Governors (ID 1363)

• Mrs C Bates
  Chair of Governors
  Mrs C Bates

  I am Catherine Bates; I am a retired Primary Head Teacher. I have lived in the local area for thirty years. I am Chair of Governors, and I am fortunate to work alongside a great team of volunteers to provide strategic support and challenge to the Headteacher and the school’s leadership team.

  I am passionate about education and delighted to support the teaching, learning and community for the benefit of all pupils at St Lawrence C of E Primary School. I firmly believe that a positive start to a child’s education is vital because it lays a solid foundation for all further stages of learning. I also know that a well-prepared and smooth transition from Year 6 to Year 7 is of great importance to both the child and the family.

  It is a privilege to serve the school, to support the headteacher and wonderful staffing team, and to see all the pupils flourishing and achieving in a caring and inclusive environment.

• Mr A Wood
  Joint Vice Chair of Governors
  Mr A Wood

  My professional background is in Employment Law and employee relations with 40 years experience in dispute resolution and pension/pay negotiations.

  My wife and I also fostered children for many years before our own children arrived. We now have three grandchildren, one of which is at primary school, one at pre-school and one just born, Jan 2025!

  We live in Chobham and love to be involved in the Village Community Events.

• Mr J Butler
  Joint Vice Chair of Governors
  Mr J Butler

  I am a Chartered Surveyor and property professional with over 20 years’ experience in asset management, development, and public sector consultancy. Having advised local authorities, NHS trusts, and private clients across the UK, I bring a strategic mindset and a strong focus on governance, compliance, and long-term planning.

  As a school governor, I am passionate about contributing to the success and wellbeing of our pupils and staff by supporting the leadership team with challenge, insight, and oversight. I firmly believe that a safe, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment is key to every child’s development and life chances. It’s a privilege to serve the school community and to play a small part in helping children thrive.

• Mrs B Albert
  Mrs B Albert

• Mrs D Barr
  Mrs D Barr

  I have lived in Chobham all my life. I live with my husband and children and between my work, children, and husband they keep me on my toes!

  I attended Valley End, and St Lawrence schools in my early years. I was very much a local girl and was Christened in St Saviours Church and confirmed and married in St Lawrence Church.

  My background is in finance. Beginning in NatWest Bank in the late eighties, I worked in various corporate banking and structured and acquisition finance roles throughout the group. I moved on from the banking environment in 2001 to pursue finance, strategy, and corporate development roles with a range of companies in a variety of sectors, both in an advisory capacity, ownership / acquisition, and mergers. I currently have my own Consultancy Company, Secantor Ltd, with my business partner in addition to other Non-Executive Director positions. I have a BSc in Finance and an MBA from Henley Management College.

  Locally I am a committee member and Director of Valley End Cricket Club and a Committee Member of Chobham Agricultural and Horticultural society. I was Cllr for Chobham Parish Council between 2015 to 2019 and am currently Hon. Sec and Committee Member of the Chobham Conservative Association.

  I bring with me a raft of experience to support the St Lawrence Governors.

• Mr C Engleman
  Mr C Engleman

  I am very pleased to be a Governor at St Lawrence C of E Primary School, a fantastic school at the heart of our Chobham community. I have a BSc in Chemistry and a Masters in Business Administration, I also have experience of leading businesses in the UK and overseas. My son and daughter both attended St Lawrence and benefitted from the excellent academic and pastoral care, and I am excited by the opportunity to support the leadership team and governing body. As a family we are quite active in the village, and can usually be found helping out at the rugby club, scouts and of course the carnival.

• Dr G Guy
  Dr G Guy

  I am a Senior University Lecturer in the field of drama and theatre. I have 15 years of experience of teaching in higher education. My research focuses on contemporary performance and visual art. I have published books and articles about performance in art galleries and museums.

  I am experienced in developing and supporting partnerships between educational institutions and cultural organisations. In particular, I have worked with Tate Modern, London, on a number of projects. I am passionate about creativity and arts education, and believe in the value of encounters with drama, dance, music, and art for children. I also have a particular interest in the English curriculum. I live in Chobham and have a daughter at St Lawrence.

• Mrs E Ross
  Mrs E Ross

  I have been a teacher for nearly 30 years and have worked at St Lawrence for the past 12, mainly in Year 6. I am currently teaching in Year 2.

  My family and I live in Chobham and I believe the school is at the heart of village life. I regularly attend village events as both a parent and teacher. My 3 children all attended St Lawrence and have very happy memories of their time here.

• Mrs N Ward
  Mrs N Ward

  I am a mum of two and have been a parent-elected governor at St Lawrence since 2024. My connection to the school began when my eldest child joined in 2022, followed by my youngest in 2023. Professionally, I own and manage three businesses and work part-time as the Director of Marketing for a National Governing Body.

  My career spans marketing, sport, higher education, events, data analytics, and commercial operations, providing me with a strong foundation in strategic leadership and business development.