Karen Jorgensen - Chair of Governors

 Rachel Davies – Head Teacher

I have had the privilege of working at three outstanding primary schools over the past 22 years. After graduating from St. Mary’s University College in 1997, I was a class teacher and middle leader in Isleworth for 13 years before moving on to start my journey as a senior leader in the role of Assistant Head and later Deputy Head at a school in Wandsworth. I also supported a school in the Local Authority as an Associate Head while they were recruiting a substantive Headteacher. In 2016 I joined Grove Park as Deputy Head and SENCO and loved the school from the moment I visited – there is something very special, almost tangible, about Grove Park and I am hugely honoured to now be the Headteacher of such a wonderfully warm, caring, diverse and dynamic school with truly brilliant children, staff and families. Working alongside governors at four schools has been hugely rewarding and interesting and has enabled me to see the immediate situation as well as inspiring my vision for a school’s future. The Governors at Grove Park work tirelessly to provide support and challenge and make sound decisions to ensure that our children and staff are achieving highly and having the best experiences and opportunities possible every day. Outside of school I love nothing more than spending time with my dear family and friends. I have lived in London my whole life and never tire of all our wonderful city has to offer.

David Woodward – Vice Chair of Governors and Vice Chair of Finance and Premises Committee

I was a Director at the UK’s National Audit Office from 1987 to 2009.  I took time out to be Director of External Audit of the United Nations in New York for seven years, an honorary magistrate at the French Court of Accounts in Paris for one year & Chairman/Member of NATO’s International Board of Auditors in Brussels for four years. I was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael & St George (CMG) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2000.  I have lived in Chiswick since 2006 & have one grown up son who lives in London. Since retiring in 2009 I have been active in the local community as a Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator & Chairman of the Metropolitan Police’s Riverside Ward Panel. I have been a governor at Grove Park Primary School since July 2014 & chair of its Finance & Premises Committee from November 2014 to November 2017.

Debbie McMullen – Chair of Teaching and Learning

I have been a local authority governor for the past 9 years and was the Chair of Governors for 6 years and currently chair the Teaching and Learning Committee. I live locally, have two grown up children & three grandchildren. Before retiring, I was a town planner and senior manager at the Greater London Authority with responsibility for the preparation of the London Plan. I have an MBA and a certificate in Coaching and Mentoring. I have had a long-term interest in education with previous experience as a parent governor, community governor & as the Chair of the Hammersmith & Fulham Urban Studies Centre. I also served on the management committee of Acton Housing Association. It is a great privilege to be associated with Grove Park School with its outstanding achievements and dedicated staff. My interests include my allotment, opera, walking and bridge.

 Rick McGregor - Staff Governor

I’m Rick, also known as Mr Rick, by the children here at Grove Park. I have been teaching PE at Grove Park for the past 7 years. Before joining Grove Park, I was working with a company that helped primary schools enhance Physical Education within their settings. This gave me a great insight to how PE is taught within a wide range of schools within the Hounslow borough. From the first day I stepped into Grove Park, I knew I’d found an extremely special school. Little did I know I’d go on to meet my now wife and go on to become a father to a lovely son who is now 2 years old. With all my experience of working at Grove Park, I feel very privileged to become the staff governor.  

I was until 2018 Finance Director of Prolojik Limited, a leading supplier of intelligent lighting controls in the UK.  Prior to Prolojik, I held a number of senior roles in Bass plc covering strategy and international development.  An engineer by training, I have also worked for Bain and Company and the Medical Research Council.  I have an MBA from the London Business School and a B.Sc. from University College, London.  A keen golfer, I have lived in Chiswick since 1993 and am delighted to have been elected as a Governor in June 2019 and look forward to contributing to what is clearly an amazing school dedicated to bringing out the best in each child.

 Mark Brewer - Co-opted Governor

I have spent over 35 years’ working within the recruitment and Human Capital sector and founded my own business in 1987. I was brought up in East Sussex, studied at the local comprehensive school and read English Literature at Bristol University. I’ve lived in Chiswick since 1990 and am a governor of Latymer Upper School and Latymer Prep School, a Trustee of the Maldon Arts Festival and a recruitment advisor to Richmond FC, the second oldest rugby club in the UK.

Laura Atherton - Co-opted Governor

I am a local resident and a lawyer with over 15 years of experience in a wide range of areas. I am also a compliance professional focussing on process and organisational improvement.

As the product of an excellent state education, for which I am eternally grateful, I know how important the right start in life can be to the rest of the journey. My free primary and secondary schooling was the spring board for my university success and my career, and I would like that same springboard and the opportunities to be as available to all children. I look forward to doing my part in ensuring that we continue to make that a reality for the children who attend Grove Park.

Alice Hyde - Co-opted Governor

I was delighted to be elected as a Co-opted Governor in 2019.  I have been based in Richmond since 2013, and have many friends in the area with young families, so I am keen to become more actively involved in the Grove Park community.  I am Senior Corporate Counsel at All3Media (the largest TV production and distribution business in the UK) and previously worked in the City as a corporate M&A lawyer.   I have a degree in Philosophy and Theology from Oxford University and am a keen yogi and enjoy life drawing in my free time.

Neil Taylor - Co-opted Governor

I am a co-opted Governor and became the Chair of the Governing Board between April 2018 and July 2021. Although my background is primarily in Higher Education (I am an Emeritus Professor in English Literature at the University of Roehampton), I have experience of all levels of education in the UK, having taught in a secondary school and supervised teaching practice in primary schools. I am currently a member of the Froebel Trust Research Committee, which awards grants to researchers in Early Years education. I know Grove Park Primary School well: my youngest son was at the School between 2012 and 2019, and I served as a Parent Governor here from 2013 to 2017.

 Charlotte Pendred - Parent Governor

I’m really happy to have become a governor in 2021.  I have two children in the school and one who went all the way through Grove Park from nursery and is now at Chiswick school.

I have a background in corporate IT management and business transformation, but took a turn in my career to run a small retail business in Chiswick working in textile craft with children and adults.  I am also keen on sport and coach minis at Barnes Rugby club. I am enthusiastic about children finding their sporting and creative passions, and wish to contribute to the school flourishing and protect those Grove Park characteristics of kindness, support and community.

Laura Albery - Parent Governor

I was elected as a parent governor in November 2018. I have two children at Grove Park; as a family we feel very lucky to be part of such a warm, vibrant and inclusive school community.

I have a degree in English Language & Literature from Oxford University and I’ve worked in marketing and communications for over twenty years, including projects relating to business transformation and organisational change. In my spare time, I enjoy running and reading (although not simultaneously).

As a governor, I’m keen to make sure Grove Park continues to have an ambitious vision for its future and for its pupils. We may be ‘outstanding’, but we should always strive to push things to the next level - whilst ensuring that community and inclusivity remain at the heart of the school.

Maryam Shahmanesh - Parent Governor

I am so proud to have been elected Parent Governor in 2018. I am a mum of three (year 4 and year 9). As class rep and chair of the parent's forum over the past eight years I had the privilege to witness this loving, diverse and happy spirit of Grove Park; whilst maintaining a fun and creative approach to learning. I am an Associate Professor and Consultant at University College London. I have established two new Masters programmes, taught PhDs and future Medical Doctors. As a teacher, scientist, doctor and mother, I am really looking forward to sharing my skills and expertise to help Grove Park achieve even greater excellence in teaching, whilst maintaining the wonderful creative and innovative approach to learning that we are so proud of. I love reading, movies, contemporary dance, music, food and travel, preferably with my kids.

Rani Price - Parent Governor