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.

I have lived in Watlington for the last 9 years with my wife and we now have two children at the school.

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

Governors who have resigned since 2020

Governing Body Attendance 2019-20

Governors Minutes 

For paper or email copies of governor meeting minutes, please contact the school office:

Tel: 01491 612474

Email: office.2459@watlington.oxon.sch.uk