Governor Profiles

Mark Browne
Chair of Governing Board (Co-opted Governor)

I have lived in East Ilsley since 2008 with my partner and we have three children who have all been through the Ilsleys. I have been a school Governor since 2011, and was Chair at the Ilsleys for the four years leading up to the Federation with Hampstead Norreys. I started my career as a teacher in 1996, before taking up an education position in the Civil Service, later becoming a local area director for the Learning and Skills Council. I currently work for West Berkshire Council as a School Improvement Adviser and I also lead the Adult Learning and Skills service for the district.

Rebecca Hartley
Vice Chair & Chair of Finance/Resources Committee (Co-opted Governor)

As the mum of 3 kids who’ve all been through The Ilsleys, I am very aware of just how lucky we are to have such great village schools. My job as a School Business Manager means that I fully understand the challenges and financial pressures small schools are facing but I strongly believe that they provide our kids with the best possible start as well as playing a key role in our communities.

Tom Thomasson (Foundation Governor)

Our family have lived in Hampstead Norreys for 7 years. Our son was at the village school before progressing to secondary school. I have been a Christian since I was a child in various churches and in 2002 I took a year off work to study theology in Oxford. As a Foundation Governor for Hasmptead Norreys my particular role is to strengthen the ties between the school and the parish and ensure that the Christian vision and founding principles of the school are core to everything that takes place within it. As part of that role I meet with the Little Oaks Committee and get involved with all aspects of Religious Education, Worship and SIAMS inspections. SIAMS Stands for Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools. If you would like to know more on any aspect of my role please feel free to ask. I can be contacted via the school office.

Peter Borthwick (Parent Governor & Vice Chair of Finance Committee)

I joined the governing board while my two children were pupils at Hampstead Norreys Primary School. I remain very grateful for the education and opportunities they received there and keen to continue supporting both the school and the wider federation.

My professional work is in marketing and digital communications, with some of my work in education. This includes photography and film, website and social media content, and wider communications strategy. I have also worked as a professional musician and have experience of running small businesses and developing digital projects.

As a governor, I offer this experience to help the federation communicate effectively with current and prospective families and the wider community.

Katie Edwards (Co-Opted Governor)

I am Katie, the Assistant Headteacher of our federation. I have been a Governor for several years, initially as a staff governor and now as a co-opted member of the board. In recent years, I have become more involved with the leadership of Hampstead Norreys and worked alongside our Executive Headteacher on the strategic vision of the school. I am passionate about ensuring we get the very best outcomes for our pupils both academically and emotionally – so that they are the happiest, most confident learners they can be.

Holly Parsons ( Staff Governor)

I am the Reception and Year 1 teacher and Key Stage 1 Phase Leader, and have been part of the school community for five years. I have completed my Early Years Leadership NPQ and lead phonics across the school.

I am passionate about making learning fun, memorable and engaging, helping children to feel confident and excited about their learning. I also work closely with our wider community to support families, including setting up and running Stay and Play sessions.

As a Staff Governor, I am pleased to bring my experience and perspective as a teacher to support the continued development of our school and its community.

Sarah Cairns (Parent Governor)

I am a mum of four; two of which are already at The Ilsleys, one starting this year and Ralf who will be following on in 3 years time! Whilst I strongly support the strive fir high academic standard, my particular strength and interest lies in the personal development and wellbeing of the children. Prior to having my children, I gained a degree in English Language and Sociology, and worked in Social Services at West Berkshire Council, mostly within the safeguarding team. Through this I learned skills in understanding the professional safeguarding processes, alongside the importance of equality, non-judgemental guidance and support for those in need of some help. I will bring enthusiasm, excellent communication and listening skills, the desire to work as part of a team with like-minded people, and a real passion for supporting the children in their learning and emotional development at our schools to my Parent Governor role.

Suzanne Giaever-Enger (Safeguarding Governor)

Education has always been at the heart of my career and my values. As a senior leader in secondary education, I have dedicated my professional life to helping young people develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to succeed in school and beyond. My fundamental belief is that all children are teachable and deserve to be taught well, regardless of their starting point or circumstances. I fully support the federation's mustard seed vision that every child has the potential to grow, achieve and become the best they can be.

I'm a mother of four children, all of whom attended a small, rural primary school, so I'm a strong advocate for village schools and the important role they play within their communities. I currently serve as Safeguarding Governor, bringing professional safeguarding experience from my role as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. Outside of education, I try to keep tabs on my family, love music, and enjoy baking and creating celebration cakes.