Members
Chair of Governors : Barry Harwood, Co-opted Governor : I have the privilege of being Chair of Governors of the Wallisdean Federation. I have been a governor at Wallisdean for 11 years and have over 20 years’ experience of school governance both in primary and secondary schools, as well as Local Authority and Academy. I am a qualified teacher and worked in primary education for 24 years. I moved to higher education after my headship and spent 11 years working as a Senior Lecturer and Initial Teacher Education Partnership Manager overseeing the practical training of student teachers in school at a local University. This September I escaped the world of full-time work and I am currently a part-time PhD student working in the field of education at the University of Portsmouth. I also am an associate tutor for school leaders working towards National Professional Qualifications for school leadership.
Vice Chair of Governors: Michelle Young, Co-opted Governor : My name is Michelle Young, I have been a governor for a number of years now and have really enjoyed seeing both schools develop and thrive. I have a special interest in Wallisdean as I attended the schools myself as a child. Another passion of mine is the education of children and young people and I have a particular specialism in the younger children in the school as my own career is centred around early years. I currently work at a local college educating older children to care for early years children. The skills I have gained through my career and also being a parent myself all help me to support the direction of the schools.
Samantha Gardner, Parent Governor : My son is now in Wallisdean Junior School but has attended the schools since Pre-School. I work as a Quality and Data Manager within a local NHS doctor’s surgery, which allows me to use my skillset to help analyse data within the Resources Committee. I became a Parent Governor to have the opportunity to help support the schools to develop their nurturing and stimulating environments for the children and to gain an insight into how a school runs and the issues they face.
Samantha Hoggarth, Co-opted Governor : I have only been a governor for a short period but I am already thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to support the children and the school. I’ve been a teacher for 10 years and worked in both secondary and primary schools. I have lots of experience with SEND and inclusion within mainstream and have a real passion for supporting children and their families. I’ve recently decided to move onto a new career path (supporting children in a new and exciting role) but still wanted to keep a connection with education. I have a son at Wallisdean Infant and look forward to the many years supporting the schools going forward.
Luis Johnson, Co-opted Governor : I am the owner of a third-party fulfilment company that supports brands globally. With my internal audit experience from a top UK university and the perspective of a parent with a child at the school, I am committed to providing the best possible education for all students. As a new governor, I am eager to learn and bring fresh perspectives to the board. I am dedicated to fulfilling the role of a governor by contributing my skills, knowledge, and passion towards achieving the schools’ goals and ensuring the success of their students.
Jill Phelan, Staff Governor : I have had links with Wallisdean for the past 13 years, initially as a parent, the youngest two of my five children attended Wallisdean schools, and as a member of staff for almost 11 years. I have been part of WFA, the schools’ fundraising body, since 2007 and took up my post as a governor in 2010. I also own and run WoW Club, the Breakfast and After School Clubs that serves the Federation.
The Wallisdean schools are particularly important to me and being a governor allows me to play an active role in the schools’ ongoing development. Although my primary focus is standards and achievement, I love the fact that the Federation of Wallisdean is about the whole child and providing as many opportunities and experiences beyond the curriculum as possible. It continues to be a rewarding experience to be part of a team that has witnessed incredible growth and positive change in the schools over the past decade with a clear focus for the future.
Christopher Robinson, Parent Governor : I was lucky enough to be appointed as one of the Parent Governors in October 2022 and have already thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to support the children, parents and staff by contributing to the Federation community. I have a background in HE and have worked for the University of Portsmouth for just under 15 years in a variety of professional services roles. I am currently the Student And Academic Administration Manager for the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. I have worked with a number of different professional bodies and quality assurance regulators, including the NHS and the Department for Education. My daughter is currently at Wallisdean, so I am really keen to see staff and parents working together to provide the best possible environment and opportunities for the children to learn and play.
Jaime Whale, Co-opted Governor : I was delighted to be appointed as a governor in November 2020 and I welcome the opportunity to support the children, parents and staff of the Wallisdean Federated Schools. I have served in the Army for the last 21 years and fulfilled varying roles including; implementing and advising on discipline policies and procedures, auditing of accounts, payroll and managing budgets. In my current position as a Regimental Administrative Warrant Officer, I lead a team of HR Specialists in delivering all aspects of administration to our Battalion. My daughter started at Wallisdean Infant in September 2020 and I believe it is vital that there is a direct connection between the pupils, parents, staff and the school’s leadership team. With this in mind, I’m excited to be assisting the Wallisdean Federated Schools in continuing to give all children an outstanding educational experience.
