John Shepherd

Ex-Officio Governor

I joined the Governing Body at Christ Church school as the new Vicar of Christ Church Surbiton Hill in September 2021. I have been involved in ministry in London, Manchester, NE Brazil, and Chesham, and have 12 years’ experience as a governor at a KS2 Junior School in Buckinghamshire.

I am excited about being part of a school community where the educational, emotional and spiritual development of young people are integrated. I hope to see close links between the church and the school develop, with both serving as important community hubs in Berrylands and Surbiton, and that children and families feel welcome in the life of the church.

Elena Hough

Headteacher

To follow...

Carol Buchanan

LA Governor (Appointed by foundation/trust)

I have recently been appointed to the Governing Body at Christ Church School. I live locally and have lived in and worked in the borough for thirty years.

I have recently retired after working in Education as a school inspector in Kingston and more recently in Richmond. I have also worked as an Ofsted inspector with a particular expertise in Inclusion and Special Educational Needs. As a teacher I worked in primary and secondary schools in London.

Steve Richardson

Co-opted Governor

I grew up in Nottingham and settled in Surbiton having completed a degree in Business and Finance at Kingston University. I now work for an Asset Management company delivering Finance Technology projects.
I have two girls at Christ Church and was elected to the Governing Board as a Parent Governor in 2019. Coming from a family of teachers, I’ve always been connected to the Education sector, so was keen to volunteer and give something back to the school when the opportunity arose. I’m passionate about seeing children reach their potential, having worked in sports coaching, and firmly believe that all children should be provided with the best possible education and a equal start in life. I look forward to contributing all I can to Christ Church School in the coming years.

Kate Kim

Foundation Governor

I have lived in Surbiton since 2017 and have 2 boys 1 girl currently attending Christ Church Primary School. We have also been members of Christ Church Surbiton Hill since 2019.

I am originally from South Korea, having moved to UK when I was a teenager and this helped me to understand the dynamic and diversity between two different cultures.

I have a variety of experiences working with children and young people, as a nursery nurse, as a children’s ministry worker in East London, and as a children and youth minister in Korean communities. I am currently working part-time as a member of staff in Christ Church supporting children and the youth ministry, and also teaching in a Korean school.

I value the ethos and vision for Christ Church Primary School and I would like to contribute my skills and abilities to support and improve children's school life in their practical learning and also in their spiritual growth.

Sharon Bane

Staff Governor

I have been teaching at Christ Church for 4 years and am on the SLT as well as being the UKS2 Phase leader. I enjoy being at Christ Church and have always been made to feel an integral part of the Christ Church family.
I have been teaching for nearly 30 years and spent over 20 of those years teaching year 6 so I am very aware of the expectations for pupils when they finish their primary school education.
I am a parent and grandparent myself so I can view the position and interests of pupils, parents and staff with an open mind.
I look forward to undertaking my role as teacher governor and aim to serve the interests of all parties involved in the development and future of a thriving Church school.

Bart Erlebach

Foundation Governor

The Vicar of Christ Church is an ex-officio governor at the school, but while there is a vacancy at the church I am taking on that role.
I am an Associate Vicar leading Emmanuel Church. My 3 children all benefitted from attending Christ Church School with the youngest having left to go to Secondary School in the summer of 2019.
I am keen to support such a good school who have served our children well and to encourage the ongoing commitment to having the person and teaching of Jesus shape the life of the school.

Rachel Jones

Foundation Governor

My professional background is as a primary school teacher. Although not in post currently, I have over 20 years’ experience across key stages, curriculum areas and in senior leadership. I now provide consultancy input for Local Authorities and Regional Adoption Agencies primarily related to post-adoption support.

As of September 2023, I have two children attending Christ Church Primary School. One in Year 6 and the other in Year 1. I am a committed member of Christ Church, Surbiton Hill and have been for well over a decade.

Louise Morton

Parent Governor

I have lived in Surbiton for over 10 years now, having settled here when I met my husband. We have one son who attends Christ Church, and we love the community of the school.

I was elected as Parent Governor in 2023 and would like to use my skills and experience to support the school during my son’s time there, and to give back to the community we live in.

My mother was a secondary school teacher at my school when I was growing up so I am familiar with the challenges and ‘behind the scenes’ world of teaching. I also studied child development as part of my psychology degree. I have worked with young children for years, in mentoring roles and on children’s camps, and I understand how important a well-rounded early years education is in setting children up for their future lives.

I have worked in various communications and marketing roles over the last 20 years and currently work for Surrey County Council as a senior communications manager.

Thomas Hawkins-McKay

Foundation Governor

I am Head of Data Analytics at a niche consultancy, and a qualified management accountant specialising in data analytics and data science.

I began my career in the finance division of a boutique private bank, and I am a transformation and change management specialist delivering business-critical projects for many leading global financial institutions.

I joined the Governing Board in 2023, and currently chair the Finance and Asset Management Committee. I have lived in the London area for many years, and settled in Surbiton 10 years ago. I have one girl at Christ Church, and I look forward to contributing all I can to the school and its community in the coming years.

Amanda Hawkins-McKay

Foundation Governor
Vice Chair of Governors

I am the previous owner of a boutique business, which involved leading all aspects of the organisation, including strategy and client-facing teams. These teams provided recruitment and consultancy solutions to investment management organisations.

I started my career working for a start-up technology recruiter before moving to a global company where I developed capabilities exclusively for the investment management industry.

In 2013, I joined a leading management consultancy to take responsibility for client projects, partnerships, in addition to launching and taking responsibility for the group’s specialist recruitment business.

More recently, I have been involved in voluntary work, which has included producing and delivering sessions to groups of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in secondary schools, mentoring young women starting careers within investment management, and delivering sessions for a social mobility promoter looking to support young people getting involved in financial services via apprenticeship programs.

As well as being a member of the Christ Church community, I have a child at Christ Church School and look forward to contributing all I can to support the school.

Nick Herod

Parent Governor

Nick qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Ernst & Young in Manchester and has since worked in a number of industries including technology, publishing, insurance and not-for-profits. Since 2013 Nick has been Chief Financial Officer at a children’s mental health charity where he has responsibility for finance, legal and compliance, property, technology and data.

Nick volunteered for over ten years for a charity providing residential holidays for children with disabilities and behavioural issues.

Nick has lived in Surbiton since 2020 and has two girls at Christ Church.

Revd Richard Assante

PCC Governor

I am a devoted minister at Surbiton New Life Baptist Church, a dedicated member of the admission committee at Spurgeon's College, and a compassionate support worker with over a decade of experience in the field. My journey of service and faith has taken me from my homeland in Ghana to the heart of a vibrant and diverse community here in the UK.

My commitment to service led me to participate in national service in Ghana. During this period, I had the opportunity to teach and mentor young students, contributing to their growth and development. This experience ignited my passion for education and laid the foundation for my future involvement in Christian ministry.