Governance

Jane Burnett  - Chair of Governors  

Link Governor for Leadership and Governance 

A  geography graduate and  a trained teacher, Jane spent 25 years in the teaching profession, culminating in headship. Following headship, Jane set up her own education consultancy specialising in leadership development and school improvement.  

As a consultant, Jane  worked for many different organisations including the DfE and the LSC. She is an accredited performance management consultant, executive leadership coach, and  following training as an OfSTED Inspector carried out many secondary inspections. Jane worked closely with many groups in the SE to develop regional and local school improvement. She has led many reviews of governance for Kent, East Sussex and Medway. 

Jane is now retired and spends time in several volunteer roles. She has been a governor for 20 years  in various schools in Kent and East Sussex. 

In her ‘spare’ time Jane and her husband farm a small herd of alpacas on the Kent /Sussex border 

Committee Membership: Education & Human Resources  Committees

Marianne Highwood - Chair of Governors Designate & Chair of the Education Committee

Marianne joined the Governing Body as a Community Governor in April 2019.  She joined the Education Committee, which she now chairs, at the beginning of her time at NKS.  She has been the link governor for SEND and Pupil Premium.

Marianne  has long believed in the power of education to open pathways to a fulfilling life.  She always planned to be an academic, having been awarded her PhD in Political Science in 1987.  However, she was drawn into social research and spent 20 years running her own market research consultancy. In 2011, she returned to her first love - teaching – and embarked on a ‘second’ career at Canterbury Christ Church University, where she spent most of her years in the Business School.  She is a strong advocate of work based learning and she led on the development of degree apprenticeships in the Business School.

Now retired, Marianne’s interests in the school focus on supporting staff and students to make the most of their time at NKS to prepare them for the world waiting for them.

Committee Membership: Education Committee

Johnny Holland  - Link Governor for Behaviour 

Johnny Holland has lived in Kent since the last century and became a community governor in 2015, serving on the Finance and General Purposes Committee ever since.   

Now semi-retired, he qualified as a chartered accountant and then as a chartered loss adjuster, working in London and throughout the world.  His experience has been in business, most specifically in the insurance world, and his hobbies include tennis, swimming, history and foreign languages. 

His interest in the school is focused on the administrative and operational needs of the school in delivering quality education daily throughout the year. 

Committee Membership: Finance & General Purposes and Audit & Risk Committee

Tom Saville -  Link Governor Parental Voice & Behaviour 

A law graduate, subsequently called to the Bar and admitted onto the Roll of Solicitors, Tom spent 20+ years working in London for blue chip firms in the software industry in the legal, tax and finance sectors. His main function was to create and maintain relationships with third parties, drafting business cases, managing budgets, revenue generation and contract negotiation. Tom currently works for Bloomberg Finance within their contract negotiations team. 
 
Tom has been a governor since June 2019, initially as a parent governor sitting on the finance committee but has since been appointed as  Community Governor and has served on both Education and Personnel committees. 
 
Tom was been an RFU qualified rugby coach at Ashford Rugby Club since 2014-2022 and is now part of the Bloomberg / Ropes & Gray “Bridge to the City” programme overseeing the selection and training of 12 university interns each year who have shown an interest in practicing law post-graduation.

Committee Membership: Education & Human Resources  Committees

James Dearden -  Health & Safety Link Governor and Link Governor for Cyber Security 

James started his career as a governor in 2017 at his daughters’ primary school.  He was motivated by an interest in his daughters’ education and a desire to contribute to the school. Since then, he has found the experience enormously rewarding. “I enjoy using my professional skills to support the school and ensure that it has a long-term vision which meets the needs of the children, staff, and the local community.”  

​James’ professional career of over 20 years has been as a technology consultant working with large organisations to deliver business and technology change; this involves project management, financial control, stakeholder management and the definition of technology and corporate strategy. On a more practical level, this means reviewing data, making decisions, resolving conflict, and communicating complex issues in a clear and concise manner on a daily basis. 

Committee Membership: Finance & General Purposes and Audit & Risk Committee

Philip Sibbald - Foundation Old Ashfordian Governor

Careers & 6th Form Link Governor

Phil was a pupil of the Norton Knatchbull Grammar School from 1988 – 1993.  Since leaving the school in 1993, he  have been a member of the Old Ashfordians Association.   

Phil brings the knowledge and experience of a Senior Business Analyst of 10.5 years with Dow Jones and The Wall Street Journal, and 9 years’ experience serving on the Board of Education for the Canterbury Diocese and served for 2 years as a Governor of the Kennington Academy.  

The school’s moto is “Benefactorum Recordatio Jucundissima Est” (Loosely translated as: "Things done well make the best memories" I didn’t study Latin at school).  This certainly sums up my time at the school and with the OAA. 

Committee Membership:  Finance & General Purposes,  Audit & Risk, Education and Human Resources Committees

Charlotte Burke - Parent Governor 

Link Governor KS3

With experience as a school governor at both primary and secondary schools since 2011, Charlotte enjoys bringing strategic oversight, support and challenge to enhance the long-term vision of the whole school community. She is interested in supporting the school's focus on inclusion and amplifying opportunities for an inspiring and creative education.

In her working life, Charlotte spent over 20 years in the cultural sector managing festivals and events and as an arts consultant and project manager. She now works with corporates and philanthropists as a grant maker in the wider charity sector, creating a fairer and more sustainable future for all. 

Charlotte enjoys being part of the musical and sporting communities of the Ashford area. 

Committee Membership: Education Committee

Salena Hirons - Parent Governor

Link Governor KS4

Salena  is a trained secondary school teacher of science and a  headteacher with extensive leadership experience. As an outstanding practitioner with 20 years of experience in secondary education, Salena, taught in a variety of settings across the South-East, working in many outstanding schools. During her time as a senior leader, she has worked across many aspects, most recently, leading on the quality of education, curriculum design and reporting/assessment. 

Salena's expertise enables her to both challenge and support the school, the aim being to improve the experience and education that the students at NKS receive through which doors are opened and social mobility created.        

Salena holds the opportunities that education provide very dear and believes that that students deserve and are entitled to the best education that the school can provide. 

Committee Membership: Education Committee

Jyoti Patel-  Link Governor for SEND & Pupil Premium 

With a background in high-hazard manufacturing, Jyoti has successfully overseen waste treatment plants, managed pharmaceutical manufacturing teams, and spearheaded decommissioning projects. Her expertise spans compliance with industry standards, operational improvements, and adeptly navigating change. Jyoti brings a keen eye for financial management, HSE compliance, and a pursuit of operational excellence. 

Although a Chemistry graduate, Jyoti's thirst for knowledge remains unquenchable. Currently enrolled in a Strategic Leadership MSc program at Newcastle University, she complements her academic pursuits with Leadership and Management training from the Chartered Management Institute. Additionally, Jyoti holds certifications in safety, waste management, and leadership. 

Beyond the professional realm, Jyoti finds joy in running, gardening, and managing a modest property portfolio.

Committee Membership: Education & Human Resources  Committees

Janette Makin -  Support Staff Governor

Link Governor for Equalities, Diversity & Inclusion

Janette is the school MIS & Data Manager, and is be on hand to provide further depth where necessary whilst being proactive to ask questions of others to improve life at NKS.  Her varied and experienced background both as a parent and an employee in the wider market prior to my time in education,  makes a valuable and meaningfully contribution to the board. 

As Safeguarding and Welfare Officer for Wye Cricket Club and a parent to 3 teens, Janette has a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing young people today. Driven and committed to improving NKS, she is keen to ensure that all the young people here receive a high-quality education generating many future opportunities. 

Being a Governor will enables Janette to help shape the school's direction, ensuring accountability, and overall support the leadership team to make NKS even better for tomorrow.    

Committee Membership: Education Committee

Matt Dickenson-  Teaching Staff Governor

Matt has taught and worked in education for 30 years –half of that teaching Business and Economics, mostly at Harvey Grammar School in Folkestone and at NKS for the past two years - and is very happy to be a full-time member of the staff team. 

Outside the classroom, Matt  has been a director of London Gifted & Talented (part of London Challenge) and more recently of two teaching school alliances. Matt brings  a wide range of school improvement experience to the governing body, informed by working with national bodies such as the DfE, QCA, Ofsted, exam boards and with hundreds of schools and thousands of teachers – on projects and training - developing teaching and learning, leadership, the curriculum and assessment, much of it aimed at improving the quality of education for more able students.

Matt is a real enthusiast for teaching and feels his experience and credibility enables him to support and challenge others and to offer a valuable perspective as an educator at all levels of the system to help our school to evolve, positively and confidently. 

Committee Membership: Education Committee

Huw Gronow-  Safeguarding Link Governor

Huw is a dedicated advocate for safeguarding, with extensive experience in both sports and governance. As an Officer of the world’s oldest rugby club, Huw ensures that the club is open to all, regardless of race, gender, background, or beliefs. In his roles as Honorary Secretary and Chair of Discipline, he oversees the safety and welfare of young players, implementing policies around conduct, safeguarding, and privacy. His commitment to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants is a testament to his passion for protecting children and adults at risk in rugby, a contact sport where safety is paramount.

In addition to his club responsibilities, Huw chairs the Kent RFU Discipline Committee, working closely with the Age Grade system and RFU Safeguarding Teams. His expertise in handling sensitive situations with care and empathy is evident in his work to uphold the values of the game, particularly in addressing poor examples set by adults.

Huw’s passion for education is personal, with a son attending the School. He is especially focused on the effects of bullying and the role of effective management in fostering positive outcomes. His experience, time management skills, and commitment to training make him well-suited to contribute meaningfully to governance.

Committee Membership: Education and Finance & General Purposes and Audit & Risk Committees

David Gordon-Young, Co-Opted Governor 

As a former student (2015-2021), David values the impact the school had on shaping his journey and is enthusiastic about giving back to the school community. David is eager to contribute to the governance of Norton Knatchbull School, bringing a strong commitment to education and the development of young people.

Currently studying Law with Finance at university, David offers a fresh perspective, an analytical mindset, and financial literacy. With strong communication skills and the ability to ask pertinent questions, he aims to complement the expertise of the existing governing board.

Beyond academics, David has been actively engaged in community initiatives, including involvement with the Ashford Labour Party. This and other experiences have provided valuable insights into governance, teamwork, and the importance of aligning with a shared vision.

Passionate about ensuring all students have access to high-quality education and opportunities to thrive, David is committed to working collaboratively with the governing board. He seeks to contribute to addressing challenges, upholding the school’s values, and supporting staff, pupils, and the wider school community.

Committee Membership: Finance & General Purposes and Audit & Risk Committee

Monna is passionate about education and committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, inclusive, and high-quality learning environment.  She believes schools are the foundation of a child’s development and play a crucial role in shaping their future and is enthusiastic about contributing to Knatchbull’s continued success and supporting its efforts to achieve excellence for all students and families.

Professionally, she is the Head of Financial Management and Business Partnering at the Northern Ireland Office. Her background includes over eight years in the Civil Service—starting in the Department for Education (DfE), later the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and then at the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)—as well as experience in corporate and global banking. This has given her a strong understanding of public sector finance, education policy, and the challenges schools face.

Her  time working at IICSA reinforced my deep commitment to safeguarding. It highlighted how vital it is that schools and institutions protect and support children, and she is  determined to ensure every child is given the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or individual needs.

Monna is the parent of a student in year 8 and currently serves as a Parent Governor and Chair of the Resources Committee at her other child’s primary school. 

Committee Membership: Finance & General Purposes and Audit & Risk Committee

Ivana brings 10 years of HR experience and critical thinking skills as a senior leader in the technology sector to the Board of Governors. She has supported leadership teams in developing people strategies, building and fostering inclusive cultures, and navigating complex organisational change. 

Ivana values the school's dedication to providing an education that goes beyond academic success and supports the mission to equip young people not just with qualifications,  but also with the confidence, curiosity, and resilience to thrive.   Ivana brings enthusiasm, perspective, and a commitment to ensuring NKS continues to provide an outstanding, well-rounded education for all. 

Committee Membership: Human Resources 

Anna is a highly experienced education professional whose career in teaching and senior leadership spans over 30 years, with a sustained commitment to raising academic standards in secondary education. She has held senior posts, including Deputy Headteacher and Headteacher.

Anna holds a Master of Arts in Education, specialising in school leadership. This academic grounding, combined with extensive professional experience, has shaped her evidence-informed approach to school improvement and strategic governance.

She has led ambitious whole-school strategies to raise attainment, strengthen curriculum delivery, and enhance teaching quality across departments. Her leadership has consistently delivered strong student outcomes, even in complex and challenging contexts. Anna’s skills have been applied in both maintained and trust schools. She has also contributed to a range of fora, including the School Improvement Team at a Trust level, Independent Review Panels, and the local inter-school Inclusion Panel.

Anna served as an Ofsted Inspector, gaining valuable insight into evaluation frameworks and sharpening her ability to offer constructive challenge and support to senior leadership teams. Her current role as an external educational adviser for a neighbouring local authority provides insight into diverse school contexts and opportunities to support schools in an evolving educational landscape.

In governance, Anna brings over 20 years of experience, including roles as Chair of a Local Governing Body and member of an Interim Executive Board.

Outside her professional work, Anna enjoys travelling across Northern and Central Europe, with a strong interest in cultural heritage. She is also a keen sewist, enjoying modern textiles and quilting.

Committee Membership: Education Committee

To Be Added...