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.  Both have now moved on to junior school.  Forest School was 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 three children, the middle of whom is fortunate to currently attend St Mary's whilst the eldest is now at junior school and the youngest yet to join us. 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. 

Mrs Jennifer Clements

Foundation Governor

Jenny  has lived in Farnham since 2011 with her husband and two children.  Both her son and daughter enjoyed their time at St Mary’s and are now at local junior and senior schools respectively.  Jenny is a solicitor and works for an international engineering consultancy.  Her original background is in construction law practice, but being in-house she has to turn her hand to a variety of areas.  In her spare time she can be found at the side of a football pitch/swimming pool/ballet studio supporting her children’s various activities and enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling and attending the theatre.

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 three children, two of whom are now at Junior School, and one yet to arrive at St Mary's.  In her spare time she enjoys singing, reading, walking and running.

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 his 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 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

Emily enjoys teaching in Reception at St Mary's, which she does alongside bringing up her young family and renovating her house.  She loves gardening and walking her dogs.  Emily has a science background, and spent some years working in Vancouver. 

Mr James Stainburn

Parent Governor

James has lived in Frensham with his wife and son since 2020, with the latter starting at St Mary's the following year. He has acted as an airline pilot for over twenty years but was more successfu in his early career as a milkman. 

Forest School and caretaking seem to be his natural environment and so he can often be fund in a bush or up a school step ladder while a nervous Sharon passes him cups of tea! Firmly rooted on the wrong side of history, he smells of petrol and suffers an affliction for racing. 

Mrs Katherine Weavil

Foundation Governor

Katherine grew up in Farnham and after teaching in London is now bringing up her three boys here, benefitting from the excellent education available in the local area. Her eldest is now at junior school, whilst her middle one is enjoying St Mary's and her youngest set to join us in the future.   

Katherine's interests are theatre, walking and horse-riding.  

Clerk to the Governing Body

Jules has lived in Elstead since 2006 and became Clerk to Governors at St Mary's in 2019.  As well as clerking for St Mary's which she thoroughly enjoys, Jules clerks for a number of other local CofE schools as well as two parish councils.  Prior to clerking Jules worked in National Accounts selling premium fragrances.   In her spare time Jules loves walking in the local area as well as attending concerts and theatre productions.