Governance (ID 1249)

• Kelly Maxwell
  Chair of Governors
  Kelly Maxwell

• Sally Saunders
  Community Governor
  Sally Saunders

  Sally Saunders began her professional journey at Midland Bank, now known as HSBC, where she specialized in foreign currency and mortgages. After retraining as a teacher while raising her family, Sally embarked on her teaching career in Greenwich, later working in Bexley and Lewisham.

  As a Maths specialist, she focused on ensuring a smooth transition between KS2 and KS3, bridging the gap between primary and senior schools. Sally's dedication to education led her to become the headteacher of an inner London school, where she also served as an associate for PiXL (Partners In Excellence) for many years.

  Throughout her career, Sally worked closely with children with EAL and disadvantaged families, driven by her belief that every child deserves a good education. She is passionate about providing extracurricular opportunities and educational visits, ensuring all pupils have access to a wide range of experiences. Sally's commitment to community involvement and holistic child development has left a lasting impact on the schools and students she has worked with.

• Michael Clarkson
  Staff Governor
  Michael Clarkson

  Michael Clarkson has served for many years as a Governor in the borough of Bexley. His journey began as a Local Authority Governor at Belmont Primary School, followed by a role as a Parent Governor at his children's school, Lessness Heath Primary. This experience inspired him to change careers from a Youth Worker/In-Schools Mentor to a Teaching Assistant at Bexley's first free school, Hope Community School. Over eight years there, he advanced to the position of Higher Level Teaching Assistant.

  Currently, Michael works as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant at Barrington Primary School and also serves as the school's Staff Governor on the Barrington Academy Council.

• Jennie Trevillion
  Parent Governor
  Jennie Trevillion

• Gift Akinola
  Community Governor
  Gift Akinola

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  Gift Akinola is a dedicated legal professional with a strong track record in investigations, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. With extensive experience in regulatory environments, Gift brings a proactive, solutions-focused mindset to the role of School Governor. Known for strategic thinking, sound judgment, and clear communication, Gift excels in providing effective oversight and fostering transparency.

  Throughout a successful career, Gift has led complex caseloads, supported the development of junior colleagues, and championed compliance with integrity and diligence. Driven by a genuine passion for education, Gift is committed to creating a positive, inclusive governance culture that prioritizes student wellbeing, empowers staff, and builds meaningful connections with the wider community.

• Natalie Merrett
  Community Governor
  Natalie Merrett

  Natalie Merrett is a committed leader and advocate for mental health and education, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as a Local Community Governor at Barrington Primary School.

  Currently serving as Head of Knowledge Dissemination in Schools at a national mental health charity, Natalie is an experienced strategic leader with over 13 years in the non-profit sector. She leads large-scale programmes supporting mental health and wellbeing in education, including Government-funded projects and anti-racism strategies, and collaborates meaningfully with young people, parents, carers, and educators.

  Natalie is passionate about ensuring all children and young people feel included, respected, and able to thrive and reach their full potential. She believes all schools should be ‘mentally healthy' and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive school environment that prioritises both academic attainment and the wellbeing of students and staff.

  In her role as School Governor, Natalie is committed to working collaboratively with fellow governors, staff, and the wider community to ensure Barrington Primary School continues to provide excellent education and prioritises the holistic development of its students.
  Living locally to Barrington Primary School, Natalie has a keen interest in community-centred approaches. She is also a yoga enthusiast who enjoys cooking and eating Japanese food.