I have had the privilege of being Chair at Dr Radcliffe’s for fifteen years, before that I was a Parent LGB Member, Class Rep and member of Friends. Both my daughters attended Dr Radcliffe’s and benefitted enormously from having a fantastic start to their education. As Chair I represent the school on the Board of Trustees of the Dr Radcliffe’s Foundation and support ODST with mentoring Chairs from other schools and supporting governance training for the academy.
Education is fascinating and it has become a massive part of my life. I recently retired from working for the headteachers of The Warriner Partnership of Schools and from this I bring a great deal of knowledge and expertise to my role as Chair. After graduating from University, I joined the retail industry in management, buying and product development for The Boots Company and licensing.
Good governance is at the heart of an effective school, and I work with an exceptional team. The role of Chair is multi- faceted leading the LGB to advise and shape proposals and ensuring that it fulfils its strategic functions. As a team we challenge, support and contribute for the benefit of the school.
Together we strive for continuous improvement in all aspects of school life at Dr Radcliffe’s. I am enthusiastic and dedicated in ensuring that our school offers its pupils an exciting, stimulating, safe and progressive environment in which children learn, thrive and are happy!
From the start of my involvement with Dr Radcliffe’s, the dedication of its staff, the energy of its pupils, and the warmth of its families have stood out. I’m delighted to step into the role of Foundation LGM Member and offer my time and support to this community.
Professionally, I’ve spent over 10 years in Life Sciences and 5 Years in Professional Services, holding roles in finance and more recently HR - leading global mobility and talent development programmes across Europe and the US. My work has focused on building inclusive cultures, coaching emerging talent, designing curriculum, and aligning people strategies with business goals. I bring this passion for nurturing potential and creating equitable environments to my role as LGB Member, where I also hope to encourage the embodiment of our values: Respect, Truth and Kindness.
I joined the team as a Foundation LGB Member in 2015 and am chair of the Curriculum Committee and LGB Member responsible for SIAMS. Our two children are now at secondary school, having been nurtured and supported in their years at Dr Radcliffe's from class R to Year 6. I am passionate about the education and opportunities offered at Dr Radcliffe's School and committed to upholding the Christian values which underpin its daily life. I work part-time as a vet, and enjoy running with our dog, gardening and being involved in village life.
I have been a percussionist with the BBC Symphony Orchestra for 25 years and am keen to ensure the creative arts remain an accessible and important part of life at Dr Radcliffe’s school for every pupil.
I joined the Local Governing Board in 2025 as a Foundation member, and we have two children who attend the school.
I began my career in corporate finance advisory at NM Rothschild and private equity at Credit Suisse, before moving into education services as CFO and CEO of a leading provider of school travel services, taking hundreds of thousands of school children and youth groups away on adventure residentials and educational trips. Whilst these experiences took place outside the classroom, they had a measurable impact on learning when the children returned to school, leveraging the motivational and character-building activities they had participated in.
Much earlier, I read History and French at Keble, Oxford, having attended King Edward VII comprehensive school in Sheffield. At all stages, I have been fortunate to have knowledgeable and inspirational teachers and tutors who encouraged and supported me and my peer group to look beyond the immediate horizon.
I am delighted to participate in the Finance Committee and support the excellent work of the staff at Dr Radcliffe’s Primary School.
As Assistant Headteacher, Class 6 Teacher and KS2 Leader, I have recently rejoined our LGB as Staff LGB Member. I have previously been a Staff LGB Member at Dr Radcliffe’s for 8 years, and I sit on the Curriculum Committee. Both my children had a very happy Primary education at Dr Radcliffe’s and I was privileged to teach my son. My experience in education began in 2005 when I became a supervisor at Steeple Aston Pre-school. In January 2009, I joined Dr Radcliffe’s as a TA before training to become a teacher via the Graduate Teacher Programme. I was very fortunate to do my training at Dr Radcliffe’s. I chose the teaching profession because I have a strong desire to continually learn new ideas and wanted to use my enthusiasm to inspire others to learn. In 2022. I did a 6-month secondment, as a Teaching Fellow, with Warwick University, mentoring the next generation of teachers.
Before entering the education profession, I was a Clothing Retail Buyer, where I was responsible for a department with an annual turnover of £20m and had my own company for 7 years. These experiences of leading, supporting and developing teams have translated into skills that are beneficial to teaching and someone in a governing position.
In my spare time, I am passionate about keeping fit and have participated in many charity running evens to raise money for good causes. I also enjoy relaxing my mind through Yoga and exploring my local countryside with my two Golden Retrievers.
As a proud parent and class rep, I have had the joy of witnessing the amazing spirit at Dr Radcliffe's - from the dedicated staff to the energetic pupils and their wonderful families. I am delighted to step into the role of LGB Member and offer my time and support.
I have lived locally since I was a teenager attending The Warriner School. I went on to read Modern Languages at Bristol and gain a doctorate in Italian Literature at St Anne's College, Oxford. Along the way, I acted as a teaching fellow, served on admissions panels, and worked with international students studying far from home.
For the last 14 years, I have worked in Life Sciences, leading operational and commercial teams and delivering global clinical translation programmes. My heart has always been in people leadership and building inclusive cultures where everyone can thrive. I believe that's the foundation for success in any venture. I will bring this enthusiasm for inclusivity and talent nurturing to my role as LGB Member.
I recently launched my own language services agency. I volunteer on a UK digital cancer trial committee with specialists from Imperial College London and Macmillan. I’m also on the Steeple Aston pre-school committee and I am proud to support their important early years work. When I'm not busy, you'll find me exploring bookshops or indulging in my deep love of Italian culture.
My daughter has recently started her journey with Dr Radcliffe's and I am delighted to now be a Parent LGB Member. The school has so much to offer and I am eager to give my time and effort to support it. I'm bringing my past experience of working in the sustainability sector to provide the eco and sustainability link to the Governing Body.
I am currently self-employed as a dressmaker and alterationist in Duns Tew and relish supporting the local community.
I live in Heyford Park with our three children, two of whom are pupils at Dr Radcliffe’s and one at pre-school. We moved from London in 2022 in search of a healthier, calmer and more community-based life for our children. We've found all that and more in the welcome received from the Dr Radcliffe's school community, and the happiness of our children at school. I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to such a thriving and vital school community.
Professionally, I am a senior lawyer in an international law firm specialising in regulatory, ethical and contractual risk.
I am very pleased to be joining the Finance and Resources Committee .I’ve spent my career working in financial services in roles focused on Fraud Management, credit risk, governance and controls. My work has always centred on making sure organisations operate to the maximum efficiency while delivering value to the business, I hope to bring that same mindset to supporting the school’s budgeting, planning and long-term financial decisions.
Becoming an LGB Member felt like a natural extension of my values. My family and I feel closely connected to the school, and I strongly believe that a well-run, well-resourced school can make an enormous difference in a child’s life. I’m looking forward to working with the leadership team and fellow governors to help ensure that the school’s finances continue to support the very best opportunities for every pupil.
Outside of work, I’ve become slightly addicted to playing padel, which has turned into a regular obsession. I also help support my wife’s Indian Catering business. When I’m not doing either of those things, most of my time is spent with my daughter, which continually reminds me just how important a positive and inspiring school experience truly is.
I am the current Headteacher of Dr Radcliffe's School, having started in September 2023. It is a pleasure to work at a school which has so many opportunities for children and I have very much enjoyed my time here. This is my third headship and I worked previously in Milton Keynes schools for most of the previous 20 years.
From the Governing Body, a very warm welcome to our school website and the LGB page on which we will explain who we are and what we do.
As a Church Of England School we value and respect our children as individuals and endeavour to create an environment which supports them to be healthy and happy, make a positive contribution to the life of the school and community and to be the very best they can be.
Our Governing Body consists of 12 people and the Clerk made up as follows:
As a team of volunteers, our role is to work in close partnership in supporting the headteacher and the staff to promote school improvement in ensuring that all of our pupils receive a high standard of teaching and learning and reach or exceed their potential in an environment which is safe and happy. We strive to offer a wealth of opportunities and positive experiences for all of our children.
Our main responsibility is for the raising of standards through three key roles:
Our main duties are:
The full Governing Body and the committees each meet six times a year. All members sit on at least one committee. The Chair of the LGB epresents the school as a Trustee on the Samuel Radcliffe Trust, which meets twice a year.
The main committees are - Admissions, Curriculum, Finance and Personnel and Vision and Values. We also have other statutory committees which meet as and when required and working groups for specific projects.
We hope that this has given you an insight into the workings of the Local Governing Body, however if you wish to learn more or to give us any feedback please do not hesitate to contact our Chair of the LGB, Lisa Boote, via the school office. We welcome your comments.
As part of the ODST MAT, our Local Governing Body is part of the MAT structure of Governance. For more information on this aspect of ODST, including the structure and remit of the members, the board of trustees and its committees and the Trust's scheme of delegation, please see Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust - About Us (odst.org.uk)
Once approved and signed by the LGB Members, copies of Minutes of the LGB Meetings will be retained by the Headteacher and are available for inspection.