Governors

The Governing Body

The Governing Body of Wallace Fields Junior School comprises Parent, Staff, Headteacher, Co-opted and Local Authority Governors. Governors serve a four-year term and are appointed or elected according to their category. The Governing Body may also appoint Associate Members to provide specialist expertise when required.

Our governors bring a wide range of professional skills and experience, including education, finance, business, communications and public service. They undertake regular training and skills audits to ensure the Board has the expertise needed to support the school effectively. All governors adhere to a Code of Conduct, including the Nolan Principles of Public Life, and are subject to eligibility and safeguarding checks.

School Governance

The Governing Body provides strategic leadership and accountability for the school. Its three core functions are to:

Set the school's vision, ethos and strategic direction.
Hold school leaders to account for educational performance and staff management.
Oversee financial performance and ensure value for money.

Governors focus on school improvement and educational outcomes, providing strategic oversight rather than day-to-day management. They monitor progress against the school's priorities and support leaders in delivering the best possible education for our pupils.

Wallace Fields Junior School operates a "no committee" governance model, with the Full Governing Body meeting two to three times each term. Statutory panels and committees are convened only where required.

Interested in Becoming a Governor?

Being a school governor is a rewarding way to support the local community and help shape the future of the school.

There are currently vacancies for a finance governor and coopted local governor. If you are interested in joining the Governing Body, please contact Tessa Jones, Clerk to the Governing Body, at TJones@wallacefields-jun.surrey.sch.uk

Who are our Governors

Mr Jonathan Barker

Chair of Governors from September 2025 and Parent Governor appointed 02/05/2023

I am delighted to serve as Chair of Governors at Wallace Fields Junior School. The Governing Board provides strategic oversight, ensuring strong educational and financial performance while representing the views of pupils, staff, parents and the wider community. Having been a governor for over two years and a parent of two children at the school, I have gained valuable insight into school life. My professional background is in HR, operations and the technology sector. I am passionate about supporting school leadership and particularly interested in the opportunities STEM subjects offer young people as they prepare for their futures.

Mr C Kingsley

LA Governor - appointed 11/12/2020, Vice Chair for 2025-2026, Safeguarding Lead Governor

I have over 20 years’ experience in secondary school leadership and am currently Headteacher of a secondary school in South London. In 2017, I established a Multi-Academy Trust with a local primary school and now jointly lead a group of four schools, with a strong focus on inclusion and diversity. I joined Wallace Fields Junior School as a parent governor in 2021 and now serve as the Local Authority Governor. I am proud to support the school’s leadership team and work with fellow governors to help ensure the best outcomes for all pupils.

Mrs D. Maroothynaden

Co-opted Governor, Member of Pay Committee, Finance Lead Governor, appointed 12/07/21

I currently work in the independent education sector, with responsibility for business and finance. Since 2016, I have overseen the strategic leadership of finance, operations and business functions within schools. Previously, I worked for The Prince’s Trust, managing programmes across South West London. I am delighted to support the school in ensuring all pupils are challenged, inspired and able to achieve their full potential through a high-quality curriculum.

Mrs N. Hamblin

Co-opted Governor and Appointed Lead Governor for SEND - appointed 22/05/2019

I became a governor in 2019 as a parent of a Wallace Fields Junior School pupil, keen to make a positive difference for all children. With over 20 years’ experience as a class teacher in schools across Merton, Kingston and Ewell, I bring valuable educational expertise to the role, including a specialism in supporting children with additional needs. I enjoy working with the dedicated staff at Wallace Fields and supporting the governing board as we make decisions that place children’s wellbeing, happiness and achievement at the heart of everything we do.

Mrs J Clayton

Co-opted Governor and Head Teacher Appraisal Panel - appointed 24/03/2022. Governor for Quality of Education.

I feel privileged to have spent 17 years at Wallace Fields Junior School as a class teacher, member of the senior leadership team and English Lead, following an earlier career in banking. I now volunteer at the school, supporting reading and enjoying time with the children. As a governor, I am pleased to use my experience to support the leadership team and staff in providing a rich, inclusive and challenging education. I am passionate about helping every child fulfil their potential and develop the skills and values needed to become caring, respectful members of society.

Mrs L Berry

Governor - Appointed November 2024. Governor for Quality of Eduction

I am delighted to serve as a governor at Wallace Fields Junior School. With 25 years’ experience in education, I currently teach on primary teacher training programmes at St Mary’s University. Before joining the university in 2019, I spent 19 years teaching in Surrey primary schools, where I held senior leadership roles and worked as a Primary PE Adviser, supporting schools across the county. I am pleased to use my experience to support the school, its leadership team and the wider community, helping to ensure the best outcomes for all pupils.

Dr John Burns

Parent Governor - Appointed September 2025 and Governor for Health and Safety

I became a governor because I wanted to support the school and help pupils achieve their full potential, particularly in STEM subjects. My professional background spans research, engineering and technology leadership, including senior roles in innovative science and technology organisations. I currently work at the National Physical Laboratory, promoting world-leading scientific research and its impact across UK industry. As a parent at Wallace Fields Junior School, I am committed to helping the school thrive and look forward to sharing my experience to support pupils, staff and the wider school community.

Mrs M Carey

Parent Governor - Appointed July 2025. Governor of Community and Communication.

I was elected as a Parent Governor in July 2025 and have two daughters within the Wallace Fields schools. Having been part of the school community since their nursery years, I am committed to supporting its continued success. Professionally, I qualified as a solicitor and spent 14 years advising companies on corporate, commercial and regulatory matters. I have also chaired the WFIS PTA for four years, helping to build a strong community through events that raise valuable funds for pupils. I am delighted to bring my legal, leadership and community experience to the governing body, supporting the school’s vision for every child to thrive.

Mrs E Jones

Parent Governor - Appointed November 2025

As a Parent Governor, I am proud to contribute to the school community and support its continued development. For the past 14 years, I have worked as a Digital Experience Lead in the banking sector, leading projects in a rapidly evolving technological and regulatory environment. I have a particular interest in the impact of digital technology, AI and social media on children, and the importance of using these tools safely and responsibly. I am also passionate about wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, bringing an empathetic approach, strategic thinking and a strong commitment to helping every child thrive.

Mrs C Curran

Staff Governor - Appointed 25/06/2024. Governor for Community and Communication.

Mrs Curran has been a class teacher at Wallace Fields Junior School since September 2022 and is currently on maternity leave.

Mr S. Lee

Head Teacher governor; ex-officio by virtue of office as headteacher from 1/09/2013.

Tessa Jones

Clerk of Governors

TJones@wallacefields-jun.surrey.sch.uk