Below is a brief introduction of who the Governors are at our school and what their roles are. In principle there are three main roles of the Governing Body of a school:

To provide a strategic view for the school – planning where the school is heading; this includes appointing the headteacher and agreeing the broad priorities for school improvement

To act as a critical or challenging friend – offering advice & support and constructively questioning the status quo

To ensure accountability – ensuring what should be happening is happening, for example, that the students are receiving their education entitlement, the school is safe and the improvement priorities are being progressed. We do this at termly main meetings, in committee and through visits to the school. We also report on progress to you and other stakeholders.

 

Leigh Johnson - Head of School

Date of Appointment: 1st January 2026

Relevant business and percuniary interest: Nil declaration

 

Karen Davey - Chair of Governors

Date of Appointment: 20th November 2024

Relevant business and pecuniary interest:

Term of Office: 4 years to 19th November 2028

I have lived in Ingatestone since 2010 and have two children. My son is at the Anglo European school, having attended both Ingatestone Infant school and Ingatestone & Fryerning C of E Junior School and my daughter is currently in year 6. I have been a foundation governor since November 2020, vice-chair and a trust appointed chair of the school's local board since September 2024. I have over 20 years' experience working as a policy advisor at the Department of Health and Social Care, following an earlier career as a research scientist. I hope that I can bring my expertise in setting strategic direction and system oversight to the role of school governor as well as supporting the strong links between the school and local churches.

 

Theresa Keevil

Date of Appointment: 27th September 2023

Relevant business and percuniary interest: Nil Declaration

Term of Office: 4 years to 26th September 2027

Appointed by: Staff

I am the school business manager and support staff governor at school.  I have worked in school for over ten years and have been a governor since 2012. Both of my children attended this school when they were junior school age, I can therefore bring experience as both a parent and a member of staff to the role of school governor.

 

Likhon Muhammad

Date of Appointment: 6th March 2024

Relevant business and percuniary interest: Nil Declaration

Term of Office: 4 years to 5th March 2028 

Appointed by: Parents

I am the Director of Secondary Improvement at King's Group Academies and have worked across three different multi-academy trusts. As a Headteacher of a variety of challenging secondary schools, I have focused on improving outcomes and have received acknowledgement from Ofsted for positively impacting the culture of a large inner London School.

I am a serving Ofsted Inspector and have experience of working as a leader of the central team of a successful MAT. Before joining KGA, I coached and mentored Headteachers and senior leaders across their secondary schools. I have also served as a school governor. Outside of education, I have taken on roles in the social impact sector, including serving as a non-executive director for a social value organisation.

I have co-chaired longitudinal research on social mobility, conducted by the Employers Social Mobility Alliance and am a member of the Worshipful Company of Educators and am a Freeman of the City of London.

I am married to Sara, and two daughters. In rare moments away from my family and schools, I am trying to learn golf.

 

Reverend Canon Lee

Date of Appointment: 8th May 2022

Relevant business and percuniary interest: Nil Declaration

Term of Office: 4 years to 5th March 2028 

Appointed by: Parents

 

Justin Wheeler - Vice Chair

Date of Appointment: 1st November 2024

Relevant business and pecuniary interest: Nil Declaration

Term of Office: 4 years to 31st October 2028 

Appointed by: Parents

 

Ellie Oldershaw

Date of Appointment: 5th December 2024

Relevant business and percuniary interest: Trustee of Writtle Singers Chamber Choir

Term of Office: 4 years to 4th December 2028 

Appointed by: Trustees

I have lived in Ingatestone since 2012 and was appointed to the governing body in late 2024.  As at the 2024/5 academic year I have two sons at the school, in years 6 and 3, both of whom also attended the Infant School.  

I have a degree in Modern Languages and have a particular interest in supporting language teaching at the school, particularly given the opportunities offered by local links with the Anglo European School.  I am also a keen musician and hope that I will be able to contribute positively to both curriculum areas.  

Professionally, I am a Chartered Surveyor and have 20 years’ experience in the commercial property sector.  My current role is Head of Acquisitions and Projects at East of England Co-op.  

 

Cheryl Benson

Date of Appointment: 5th December 2024

Relevany business and percuniary interest: Nil Declaration

Term of Office: 4 years to 4th December 2028 

Appointed by: Trustees

 

Historic (left within the last 12 months)

 

Governor – Rene Horner

Resigned 21/01/2025

 

Head Teacher – Neil Taggart

Resigned 31/12/2025

 

Staff Governor – Kate Nolan 

Resigned 05/01/2026

 

Parent Governor – Nick Noguera

Resigned 08/01/2026