Meet our Governors
Name: Ann Purcell
Role: Chair of Governors, Parent Governor
Committees: Resources (Chair)
Areas of special interest:
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Spiritual Moral Social and Cultural (SMSC)
Term of office: 2015 to 2019
Biography:
I have been a Frithwood parent since January 2012 when my eldest son joined the nursery. I now have 3 children across the school in KS1, KS2 and Nursery. I feel very local, having lived in Northwood since 2011 and locally my whole life.
I was a pupil at Harlyn Primary School, and then at Haydon. I work in the Houses of Parliament as Head of Conferences and Projects for CPA UK. It's a fascinating role delivering international development and good governance outreach projects on behalf of Parliament.
I was delighted to be elected to the Governing Body in 2015 as I saw it as an opportunity to use my strengths in financial management, strategic planning and project development to support our school. I find school governance interesting, challenging and really rewarding and I very much enjoy being part of this skilled and committed body of people.
Name: Rebecca Garton
Role: Vice-Chair of Governors, Parent Governor
Committees: Teaching, Learning and Achievement (Chair)
Areas of special interest:
Pupil Premium pupils
Term of office: 2015 to 2019 (second term)
Biography:
I am a wife and the Mum of three children at the school. I have lived in Northwood for 34 years and have even attended some of the local schools myself.
As well as being a busy Mum, I also work as a teacher at another school in Hillingdon. I find that my real experience as a practitioner gives me an in-depth understanding of the education system and allows me to really add value in my role as a Governor.
Over the past few years I have been involved in many aspects of Governance, including the process of appointing the current Head Teachers and also in the completion of a successful OFSTED inspection.
My aim as a Governor at Frithwood is to contribute to the vision, ethos and direction of the school, to hold the Headteachers to account with regard to the educational performance of the school and to ensure the schools finances are effectively managed.
In return, I get to be part of a really wonderful school, with happy well behaved children who learn in a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment.
Name: Harris Waseem 
Role: Parent Governor
Committees: Resources
Families, Children & Community
Areas of special interest:
Term of office: 2018 to 2022
Biography: To follow...
Role: Parent Governor
Committees: Teaching, Learning & Achievement
Families, Children & Community
Areas of special interest: PE and Sports
Term of office: 2016 to 2020
Biography:
My family started its journey at Frithwood back in 2009 when our eldest son started in the nursery. Since then, our four children have passed through every stage of the school from nursery to year 6. Step by step we are watching them grow and develop in a happy and challenging learning environment Thanks to the passion and dedication of all the teachers, staff and volunteers associated with the school.
Careers in professional sport and television production have provided me with a range of creative and diverse skills to bring to the governing body and I see this is as my opportunity to help shape the future of Frithwood and deliver many more years of excellence.
Name: Katherine Cooper
Role: Co-opted Governor
Committees: Teaching, Learning & Achievement
Families, Children & Community
Areas of special interest: Safeguarding
Term of office: 2017 to 2021
Biography:
I studied Primary Education at Canterbury Christ Church University College, from where I graduated in 2000. I have worked in a variety of maintained and private schools. I have worked in various London boroughs as well as in Hertfordshire.
I wanted to be a Governor as it’s nice to see how a school works from a different side. I believe children learn best from first-hand practical experiences, and it is vital that all children are offered a carefully-planned range of experiences and opportunities, starting with what they already know and are interested in. Play is central to every child’s learning, providing opportunities for them to discover, develop their imagination, communicate with others and extend their language and thinking. Whatever the weather, the children should be outside. There is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing.
In my spare time I enjoy keeping fit and shopping!
Name: Monica Clifford
Role: Co-opted Governor
Committees: Family, Children & Community (Chair)
Resources
Areas of special interest: Pupil Progress and Achievement; Performance Management; Literacy
Term of office: 2017 to 2021
Biography:
I have recently moved into the area, having lived in Stanmore for many years, although l know Northwood well as my family live here. I am a happily retired secondary school teacher, having taught in a nearby borough throughout my career.
As a result, I have considerable and varied experience of curriculum, pastoral and management areas of school life. I have also been an active School Governor in two secondary schools since l retired.
I am fortunate in that l can say l loved my job until the day l retired. Being a School Governor gives me the opportunity to remain in contact with a ‘world’ l know well and to offer my knowledge and experience in supporting a new school.
As a Primary school, Frithwood will be a different and challenging environment for me - l am getting used to much ‘smaller people’!! for example, and l look forward to working with such an enthusiastic and committed staff and Governors.
I enjoy travelling, the theatre, cooking, exercise and Bridge.
Name: Aiysha Malik
Role: Co-opted Governor
Committees: Resources
Teaching, Learning & Achievement
Areas of special interest: Human Resources; Equality and Diversity
Term of office: 2018 to 2022
Biography:
I have held a variety of professional roles throughout my career and have spent over 15 years working in large, global Investment Banks. Most recently I was responsible for managing Employee Relations for 12,000 employees across the UK (focusing on grievance, disciplinary and harassment issues, regulatory investigations etc) where there was never a dull moment! Prior to that I was a Diversity Specialist, advising on diversity strategies and effective leadership. I have also worked in the Not for Profit sector and am an accredited Mediator. I have represented the UK on two Foreign and Commonwealth Office delegations and have served as an Independent Lay Member on Police Misconduct Panels for the Metropolitan Police. One of my most memorable and life changing experience was a year spent working with street children in India, under the auspices of Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO).
I am delighted to have become a Governor at Frithwood School. I moved to the Northwood area some years ago, so this is an exciting opportunity to connect with and contribute to my local school and community. Learning about our dynamic school, working with such dedicated governors, staff, parents and children is a privilege and I look forward to helping build upon the School’s success. None of my experiences would have been possible without my educational foundation and some excellent teachers I met along the way. I hope that our pupils’ experiences at Frithwood will set the foundation for a life-time of learning and contribution to their communities - wherever life takes them.
Name: Michael Chirnside
Role: Co-opted Governor
Committees: Resources
Families, Children & Community
Areas of special interest: Science
Term of office: 2017 to 2021
Biography: To follow...
Name: Vacancy
Role: Local Authority Governor
Committees:
Areas of special interest:
Term of office:
Biography:
Name: Denise Page
Role: Staff Governor
Committees: Teaching, Learning and Achievement
Areas of special interest: Extended schools
Term of office: 2018 to 2022
Biography:
I have lived locally for over 20 years. My son started Frithwood Nursery in Sept 2000 shortly followed by my daughter in 2002. They continued their education through the school to year 6 and both have fond memories of their school experiences.
I joined Frithwood as a member of staff in 2004 and am now the Extended School’s Manager. I am also a Higher Level Teaching Assistant whereby I teach across the school and I work in the school office doing a range of different admin roles. I enjoy working with the children in Frithwood and I am lucky to have such a varied role within the school.
I am excited to take on the role as staff governor as it will broaden my knowledge of the ‘behind the scenes’ running of the school.
Name: Frances Saunders
Role: Head Teacher
Committees: Curriculum
Finance
Communications
Personnel
Premises
Areas of special interest: All
Term of office: Ongoing
Biography:
As one of Frithwood’s Co-Headteachers I have a vital role in planning and delivering on the strategic direction of the school.
I have been a teacher for the last 23 years with experience teaching across the primary age phase from Reception to Year 6. I have been at Frithwood since 2002 firstly as class teacher and Key Stage One Leader and then nine years as the Inclusion Manager and Assistant Headteacher. I have been on the Governing Board of each school I have worked in and I have always enjoyed getting involved in strategic work.
I love working with children and they are at the heart of everything I do in my job; I can’t imagine what my career would be if it wasn’t in primary education. Being one of Frithwood’s Headteachers brings me enormous pleasure and challenge and I am proud to serve on its Governing Board.
When I’m not at school I like spending time with my family and friends; travelling, cycling, skiing and gardening!
Name: Dean Morse
Role: Head Teacher
Committees: Curriculum
Finance
Communications
Personnel
Premises
Areas of special interest: All
Term of office: Ongoing
Biography:
I am extremely proud to be Co-Headteacher at Frithwood and thoroughly enjoy being responsible for the strategic direction of the school. It is a pleasure to work with our supportive parents, hard working staff and wonderful children.
I have worked in schools for over 20 years and have been a member of school Governing Boards for most of this time. I started teaching at Frithwood in 2000 – I was the Key Stage 2 leader and Deputy Head for the first part of my career here and have been Co-Headteacher for the last 9 years. It has been lovely to see the school change and improve over this time and I look forward to being a part of its continued success.
I am a keen golfer and like watching a wide range of other sports. I enjoy playing the guitar and am currently teaching myself to play the piano.