Welcome to our Governors’ section. 

Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.

School governing bodies ‘are the strategic leaders of our schools and have a vital role to play in making sure every child gets the best possible education’. (The 2015 Governors’ Handbook, published by the Department for Education). For maintained schools this is reflected in the law, which states that the purpose of maintained school governing bodies is to ‘conduct the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement at the school'

If you would like to contact the governors, please email the chair of governors, Brendan Crossan: b.crossan.gov@kingswood.surrey.sch.uk

Meet the Governors

Brendan Crossan – Chair of Governors

I was delighted to be appointed as a Co-opted Governor at the end of the spring 2023 term.  I hope to use my significant experience in the education sector – both teaching and management - to support Kingswood in providing the best possible education.  I live near Dorking, have three grown-up sons and two granddaughters.

Chris Davis:

As a parent at, and ex-pupil of, Kingswood Primary School, I am pleased to be able to serve on the Governing Body as a Parent Governor and support our little community school. I do a lot of community volunteering around the village and my business is also based here so I have an exstensive network and knowledge of Lower Kingswood which I feel will help me fulfil my governor duties.    

Catherine Donohue:

My son currently attends Kingswood Primary School and I was elected Parent Governor during 2022-23. I have been a primary school teacher for over 20 years in Purley and hope to be able to draw on my background in special educational needs to support Kingswood.

James Fair - Vice Chair of Governors:

I have been in education for almost 25 years and have taught across both the maintained and independent sectors. I am currently the Deputy Head of an independent prep school in Twickenham and Co-opted Governor and Vice Chair at Kingswood. I am also the Lead Governor for safeguarding at Kingswood.

I live in Tadworth with my wife and two children, and have interests in history, natural history and sports.

Helene Hill:

I am LA Governor and previous Chair of Governors at Kingswood Primary School, having previously been Vice Chair of Governors and a Governor at Kingswood since 2018.  I started my professional life in advertising agencies, then worked in various marketing roles in professional services firms.  I later retrained as a translator (German) and worked freelance until retiring in 2020. I have two grown up sons and live in Kingston upon Thames. 

Richard John:

Hello everyone! I joined Kingswood as a class teacher in 2018 and have since become assistant head with my main responsibilities being Key Stage One, Maths and Teaching and Learning. I am a strong advocate for Kingswood and the values that the school encompasses. Moreover, I am a true believer that school can change and shape a child’s life; it is our responsibility to ensure it does. I am joining the team as staff governor and very much excited about my role. I aim to represent the staff to the best of my ability and know they will be supportive in allowing me to do this. 

Ken Thompson:

Hello everyone!  My name is Ken Thompson and I am a grandparent of children at Kingswood.  I am pleased to be able to volunteer at Kingswood and to have been appointed as a Co-opted Governor.  My background in engineering and operations has led to me being appointed as a joint lead governor for resources.

Sara Walker - Vice Chair of Governors:

Hi all! My name is Sara and I am a current parent and Parent Governor at Kingswood Primary School. With experience in Early Years provision, I have been appointed as one of the governor leads for Quality of Education and am also currently interim SEND lead governor.  This year I have been appointed as Vice Chair of Governors.

Tim Samuel:

I am a Co-opted Governor and the Executive Head of Kingswood and Walton on the Hill Primary Schools.  I am pleased to be able to contribute to the Governing Body my previous governance experience as Head teacher governor at other schools.

Julia Waterson:

I joined Kingswood as a class teacher and the Deputy Head in 2009 and am delighted to now be leading the School as the appointed Head of School.  I sit on the Governing Body as the ex officio Head teacher Governor. With over 25 years of experience in a variety of schools in Croydon and Sutton, I have a passion that children are given the best possible education. I strongly believe that this is what the children receive at Kingswood and am proud to be part of such a supportive staff team. 

Clerk to the Governing Body - Tessa Jones:

Hello everyone!  I have gradually grown my clerking portfolio and bring experience from different types of schools, both primary and secondary, through my role as clerk at various schools.  I regularly attend training to ensure that the advice and support I provide remains up to date, have successfully completed the nationally recognised Accredited Clerk qualification and am ACIS qualified. I live locally and have two grown up children.

Please contact me if you would like to know more about becoming a governor at Kingswood.