Governors
HIGH WYCOMBE CHURCH OF ENGLAND SCHOOL - SCHOOL GOVERNORS
(2023 – 2024)
Holly Robertshaw
Chair of Governors, Safeguarding Governor and Chair of Curriculum
Pecuniary Interests N/A
Type of Governor Diocesan
Date of Appointment 31 January 2017
Relationship to School Parent
I have been a Diocesan Governor at HWCE since 2017 and it is now a privilege to be serving as Chair of Governors. I sit on most committees as Chair of Governors but I really enjoy my safeguarding role. Both my children have enjoyed their time at HWCE. As well as being a Governor I also work at St Andrews, one of the local Churches, overseeing their pastoral ministry and running a counselling agency. In my spare time, I enjoy socialising with friends and going for the occasional run!
Sophie Whitcombe
Vice-Chair of Governors, Chair of Admissions and Chair of Personnel
Pecuniary Interests N/A
Type of Governor Foundation Governor (PCC)
Date of Appointment 17 July 2018
Relationship to School Parent
I have been a Foundation Governor at HWCE since 2018 and I am Vice-Chair of Governors and Chair of the Admissions Committee and the Personnel Committee. My two children both attend the School and I am an active member of the Friends of HWCE.
I am a lawyer by training and currently work for a London-based law firm advising investment funds and managers on corporate and regulatory matters. I am a keen musician and play the viola whenever I get the opportunity. I am a strong supporter of music education in schools (at all levels) and am hugely appreciative of the value HWCE places on music and singing as part of the daily life of the School.
My weekends are spent assisting at Chiltern Music Academy, playing the viola, baking, going for walks in the beautiful countryside that surrounds High Wycombe and spending time with my family.
Scott Moffat
Chair of Premises
Pecuniary Interests Yes, relative employed by electrical contractor
Type of Governor Foundation Governor
Date of Appointment 1 April 2006
Relationship to the School Ex-Parent
I have been a Foundation Governor at the HWCE since 2006 and I am currently the Chair of Premises, Health and Safety and the Maths Governor. My two children both attended HWCE, but left some time ago, they are now 20 and 24.
Being a full-time working father, I found the role of being a Governor a workable way of being involved with the children’s schooling, as well as providing the opportunity to give something back and support the school.
When I’m not running Dad’s Taxi or at Cheer with my daughter, I can often be found at school doing odd jobs. In the little spare time available I try and get to the gym as often as possible.
Celine Hawkins
Headteacher
Pecuniary Interests Relative is a decorating contractor and relative on school staff
Type of Governor Staff Governor
Date of Appointment 1 April 2004
Relationship to the School Headteacher
I have been Headteacher of HWCE for 19 years and throughout the time, the school has transformed into a fantastic learning environment that I am very proud to work in. I am continuously impressed with the dedication, that all my staff and governors have towards making the school an engaging environment for learning, as well as a welcoming and enjoyable place to work.
During my time outside of the school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and three daughters. I have always been sporty, so I thoroughly enjoy being part of a netball team and when time allows like to go on long walks and/or runs As a result of this, I think it may be safe to say that Sports Week is one of my favourite weeks of the school year and I always look forward to it when it comes around in the summer term.
Andy Clarke
Chair of Finance
Pecuniary Interests N/A
Type of Governor Foundation Governor (PCC)
Date of Appointment 17 October 2019
Relationship to the School Parent
I am Parent Governor, the Chair of the Finance Committee and have two sons at the School. I work at a UK-based engineering company where I am building an Integrated Transport business which includes developing solutions to enable hydrogen aviation, developing new infrastructure and maintaining existing infrastructure. Over the next 5 years, I see large growth in delivering decarbonised and digital infrastructure and I am passionate that UK companies are leading the way in a global race to provide the next generation with exciting careers.
On Saturday mornings you will normally find me running around the Rye as I undertake Parkrun which I find an excellent way to keep fit. The rest of the weekend I spend with the family, whether going to walks in the woods, playing in the garden, watching the rugby or dancing the night away.
Kirsteen McPhee
Pecuniary Interests N/A
Type of Governor Local Authority
Date of Appointment 1 March 2019
Relationship to School Parent
I have been a Parent Governor at HWCE since 2018, and sit on the Personnel and Finance committees. My two children both attend the school, and I am also Vice-Chair of the Friends of HWCE.
I currently work in the public service and before this I worked in facilities management at various locations across London. Most of my spare time is spent running my children around. The rest of the time we enjoy going for walks, exploring the wonderful countryside local to us and spending time with family and friends.
Ant Dixon
Pecuniary Interests N/A
Type of Governor Ex-Officio
Date of Appointment 1 November 2022
Relationship to School Associate Minister
I have been the ex-officio governor at HWCE since 2022 and am the Associate Minister at St Andrews Church, High Wycombe. I am the RE governor and sit on the staff dismissal, curriculum, admissions and premises committees. At St Andrews Church my main responsibilities are small groups, Sunday teams, weddings and funerals, 20s-30s and prayer. Prior to my ordination I read Politics with International Relations at the University of York and Theology at Cambridge University. I also have a previous career in fundraising, first as the Development Officer for Coventry Cathedral and then as a Fundraising Consultant for Fusion UK. I moved to High Wycombe in 2021 after serving my curacy in Nottingham. In my free time I enjoy home brewing, running, board games and a good book as well as walking in the Chilterns with my wife and two daughters.
Vanessa Mason
Pecuniary Interests N/A
Type of Governor Parent
Date of Appointment 1 November 2022
Relationship to School Parent
Having worked in education on and off for the past twenty years, I am keen to put my experience to good use as part of HWCE’s governing body. I am passionate about making sure all children have equal opportunities to access their education and consequently I am the SEN-lead in my current school and Designated Safeguarding Lead, and I am the appointed SEN Governor at HWCE. Most of my free time is spent with my family, exploring the countryside with our dog. We do sometimes leave our wellies behind and enjoy exploring further afield.
Katie Johns
Pecuniary Interests N/A
Type of Governor Staff Governor
Date of Appointment 1 September 2023
I have joined High Wycombe C of E School this year (2023) as an Assistant Headteacher, after relocating to Henley On Thames from London. I have been warmly welcomed into HWCE by children, staff and parents and have enjoyed learning about everything that makes this school so special. I enjoyed the Harvest Festival and am excited to experience and be part of other school celebrations and events. I am pleased to be the Staff Governor and am looking forward to bringing a staff perspective to discussions and decisions. When I’m not working, I love exploring the countryside and enjoying a slower life outside of London, cooking and baking (or watching programmes about cooking and baking!) and booking trips away around the UK or abroad.