Meet the Governors

Anita Findon - Chair - Foundation Governor

Education has been a thread which has run through my working life.  I was a primary school teacher for 20 years, and was a senior leader.  Currently, I am a leadership coach and many of the people I work with are school leaders.  I lived in Copthorne for some years and was married at St John’s.  It is a pleasure to apply my teaching and coaching experience to school governance in the community.  

Stuart Ansell - Local Autority Govenor

I have lived in Copthorne for 4 years now and I am looking forward to supporting the School. I have spent the vast majority of my career in education. I am a qualified accountant having trained with one of the "big four" accounting firms, subsequently I moved in to teaching accountancy to young professionals starting their careers and then gradually transitioned from teaching into educational management. After director level roles in a global private and higher education provider I moved, seven years ago, to my current position as Chief Operating Officer at an international boarding school. 

I am excited to make whatever contribution I can to the continuing success of Copthorne Juniors.

Sarah Davies - Co-opted Govenor

I moved to Copthorne three years ago and recently I decided it was time to get involved in the local community.  I am a qualified teacher and have worked in a Surrey primary school for 15 years, with a special interest in supporting children with additional needs.  I am a member of my own school's leadership team and the SENDCo.  Both my girls go to the school I work at but they are involved in the local Rainbow and Brownie units locally.

Grace Garrard - Staff Governor

Having an extensive background in educations, I have always had a strong commitment to shape the future direction for education.  Since earning my postgraduate degree and primary specialist teaching degree from The University of Durham, I have accumulated 20 years of expertise in a variety of leadership positions and responsibilities.  One of my greatest strengths as a member of the governing team is my proven ability to improve pupil progress and achievement across all age groups.

I have a keen interest to ensure that all learners needs are met.  I am a qualified Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator and I also have a Master's Research Degree in Science: Child and Adolescent Psychology.  These specialisms in education provide invaluable expertise, to ensure that pupils' academic and social needs are being met, whilst having a positive impact on health and wellbeing in our school community.

Since arriving at Copthorne Church of England Junior School, I have been an integral part of the education and standards improvement.  As Staff Governor, I have the drive to ensure that the quality and provision of education meets our high-quality expectations, so that all pupils have opportunities to 'flourish' and 'let their light shine' in our school.  I am proud to be a part of the governing board and serve the interest of the community at Copthorne CofE Junior School.

Kirsty Gifford - Parent Governor

As a parent, with children recently settled into the local schools, I wanted to give back to the welcoming community. Being involved in the school’s drive to achieve success for local children has been a great experience so far, and I hope to contribute to their success.

Throughout my entire career to date, I have worked in healthcare settings, and there are many similarities between the stresses faced in healthcare and those in education. In my professional role, I audit processes, documents, manage budgets, and develop service improvements; I hope to transfer these skills as a parent governor at Copthorne Junior School.

Aelwen Lavictoire - Parent Governor

As a parent and primary school teacher living in the village, I am proud to be able to play a part in the governance of Copthorne Junior School and to chair the Quality and Standards committee.  Having sent my two sons to the school and with my daughter currently attending, I fully understand the importance of ensuring that our local village school offers the best learning experiences and opportunity for every child to be challenged to fulfil their full potential. As a governor, I am involved in monitoring the impact of school improvements and supporting the school in recognising it strengths and areas of developments as it continues to grow and evolve.

I have worked as a volunteer at Copthorne Junior School for many years now. In the past, I have been involved with the PTA, helped at Forest School and on school visits, and supported activities in school including reading, clubs and booster groups.  Throughout this time, I have been able to immerse myself in school life and to develop a strong knowledge of the whole school community.  I am also actively involved in Scouting in the village and with the International café run at St John’s Church.

I am passionate about ensuring that our village school is the very best it can be for every child that attends, and as a governor will continue to challenge and work with the school to ensure that this happens and that every child is encouraged to let their light shine.

Wim Mauritz - Ex Officio Foundation Governor

I am originally from Holland but have been in living in the UK since 2002. I have the privilege of being the vicar of St John's Church Copthorne and I am excited about the vision that the church has for the wider Copthorne community in discovering how to grow in love for God and each other. Before I became a priest in the Church of England I worked as a manager in various disaster relief and development programmes in countries overseas. I am passionate about the unique role that Copthorne CE Junior School has in continuing God's mission to bring good news and healthy education to all. When I am not at work I love spending time with my family, like to cycle, enjoy a good film, a fitness work-out, baking, gardening and when times allows me, some stained-glass window making.

Cheryl Shirley - Co-Opted Governor

I'm delighted to be joining the governing body at Copthorne Juniors. As a resident of the village for the past three years, I'm eager to become more involved in our community and support the school in providing the best possible education for the children.

With 14 years of experience in education and leadership, I'm passionate about creating nurturing learning environments where every child can thrive. I currently lead on Digital Strategy at a primary multi-academy trust in Surrey, and I believe that education plays a vital role in preparing children for the future. I'm particularly passionate about driving inclusion and developing 21st-century skills so that the children can navigate their way through the challenges and opportunities that the future holds for them. I look forward to working with the children, staff, parents and the wider community.

Frances Strickley -  Co-Opted Governor

I have lived in Copthorne for 15 years and both my children have been to Fairway Infant School and then attended Copthorne Junior School.  When my eldest started at Fairway I became a Governor there, going on to become Chair during the time that the school was rated good in its Ofsted inspection. 

My background is in law, having qualified and worked as a solicitor specialising in employment law for 15 years.  I now work full time heading a global governance function within the investigation team of an international bank.

Jennifer Wharton - Foundation Governor

As a Foundation Governor, I look forward to working in this remarkable school.  Both my children attended Fairway Infants School and Copthorne C of E Junior School and I myself have lived in Copthorne for 43 years.

At St John's Church, I run a twice weekly Abstract Art Group, Coffee Bar and volunteer in many other groups, underpinned in Prayer.  The Groups I run are open to everyone, including asylum seekers and people who are not necessarily church goers, although everyone is welcome!

My work background is an analytical one:  I set up a Quick Access Replay Station for Air Europe, liaising with the software company and visiting British Airways, who had previously analysed all our aircraft.  At Edwards High Vacuum, HR Department, I was responsible for Succession Planning; profiling Graduates before

 their interviews and looking after all our apprentices.  Finally, I worked at the United Bible Societies Regional Centre Europe & Middle East,  Production Department.

Melissa Ash - Associate Member

I started my working life in the area of finance before my passion for children's education led me to gain my Post Graduate Certificate of Education for Oxford Brookes University. I have been a teacher for over 25 years and have taught in every primary year group.

I joined Copthorne CE Junior School in September 2019  in the role of Deputy Headteacher and SenCo. My previous school experiences have largely been in East Sussex, where I have had a range of leadership roles. I am proud to serve the community that make Copthorne CE Junior School a special place to be.