Governors

All schools are required to have a governing board and at Shaftesbury Park Primary School the board plays an important role in setting the school’s direction and monitoring performance. The governing board has three core responsibilities:

Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the performance management of staff.
Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent.

There are 5 types of governor at Shaftesbury Park: the headteacher is an automatic a member of the board, one staff governor is elected by the school’s staff, two governors are elected by parents, one governor is appointed by the local authority on the advice of the board and the remaining board members are appointed, or co-opted, by the board. All board members are equal, and are required to act in the interests of the whole school rather than representing any specific group. You can view details of terms of office and attendance.

Contacting the governors

Governors are always happy to hear from parents and other members of the school community. You can contact them through the school office, or by emailing the chair of governors at james.cousins@shaftesburypark.wandsworth.sch.uk

Who are Shaftesbury Park’s governors

Shaftesbury Park’s board is an active part of the school community, and includes members from school staff, parents, and co-opted governors appointed for the skills they bring to support the school’s success. You can find details of individual governors below:

Rebecca Caldecott (parent governor)

I have three children at Shaftesbury Park (currently in Years 6, 4 and 2) and they all started in reception. They are all in the bilingual stream, doing well academically, made great friends and are looked out for and supported when it has been needed.

I am not working at present but have a varied career over the last few years. For 15 years I helped run and educational trust that delivers international study courses across the UK and the world for professionals in the heritage sector. This helped me understand how education and administration needs to work effectively alongside each other.

Having experienced Shaftesbury Park as a parent I’m really enjoying seeing how it all operates behind the scenes. It works very hard to bring out the best in all the children with encouragement, sensitivity and pride in their achievements. We are lucky to have a school like this in our neighbourhood.

James Cousins (co-opted, chair of governors)

I have been a governor at the school for many years, first as local authority appointee and, more recently, as a co-opted member. and now have the immense privilege of being chair of governors.

Professionally my career started in the City, before moving into the local government and health sectors and then, more recently, consultancy work.

Within the school I’ve has taken a particular interest in the development of its unique curriculum offer and how — now it’s fully embedded — we can continue to develop both children and staff and fulfil the school’s mission of helping our children change their world.

Prof. Stephanie Donald (co-opted governor)

Rachel Fleming (co-opted governor)

I became a governor at Shaftesbury Park in 2024 after looking for a way to be able to give some of my time to the local community. I was drawn in immediately by the ethos of the school. I believe that schools have the opportunity to do far more than just educate their pupils. Shaftesbury Park is an excellent example of a school that raises its children to be respectful of, and responsible for themselves, one another and their community.

I started my career as a modern languages teacher, before requalifying as a social worker. I have experience working for a London local authority, as well as within the NHS. I hope that the skills I have learnt through these roles will support the continued success of the school and its pupils.

Maya Haria (co-opted governor)

Ro Hulston (co-opted governor)

Philippe Mior (local authority)

Born in Belgium, I moved to the UK mid 2016.

I have worked in Banking and now Software consulting for the last 25 years where I gained a great experience in managing projects and budgeting. I strongly believe that education is one of the most important marker of success for a child’s life.

Jonathan Mogford (co-opted governor)

I joined the board of governors in 2025. I have lived here in the Shaftesbury Park Estate for thirty years and am delighted to have the opportunity to offer something back to my local community, especially supporting the growth and development of new generations for their futures. Having studied French at university, and having lived abroad, I am highly committed to the school’s dual bilingual and enterprise focuses.

Professionally, I have been a senior civil servant for many years mostly working on health, life sciences and regulatory policies in both national and international contexts. I’ve also non-executive experience with Citizens Advice (both in London and nationally) and with Age UK.

Celine Monteiro (parent governor)

Pat Taylor (co-opted)

I have been invested in the growth of Shaftesbury Park for around 15 years. First as a Specialist Teacher from the local authority Support Service. Secondly as a parent whose son flourished and achieved in Shaftesbury’s safe and secure environment. And, finally, for the last 10 years, as a governor. As a Specialist (Dyslexia) Teacher I am committed to giving children not only the academic skills, but also the understanding and tools to navigate the emotional aspects of school when you learn differently. The diverse, bilingual and enterprise environment being created at Shaftesbury Park for our children to grow in, is a vision that has my full support.

Moya Wilkie (co-opted)

I have been a Governor since 2016: first elected as a Parent Governor when my child was in Year 1, and then co-opted after my initial term ended. I am a passionate believer in the importance of quality state education for every child, and as a local resident since 2005 I was pleased to have the opportunity to support Shaftesbury Park. Living in an English-speaking household, I was incredibly excited at the opportunities offered by the bilingual stream, and delighted to chair the Curriculum and Achievement Committee for 2 years.

I currently work in the charity sector but have a background in Higher Education administration and management, and have been able to bring skills in policy development, finance, and HR to the role of Governor. I am responsible for Safeguarding; working with our experienced staff team to keep Shaftesbury Park pupils safe and secure, and hence better able to make the most of their learning opportunities. I have been especially pleased to support the school’s Equalities work, creating an environment that is welcoming, respectful and supportive for all members of the school community.