School Governors

Governors’ Declaration of Interest

No relevant business and pecuniary interest including governance roles in other educational institutions have been declared by Governors for the academic year 2024-25

Name and address of the Chair of Governors

Mr M. Lewis
c/o Alfriston School
Penn Road
Knotty Green
Beaconsfield
Buckinghamshire
HP9 2TS

 According to the Articles of Association, the Governing Board shall consist of:

  • Up to seven community governors appointed by the Members
  • A minimum of two parent governors elected by parents of registered pupils of the Academy
  • Up to three co-opted governors appointed by the governors that have not themselves been co-opted.
  • The Headteacher is an ex officio governor

The Governing Board meets four times per year and the Members hold an AGM where the Governor’s Annual Report and Financial Statements are received.

The Governing Board has two committees: Resources (Finance, H&S and Premises, Pay & Personnel) and Teaching and Learning that report into the Governing Board on a termly basis. The remit of the committees is outlined in the Committee Terms of Reference.

The Resources Committee Chair is Mrs Libby Wilson

Teaching and Learning Committee Chair is Mrs Tara Deakes

For each Governor or trustee who has served at any point in the last 12 months – Their full names, date of appointment, date they stepped down (where applicable), and relevant business and pecuniary interests including governance roles in other educational institutions.

Members

  • Mr Keith C Jones
  • Mr Colin Hayfield
  • Mr Richard O’Hagan
  • Mr Malcom Lewis

Trustees / Governors

  • Mrs Claire Smart (Headteacher and Accounting Officer) 
  • Mr Malcolm Lewis – Member appointed Governor & Chair of Governors 
  • Mr Geoffrey Allen – Member appointed Governor 
  • Revd Ashley Mitchell – Co-opted Governor
  • Mrs Karen Bruton-McArity – Parent Governor
  • Mrs Tara Deakes – Member appointed Governor 
  • Mrs Kate Dicker – Member appointed Governor
  • Mrs Amanda Eve – Member appointed Governor
  • Mr Phil Davidson – Staff Associate Member 
  • Mrs Gabriella Hynes – Parent Governor
  • Mrs Libby Wilson – Member appointed Governor
  • Mrs Victoria Lindop – Member appointed Governor

Governors who have stepped down this year or terms of office have ended

  • Mr Paul Cornfield – Member appointed Governor (stepped down 17 September 2025)
  • Mr Kalpesh Brahmbhatt – Member appointed Governor & Chair of Governors (stepped down 22 July 2025)
  • Mr Ajay Obhrai – Member appointed Governor ( stepped down 23 December 2024)
  • Dr Jan Wyatt – Member appointed Governor (stepped down 23 December 2024)
  • Mr George Harrington – Member appointed Governor (stepped down 11 May 2025)
  • Mrs Tara Johnson – Staff Governor (stepped down 4 Sept 2025)
  • Mrs Charlotte Holliday – Parent Governor (stepped down 23 June 2025)
  • Miss Jennifer Gray – Staff Governor (stepped down 22 July 2025)

The Governing Board currently has the following structure:

  • 7 Member Appointed Governors
  • 2 Parent Governor
  • 1 Co Opted Governor
  • 1 Staff Associate Member
  • Headteacher (ex officio)

The term of office for any Trustee shall be 4 years except:

  • The Headteacher
  • Staff Governors if they cease to be employed by the Academy

In general Trustees are replaced as and when they reach the end of the term of their office. Subject to remaining eligible to be a particular type of governor, any governor may be re-appointed or re-elected.

Governance

Attendance during the 2024-25 academic year at the Full Governing Board meetings of the trustees was as follows:

The Resources Committee is a sub-committee of the main board of trustees. Its primary responsibility is to consider and recommend acceptance/non-acceptance of the Academy Trust’s budget at the start of each financial year. It then monitors performance against the annual budget and three-year forecast approved by the main board of trustees and recommends corrective action where necessary. To ensure the validity of the monitoring reports presented to it, the Resources Committee has responsibility to agree appropriate procedures and controls covering all aspects of the Academy Trust’s finances.

Trustee

Meetings Attended

Out of a possible
Mrs Claire Smart 4 4
Ms Amanda Eve 4 4
Dr Jan Wyatt 2 2
Mr George Harrington 3 3
Mr Kalpesh Ramanlal Brahmbhatt 4 4
Mr Ashley Mitchell 3 4
Mr Malcolm Lewis 4 4
Mr Paul Cornford 3 4
Ms Tara Johnson 3 4
Mrs Charlotte Holliday 3 3
Mr Ajay Obhrai 0 2
Mr Geoffrey Allen  1 1
Mrs Tara Deakes  2 2
Miss Jennifer Gray  2 3

Attendance at the four Resources Committee meetings in the 2024– 25 academic year was as follows:

Resources Committee

Meetings Attended

Out of a possible
Mrs Claire Smart 4 4
Mrs Tara Deakes 1 1
Dr Jan Wyatt 1 1
Mr Kalpesh Ramanlal Brahmbhatt 4 4
Ms Lisa Ellis (non Trustee – CFO) 4 4
Mrs Amanda Eve   0 1
Mr Malcolm Lewis 4 4
Mr Ajay Obhrai 1 1
Mrs Charlotte Holliday 4 4

Alfriston School Governors

Malcolm Lewis

Malcolm  brings over 35 years of senior leadership experience in supply chain, IT, and program management to his role as Chair of Governors at Alfriston School. With a career spanning global organisations and complex operational environments, Malcolm has developed deep expertise in procurement, vendor management, performance analytics, and strategic program delivery.

His professional journey includes key leadership roles such as:

  • Senior Manager, Supply Chain Engineering and Analytics at Eaton Industries (13 years)
  • Director of Customer Service and Supply Chain at Fuerst Day Lawson (7 years)
  • Commercial Manager at Industrials SGS (7 years)
  • Logistics Manager at Goldman Sachs (7 years)

Malcolm has also held positions at TCC, Glencore, and has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in data governance, infrastructure, and team development.

Beyond his corporate career, Malcolm has dedicated six years to Alfriston School as a Governor, and another six years as a Scout Leader, reflecting his passion for community service, youth development, and education.

As Chair of Governors, Malcolm combines strategic insight with a collaborative leadership style, supporting the school’s mission to provide exceptional education and opportunities for every student.

Libby Wilson

Libby  was appointed governor at Alfriston School in September 2025.  She was appointed Chair of the HR and Resources Committee in November 2025.  Libby is also a Trustee at Leukaemia Care, a cancer charity based in Worcester.  She became Vice Chair of the charity approximately 5 years ago and is also Chair of their HR and Remuneration Committee.  She is also Chair of Governors at Chenies Primary School in Bucks.

She has a wealth of management experience, garnered from owning a small chain of day nurseries across Buckinghamshire, and before setting up her business she worked at senior level for a major UK law firm in the City.  She has lived and worked both in the UK and in New Zealand.  In Auckland she worked for a Top 4 accountancy as their business manager.

Having sold her business a couple of years ago, she now focusses exclusively on her charitable activities.

She moved to Beaconsfield when she was 4, and moved back to South Bucks with her husband and son around 15 years ago.  When not working, she enjoys walking her two basset hounds, cooking and watching Arsenal.

Geoff Allen

Geoff  brings a wealth of experience from a distinguished career in education, particularly in the field of special educational needs.

Having served as Headteacher of a Bucks LA special school, Head of a Behaviour Support Service and Pupil Referral Unit, and senior teacher in specialist SEN settings, Geoff has a deep understanding of inclusive education.

Since retiring in 2019, he has continued to contribute as an independent SEN consultant and interim Executive Head. His expertise in quality assurance, strategic planning, and staff performance management makes him a valuable asset to the governing body..

Karen Bruton-McArity 

Karen is a company director with a strong background in coaching and youth development.

Her experience spans swimming, gymnastics, and football coaching, alongside leadership roles in youth organisations such as the Beaver Scouts.

Karen brings a child-focused approach, safeguarding awareness, and practical business acumen to her role as Parent Governor. Her skills in leadership, budgeting, and project management support her commitment to enhancing the school environment for pupils and staff alike

Kate Dicker

Kate  is a seasoned business owner in children and family services, with over 40 years of commercial experience. She serves on the board of directors at Norland College and has been a Penn Parish Councillor for 12 years.

Her extensive board-level experience and deep understanding of the childcare sector position her to offer strategic insight and governance expertise to Alfriston School

Amanda Eve

Amanda is a commercial litigation and regulatory solicitor with over a decade of experience. Currently working in-house, she advises on governance, public law, and financial regulation.

Amanda’s analytical skills, strategic thinking, and legal expertise are complemented by her experience as a director of a community interest company. Her ability to communicate complex issues clearly and work collaboratively makes her a strong contributor to the governing body.

Gabriella Hynes

Gabriella Hynes is an experienced educator and Assistant Headteacher with a strong focus on SEND, safeguarding, and mental health. With a career spanning multiple local authorities and leadership roles, Gabriella brings a deep understanding of inclusive education and strategic school improvement.

Her qualifications include a Master’s in Educational Leadership, NASENCO, and ongoing NPQH training. As a parent and former Foundation Governor, she is passionate about ensuring every child’s voice is heard and their needs met.

Victoria Lindop

Victoria Lindop combines leadership experience in education and the charity sector. As Deputy Director of First Give, she oversees governance, strategy, and external engagement. Her background includes senior roles at UNICEF UK and teaching leadership positions in secondary schools.

Victoria’s strategic insight, fundraising expertise, and commitment to inclusive education align closely with Alfriston’s values, making her a dynamic addition to the governing body.

Libby Wilson

Libby Wilson is a highly experienced professional with a strong background in governance and financial management. Her career includes senior roles at Ernst & Young and BLP LLP, ownership of a limited company, and extensive trustee and governor experience.

With 12 years as a school governor and Chair, and six years as Vice Chair of a national cancer charity, Libby brings strategic leadership and financial oversight to her role at Alfriston School..