Meet The Governors

Appointed 1.1.23

Co-Chair of Governors. Appointed 7.7.2022

Declaration of Interest: Nil Return

Naomi has over 20 years of experience working in the charity and public sectors, specialising in family safeguarding. She is the Lead Governor for Safeguarding and a member of the Business Committee.

Naomi joined the governing body because she’s passionate about being part of Queens Park School’s exciting improvement journey. She’s committed to making sure every child and family has access to the opportunities they need to thrive in a supportive and vibrant school community.

With two children at the school, Naomi is both professionally experienced and personally invested. Outside of her governor role, she enjoys spending time at her allotment and cycling on the Downs.

Claire recently joined Queens Park governing body as Co Chair and Chair of the Quality of Education committee. Claire has been in various governance roles across the city since 2011.

Claire is a dedicated primary school teacher, completing her NPQ in Senior Leadership, giving her a strong overview of the inner workings of a school alongside her strategic experience of governance. 

She advocates for inspiring children to learn in a nurturing, inclusive and stimulating environment; developed through quality first teaching, an ambitious and representative curriculum and positive relationships. 

Local Authority Governor with link lead for Teaching and Learning. Appointed 28.6.2020

Declarations of Interest: Nil return

Cheryl has lived in Brighton since 1997 and has been the Local Authority Governor for Queens Park since 2012. She was recommended to join  the board by the Local Authority.

Cheryl is now retired but has spent most of her working life in Education and was Headteacher of a Secondary School in Outer London for 17 Years.

“I have a real passion for learning and for enabling all children to achieve everything they can – in whatever direction that may lie.”

Co-Opted Governor and Link Governor for Leadership and Management. Appointed 23.9.2020.

Declarations of Interest: 2 children attend Queen’s Park School.

Jonathan has two children at Queen’s Park and loves the unique diversity and inclusivity that the school offers. His family have lived in Hanover for the last 10 years.

He is a teacher at another primary school in Brighton and hopes to bring both a teacher and parent viewpoint to the governing board.

“I hope to use my skills to build on the strengths of the school and be a part of its successful future.”

I joined Queen’s Park Primary School as class teacher in September 2023. I am currently a Year 2 teacher in Fireflies Class, Staff Governor and the passionate PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) Lead across the school.

I have a strong commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment and believe that our PSHE curriculum plays a pivotal role in promoting the well-being and personal development of students.

As a staff governor, my focus on school improvement is driven by my dedication to holistic education and enhancing learning experiences and outcomes for all children. 

I have worked in various schools since 2001. I became a School Business Manager in a special needs school in 2016. In 2021, due to events in my personal life, I took early retirement.

The following year I was contacted by the schools finance team at Brighton and Hove council and was asked to offer support in various schools around Brighton and Hove. 

This was either to cover sickness of their School Business Manager or to support the school in recruiting a new School Business Manager.

In February 2023 I started supporting Queens Park School and worked very closely with Emma Gale. It has been wonderful to see the change in the school since Emma Gale became Head Teacher and the school continues to go from strength to strength. When I was asked to join the governing body I had no hesitation in agreeing.

I am an overseas-born, single parent of 2 and small business owner that has made Britain my home for the last 20 years or so. I am also a proud mother to Sibel who is currently loving her every second in Year 3.

In terms of educational background I hold a degree in Medicine with a specialisation in General Adult Psychiatry (having achieved Consultant status with previous experience in Substance Misuse).

As part of my studies I worked in the Conduct, Adoption and Fostering Service at the Michael Rutter Center / Institute of Psychiatry which I thoroughly enjoyed. As a great believer in lifelong learning I am also in possession of an Executive Masters in Business Administration from Bayes Business School / City University and putting the final touches to my Dissertation for a Masters in Corruption and Governance.

Most importantly I am a passionate believer in this very happy school and its unwavering focus on fostering a sense of community that binds all together and makes us stronger and this is the reason I volunteered for the role of Governor.

I’ve worked in the public affairs, campaigns and policy area for the past 6 years, currently working in the charity sector. 

I was born and raised in Brighton, attending Whitehawk primary many years ago. I wanted to become a governor as from my own experiences I understand how important a quality education is and wanted to do my part. 

In my spare time, I enjoy making memories with my kids, watching films, cooking and the occasional run.