I am currently Chair of Governors at Wickham Common Primary School.  I became a Community Governor in July 2013 following retirement from Deputy Headship at a large Comprehensive School in Bromley where I had worked for 26 years.  I currently work part time for an Educational Trust supporting a number of sixth forms in the South East of London.  My association with Wickham Common dates back 30 years when my children enjoyed a very happy education there.  I still live in the local area and am busily engaged in supporting a number of other voluntary activities in the local community, including St John’s Church, 3WW Scout group and the Residents’ Association.  In my “free” time I help to look after my two delightful grandchildren.

Chair

My name is Jane Walker-Smith and I am the Vice Chair of Governors, I also serve on the ‘Teaching & Learning Committee’.  I have a BA English and Theatre Arts from Goldsmiths and a Masters in Employment Law. I have 19 years’ experience working in Human Resources, mainly in professional services within the legal and accountancy sphere but also advising schools and colleges on their HR issues. I am currently a HR Director for a large national accountancy practice that I have been with for 10 years. I have been a Governor since 2015 and have 2 children at Wickham Common School.

Vice-Chair

I am the Head Teacher of Wickham Common Primary School and I started here in September 2017. Previously, I was the Head at Pratts Bottom Primary School and the Deputy Head Teacher at The Highway Primary School in Orpington before that. I trained and worked in Leicester in 3 schools over 9 years before returning to my roots here in Bromley 8 years ago.

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Before teaching I worked for Barclays Bank and Marks and Spencer but I always knew my heart was in working with children and so in the late ‘90s at the ripe old age of 32 years I began my degree in English whilst bringing up my family. I now live in Keston and have three daughters who are almost all grown up now.

It is my belief that schools are at the very heart of our society and education is the key to the future we want for ourselves, our children and our communities. I’m proud to be the Head teacher of this fantastic school and I am looking forward to our future together.

Headteacher

I decided to become a Governor because I feel that having been a teacher for many years it was time to become more deeply involved in all aspects of school life.  By doing this I am gaining a deeper understanding of the running of the school from every aspect.  The skills I feel I bring are a broad and in depth understanding of the National Curriculum.   I am part of the senior leadership team within the school as well as head of music. I currently teach one of our reception classes. 

Staff Governor

As a parent Governor for the past 6 years I am committed to improving education and welfare for all children and teachers at Wickham Common.  I am proud to represent Wickham Common and its high standards which gives it such a good reputation in the community. 

I am an experienced manager for a government organisation where I lead public projects to improve the environment. I bring this experience to my role as chair of the Resources and Personnel committee and to the Full Governing Body to help improve all aspects of school life.

Parent Governor

I spent the majority of my working life in Banking within the NatWest/RBS Group.   My career covered a number of disciplines including internal management consultancy, strategy and planning, various operational roles and, most recently, 10 years in the Bank’s Treasury function focussing on the management of the Bank’s balance sheet.  These activities have provided me with a very good understanding of how organisations operate, as well as extensive experience of operating in a team based environment in the areas of finance, budgeting and associated controls.  Having now retired from Banking I am hoping to use my knowledge and experience to help in the continued success of the school.

Local Governor