Welcome to our Governors’ section.
 

Running my own business focusing on providing marketing strategy and copywriting support to businesses and agencies, my background was previously in leading specialist technical teams within major technology and telecommunications providers.

I’m passionate about the need for parents to take an active role in their children’s education, especially as we move to a more technology-driven world. I’ve been part of the governing team at Watlington for the last few years, and along with the rest of the team I’m keen to ensure that all children at Watlington Primary benefit from the best education we can provide.

David Marcou

Local Authority Governor

I was born and educated in London and studied the violin at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama before joining the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 1970. My entire career has been spent in music - as performer, orchestra chairman and music service chief executive – and I currently work as a music education consultant and teacher. I hold a number of external appointments, including Chair of OYAP Trust (Oxfordshire Youth Arts Partnership) and Trustee of Wallingford Sports Park.

As Chair of Governors at Icknield Community College, as well as Local Authority Governor here at Watlington Primary School, I am a passionate believer in children and young people going to school in the community in which they live. My son grew up in Watlington, where a combination of school, social and family life offered him a secure and stimulating environment for learning and development in a rapidly changing world.

James McHardy

Parent Governor

My family and I have been in love with Watlington ever since we moved here and my son Douglas enjoys every day at the school.

I come from two generations of teachers on my mother’s side of the family and my wife and mother-in-law are also teachers. I began my career as a pilot in the Royal Air Force and, after they ran out of aeroplanes and money, was sent off to work in the city in business risk and process audit. I then took a job dealing with data at a large Further and Higher Education College in the North West where I learnt a lot about funding and the nuances of modern education. During this period I also spent two years volunteering as a Special Constable with the Lancashire Constabulary.

I am now flying commercially again but want to use my varied experience to help this great school in any way I can.

I have lived in Watlington for the last 9 years with my wife and we now have two children. Our eldest joined reception in September.

I have been involved with many community activities in Watlington, and currently chair the Beacon Festival which is run by volunteers and gives its surplus funds raised back to the local community.

I now run my own business in Watlington to complete the dream which enables me to spend time with family and to be fully involved in the local community.

Peter Robinson

Co-opted Governor

My family and I moved to the area when we returned from Boston, MA, USA. We enjoyed 2 years in Boston and prior to this we lived in Monmouth, Wales, UK for ~15 years. My daughter Elan enjoyed her time in Watlington Primary School and now Elan and my son Tom are both at local secondary schools.

My mother was a teacher, spending the last 15 years before retirement focused on education for children needing specialist support. I spent much of my youth hearing about how to create an environment that builds engagement and allows children from whatever starting point to make great progress. 

I have worked with General Electric (GE) for 21 years, most recently leading Human Resources for our Life Sciences Global Commercial teams. My experience includes managing large scale business integrations, creating global leadership development programs, diversity improvement projects and UK union and employee relations. A significant part of my role is to coach 1:1 our executive leaders and mentor our next generation of leadership talent.  I now lead the Commercial activities to improve the way we work with our largest strategic accounts that are global pharmaceutical companies.

Jonathan Gale

Staff Governor

I am the Staff Governor representative and am grateful to have been given the opportunity to represent my colleagues on the Governing Body.

 

I have been a teacher at Watlington Primary school for some years now and during this time, it has been a great privilege and pleasure to have worked with an inspiring and dedicated staff as well as working with happy and enthusiastic children. Watlington is fortunate to have a great team of staff which will continue to secure the successes of the school, with the support of the Governors, parents and the wider Watlington community.

 

Michael Hall

Parent Governor

My partner Sarah and myself have been Watlington residents since shortly before our son Eddie was born in 2015 – he’s now a proud member of Hedgehogs class!  Previously I lived in Reading working as a Management Consultant in financial services.  I have a keen interest in children’s education knowing how important these formative years are and how important it is to enjoy school and maximise their potential.

 

I’ve been fortunate enough to facilitate money-sense programs in Primary Schools, helping children learn the basics of managing their money. I ran a Soccer School of Excellence for several years for under 7s, then progressed to coaching 7-11-year olds. As most youth coaches will tell you, this is challenging yet definitely rewarding.

 

Mike Speight

Parent Governor

I have lived in the Watlington area since 2005 and have a son in the school, who currently in Year 1 and beginning to understand the demands of daily homework! 

 

I come from a family of teachers so have some understanding of the issues facing schools and as a parent, I am committed to doing what I can to support the school in delivering the best possible opportunity to all children.

 

Professionally, I work with colleges, local authorities and training providers delivering adult skills training and work-based learning. I am involved in governance and compliance activities, ensuring the organisations adhere to the requirements of a heavily regulated environment and deliver high quality learning.