looking forward to using both  professional and parent experience to help support the school.