Meet the Governors

Chair of Governors
QoE Committee/ LMR Committee
efrancis@hollyfield.kingston.sch.uk

I work in HR for an insurance company, in a role focused on improving diversity and inclusion. Prior to being a governor at Hollyfield I was a governor at a primary school, and a director of a social enterprise focused on providing meaningful work experience for young people.

Both my children have thrived at Hollyfield, so I became a governor to support the school in its efforts to continue delivering for ‘every child every day’. In my spare time I love to garden, to walk in our amazing local parks and to follow politics. 

I have been a Hollyfield Governor since 2018 and Chair of Governors since November 2019.

Vice Chair of Governors/ LMR Committee

My day job is in risk management at one of the large professional services firms having trained as a chartered accountant and tax advisor. 

Reason for becoming a Governor at Hollyfield: I have always been keen to get involved with helping at my children’s schools, but this is my first formal role. I decided to join the governors because of the positive experience my son has had at the school and a need for governors with finance related skills. I am keen to support Hollyfield to ensure it is doing the best it can for all its students.

I have lived in the Surbiton area for over 20 years. I try to keep active by running (slowly) and cycling a bit.

Chair of SBA Committee

I work in public affairs for the Youth Futures Foundation, the national What Works Centre for youth employment, with a specific focus on marginalised young people. Prior to that, I spent many years in the charity sector focussing on improving outcomes for children and young people in foster care.

I've got three children - two joined Hollyfield on the Performing Arts Scholarship programme and loved it! My third is very excited to be joining Hollyfield in September. 
I really enjoy being a governor and value the opportunity to support the school and help play a role in ensuring that all pupils are able to achieve their potential. I am the Lead Governor for Safeguarding, as well as the Link Governor for Careers, Personal Development and Wellbeing and Looked-after Children.

I am a keen cyclist and play netball for Kingston Tigers.

Vice Chair of Governors/ SBA Committee

I'm an Executive Coach and I run my own business. Prior to becoming a coach, I worked in PR & Communications for 22 years and have worked for a broad range of organisations - from big corporations to small charities. I've got experience of being part of boards and leadership teams for businesses, so I am hoping these skills can benefit Hollyfield.

Reason for becoming a Governor at Hollyfield: My daughter joined Hollyfield in Year Seven in 2019, and I became a parent governor. Personal facts: I love books, dogs and yoga.

Chair of QoE Committee

I have lived with my family in Surbiton for over 20 years. My daughter attended Hollyfield School. I have been a Hollyfield Governor since 2019 and am currently Chair of the Quality of Education Committee. I am particularly keen on supporting all Hollyfield students to reach their full academic potential. I previously worked as a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. In my spare time, I love walking and am part of a group of scientists who meet annually to walk the route of the Via Francigena from Tuscany to Rome.

LMR Committee

I work as a Project Director for a specialist construction company delivering some of the biggest high end and level developments across London and I would like to use my experience in helping the school to thrive and that I am the link governor for H&S and in helping to look after the premises.

I have two boys in attendance at Hollyfield in years 10 and 11, and I am keen to support the school.

I like to get involved in sporting activities such as football and rugby.

Chair of LMR Committee

My background is as a journalist; an education correspondent and then a political correspondent. These days I work in communications for a charity that runs an international scholarship scheme.

I joined the governors in November 2018 after my son started at Hollyfield along with many of his friends.

I've lived in Berrylands for about 16 years now and enjoy sailing, camping and cooking.

SBA Committee

I’ve worked in HR for over 30 years. Currently, with a professional services firm I lead on employee relations and health and wellbeing matters.

I was keen to help in some way and the school was looking for a new governor with children in younger years at the school and with a HR background.

I have two sons at the school.  I enjoy cooking, reading and running (especially when I’ve finished!).

QoE Committee

I am a seasoned educator and Head of Maths from New York, with over 24 years' experience in secondary schools and universities. Teaching allows me to share my passion for learning and to make a positive impact on young lives, helping students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in both academia and life.

I became a governor to help shape the direction of schools and to be a part of a team whose main purpose is focused on the best outcomes for the children and the local community.

When I’m not marking papers and writing curriculums, I enjoy baking and perfecting my pizza-making skills.

SBA Committee

I currently work for a music venue that’s part of a university. Since leaving university (a long time ago), I have enjoyed a career in the arts and cultural sector. My work and personal interests crossover, and I am committed to creating creative opportunities for communities, young people and artists to collaborate and achieve remarkable things together.

I’m passionate about the role that our schools play in increasing the life chances of all children and in supporting our communities. As a former Hollyfield pupil, and now a school parent, I seized the opportunity to become governor and look forward to giving something back to the school community.  

Headteacher

I am very proud to be the Headteacher of Hollyfield School. I joined the school in May 2020 but had to wait until September to meet most of the students and staff.

I studied Chemistry at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and did my PGCE at the same institution. I began my teaching career in 2003 in Suffolk. I love teaching and especially love teaching chemistry. Over the course of my career I have held various leadership roles in science and across whole schools.

Outside of school, I love playing and watching football, cycling and spending time with my two young children.

SBA Committee

I have worked at the school since 2010 and been Head of Physical Education since 2014.

I hope that as staff governor I can help in the continued development and success of the school for both students and staff.

Hollyfield is a great community school with its young people at the centre, and I am looking forward to assisting at a governor level.

Retired Governors

(Over the previous12 months)

Alistair Bond, Co-opted Governor, 1 July 2024 - 21 April 2025

Mahmood Rafiq, Co-opted Governor, 5 October 2020 - 31 August 2024