Our Governors
Mr Bourne – Chair of Governors
Richard Bourne has worked in project/programme management in a number of industries for most of his career. He has a Bachelor of Honours in Engineering Management and also a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). Richard started as a Parent Governor when his first son was at Mortimer St. John’s and has been involved in various committees throughout his time. He has been Chair of Governors for a number of years and enjoys working with the other governors and the staff. Outside of work Richard is a keen sailor and enjoys spending time with his family on the water.
Mr Hassey – Vice Chair of Governors and Foundation Governor
Craig Hassey was originally a Parent Governor at Mortimer St. Mary’s and chaired the Mortimer Federation committee that explored forming the new federation of both schools. He has worked as a commercial manager in a number of large technology companies, most recently VMware, and sees being a governor as an opportunity to give back to the wider community we all live in. His family has lived in the village since 2006 and he has two sons, one at Mortimer St. Mary’s and one at Mortimer St. John’s. Craig has a BSc degree in physics and as a mature student completed the Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course as a career change.
Mrs Macdonald – Local Authority Governor
Carol Macdonald started her time on the Governing Board as a Parent Governor and is now the Local Authority Governor. She also sits on the Personnel and Pay Committee. Carol’s support of both St John’s and St Mary’s is due to having a passion for the provision of quality teaching for girls and boys in a safe and fun environment, which she believes is ably provided by the teachers and staff at the schools. She sees her role as that of supporting both schools through her background in commerce and operations management.
Mrs Sumner – Executive Headteacher
Nicola Sumner worked in academic research for the University of Manchester before pursuing a career in education. She has held several teaching and leadership roles during her career. Nicola has energy, passion and ambition to ensure that The Mortimer Federation of St. John’s and St. Mary’s can be the best it can be. Nicola has been involved in school to school support, successfully improving outcomes for children. Nicola has previously taken on the additional responsibility of being a School Improvement Advisor for primary schools in West Berkshire. Nicola has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Post Graduate Degree in Education.
Mr Onur – Co-opted Governor
Hakan Onur holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Computer Science and has been in the IT industry for over 20 years. Currently he works for Microsoft, heads up a team of over 10 Technical Cloud Architects and is focused on training and readiness of around 50 people. Hakan has great ambitions for education and is very excited to be on the Governing Board. Outside of work, he enjoys gardening, DIY and developing home automation projects.
Mr Bull – Foundation Governor
John Bull has lived in, or around, Mortimer for over 50 years, managing Dads Shop for many years. As a long standing governor he has served on the Buildings and Grounds Committee and latterly on the Finance Committee. John is the Stratfield Mortimer Parish Council representative for the school and is involved with several village organisations.
Mrs Hillier – Foundation Governor
Shaonee Hillier holds a Master of Science Degree in Statistics and followed a career as a research statistician in the Pharmaceutical industry, before deciding to raise two children. She believes that every child should be entitled to the best quality education possible and, to achieve this, parents need to play an active role in helping it happen. As a governor, she hopes to provide a parental perspective for the Governing Board and equally receive a comprehensive view of the issues and difficulties the Governing Board face.
Miss Theaker – Foundation Governor
Sarah Theaker feels privileged to be a Foundation Governor and to serve the learning community of The Mortimer Federation of St. John’s and St. Mary’s. Her experience as a class teacher and headteacher in the state sector informs her knowledge of assessment, curriculum, target-setting, safeguarding, collective worship, behaviour management and school improvement planning. Sarah considers that it is important to celebrate the achievements of all learners and to nurture confidence, creativity, courage and compassion. As a Mortimer resident, Sarah worships at St John’s Church and serves on the Parochial Church Council. She enjoys travel, reading, cooking and singing.
Mrs Rook – Head of School (Mortimer St. John’s)
Gemma Rook has developed her teaching career at Mortimer St. John’s for over fifteen years, starting off as a Newly Qualified Teacher. Gemma’s passion for the arts is reflected in the external rewards the school has achieved in this area. Gemma is the lead for Special Educational Needs and has developed a wealth of knowledge in this area. Gemma has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with Art and a Post Graduate Degree in Education.
Mrs Strang – Foundation Governors
Mel Strang is married to a local farmer and has lived in the village for over 35 years. She established the Mortimer Dental Surgery in 1987 but has now retired from Clinical Dentistry and is keen to focus her energy into the local schools, whose many children she had the pleasure to treat over the years.
Mrs Thomas – Foundation Governor
Joanne Thomas has been a software developer for over 20 years, mainly in financial services. She has spent a lot of time at small software houses where it is necessary to wear many hats: project management, business analysis, testing, documentation and dealing with customers and suppliers. Now self-employed part-time from home, she would like to dedicate some time towards ensuring a useful and happy education for local children. Joanne has a First-Class Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and a Masters in Manufacturing Management.
Mrs Tushingham – Parent Governor
Suzanne started as a Parent Governor at St Marys in October 2017 and was an active member of the Committee exploring the Federation. She sits on the Pay and Personnel Committee and also has the link roles of both SENCO and Governor Development. Suzanne has an BSc in Managerial and Administrative Studies and a post-graduate diploma in HR. She has worked for Mars Inc for over 19 years in a variety of HR roles across different business segments. She passionately believes that every child deserves a good education and she enjoys the governor role as a way to make a meaningful difference. In her leisure time Suzanne enjoys running and spending time with family and friends.
Miss Pearson – Head of School (MSM) and Staff Governor
Jeni is an experienced teacher and school leader and has taught in number of different school settings, including rural and village schools, and she also taught in Enfield, London, for a number of years. Over the years she has taught a variety of age ranges and led on a number of different subjects, including maths, English and ICT. Jeni enjoys working with people from all areas of the school community to provide the best possible education and experiences for the pupils and is passionate for the Mortimer Schools to be the best they can be. She has a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in English Literature and a Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Education with English Specialism from the University of Exeter.
Mr Batchelar – Foundation Governors
Geoff Batchelar holds a BA degree in Business Studies. Most of his career was with Mars Inc, working in manufacturing, marketing and sales; his final role was as European Sales Director. Subsequently he undertook NED roles and was CEO of Claritas International – a company that specialised in strategy development and leadership mentoring. Outside of work he loves challenging walks and watching rugby and ballet. Previously, he served on the Governing Board of Daneshill School in Stratfield Turgis. His passion for education comes from being inspired by one teacher, an experience that clearly demonstrated the importance and power of outstanding teachers.
Mrs Grant – Parent Governor
Victoria Grant has worked in the financial services industry for over 12 years and holds a Master’s in Physics, is a Chartered Accountant, Chartered Tax Adviser and, more recently, completed a second Master’s degree in Applied Taxation. As part of her role, she manages large advisory projects, is involved in a number of committees and is a champion for ethical practices. Victoria has two daughters, is passionate about the importance of education and feels very lucky to have the chance to contribute to the community in a positive way.
Father Derek Spears – Foundation Governor
Derek Spears is a retired Anglican priest living in Mortimer. Through his previous post, he has experience of Voluntary Aided schools – he was a foundation governor at St Peter’s School, Earley where he also enjoyed hearing reading for Key Stage One. He is also currently working on a part time D Phil. in Theology at Blackfriars Hall Oxford. He is a keen motorcyclist, and has toured much on the continent; he also enjoys opera, cooking and reading.
Mrs Burt – Clerk to Governors
Helen Burt has lived in the village for over 30 years and took an active role in supporting the school when her eldest daughter attended. Helen has a Bachelor of Science degree from Sheffield University; she carried out her teacher training with the West Berkshire Graduate Teacher Programme. She has taught in Key Stage 2 for 12 years and has held a range of teaching and leadership roles. Having retired from teaching in 2017 Helen wanted to ensure that she maintained a link to schools and took on the role of clerk at the school, as well as volunteering on school trips and providing support as a supply teacher.
Board of Governor documentation
Structure of Governing Body, Terms of Office, Responsibilites and Declared interests – 2020
