Mr Matthew Soden 
Chair of Governors and LA Governor

Matthew has lived in Farnham since he was young and whilst he missed out on St Mary's himself as a child, his two boys have benefitted from the experience.  One has now moved on to junior school, and one is still with us.  Forest School is a particular favourite of boys and father alike.  Currently Financial Controller for a communications firm in London, the opportunity to be in the great outdoors in this part of the world is something that he always looks forward to when he gets the chance.  

Mrs Jennifer Downing
Headteacher

I have taught in infant and primary schools in Surrey and Hampshire over the last 16 years.  I am delighted to be Headteacher of St Mary's 

I live in Hampshire with my husband and two children.  In my spare time I enjoy swimming, holidaying with my family and shoe shopping!

 Mr Matthew Joy

Parent Governor

Matt has lived in Farnham since 2016 and has two boys, the eldest of which is fortunate to currently attend St Mary's. Matt works as International Tax Manager for a law firm in London.  In his spare time, Matt enjoys trying to be active, and whilst not always successful, manages to fit in some cycling and walking as well as coaching with a local junior football team. 

Mr Al Bird
Foundation - Diocesan Governor

Al moved his family to Frensham in 2012 and became a Governor in 2013 when one of his three children joined Kingfishers.  He now chairs the Finance committee.  Al is managing director of a corporate training company with a focus on technology-based learning.  Originally from Cardiff, Al's primary sporting interest is supporting (Welsh) rugby and he also enjoys playing and listening to all forms of music.

Mrs Elizabeth Hetherington
Foundation Governor

Lizzy has lived in Frensham since 2012 and has recently become a Foundation Governor at St Mary's.  She has a daughter at the school and her son - an ex pupil - is now at junior school.  Lizzy, an experienced secondary school teacher, is currently teaching piano at More House School.  She is a member of the Frensham Church bell ringing-team.

Mrs Sarah Davies
Parent Governor

Sarah is an experienced key stage 2 teacher specialising  in Literacy and Music.  She has taught in both the private and state sectors and also been involved in training student teachers.  Sarah currently works as a supply teacher for a local school and as a marker of the key stage 2 assessments.  Sarah has two children, her eldest currently at St Mary's.  In her spare time she enjoys singing, reading, walking and running.  

 Mr Richard Wood
Foundation – Diocesan Governor

Richard is a Management Consultant working in the Construction Industry and has been involved at St Mary's as parent, chair of FOSMs and Governor for over 20 years. He has lived in Frensham for 25 years and his three children all went to the school before they all moved to Waverley Abbey. For winter relaxation he enjoys walking and reading but in the summer you will find him on the cricket pitch where he is a qualified umpire.

Mr Tony Luff
Foundation—Diocesan Governor

Tony has lived in Dockenfield since 1999 and became a Governor in 2006. He is chair of the Buildings, Health and Safety Committee and is two sons attended St Mary's.  Tony is a partner in a surveying practice based in Guildford and spends most of his working days in schools in South London. A keen sports fan Tony enjoys watching cricket and football and is a long suffering West Ham supporter.

 Rev. Jane Walker
Ex Officio PCC Governor

Jane is the Priest-in-charge of Frensham and Dockenfield, and Chaplain at Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice.

 " Born in Bognor Regis Sussex by the sea a long time ago, I met Mark and had two glorious children who are now all grown up. I always thought I would be a nurse, (and indeed was one for 23 years specialising in Orthopaedics), before God surprisingly called me out of that into the Priesthood. I served my curacy in Alton before becoming Chaplain at one of the most special places in the world - the Hospice at Farnham where I have been for over 3 years now. I became Priest for the people at Frensham and Dockenfield nearly two years ago and love serving here! My hobbies are riding horses, music - piano playing and singing, calligraphy, walking, and entertaining for dinner. It is an utter privilege to be a Governor for St Mary's School - it abounds in light, love and fun with constant learning for all ".

Mrs Melissa Downes

Foundation Governor

Melissa became a Governor in 2018.  She lives locally in Dockenfield with her husband, two young boys, and two black Labradors.  Her elder son attends St Mary’s, and she enjoys helping out at school when possible.  In her spare time Melissa enjoys training and trialling her working gundogs, and enjoying the great outdoors with her family.

Mrs Kerry Weeks
Parent Governor

Kerry has enjoyed a happy association with St Mary's School since 2008 when her eldest child started school.  Since then her other two children have attended St Mary's.  Kerry also teaches part time in a local primary school and is passionate about the importance that the early years of education play in forming children's attitudes towards lifelong learning.  In her spare time she enjoys being a busy parent, spending time with friends and family and shopping. 

Miss Deborah Parsons

Staff Governor

Deborah has been a teacher for 15 years in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.  She has a science background in entomology and horticulture, which is put to good use on our visits to RHS Wisley!  When not in the classroom, Deborah enjoys embroidery, swimming, walking her dog and gardening. 

 Mrs Emily Morgan

Staff Governor

Clerk to the Governing Body