Name

Gary Stone

Category of Governor

Co-Vice Chair of Governing Body, Co-Opted

Area

Creative & Expressive Arts Faculty

Staff Link

Tim Holbrooke-Jones

Date Appointed 

16 July 2013 

Academic Background

Honours degree in Social Policy – Associate Chartered Institute of Bankers professional qualification

Business Background

I have worked for HSBC for over 30 years across a variety of roles both in London and now in Dorset. My recent roles have been predominantly in the retail sector, including people management, risk management, and responsibility for the delivery of the branch operating plan. I am also involved in the local recruitment process, in terms of the interview stage, and I undertake a number of career fairs for local schools

Personal Background

I live in West Moors and have a son. I moved here from London, and really appreciate the quality of life in this part of the world. The ability and joy of just driving to the beach or the New Forest can not be underestimated

Why Ferndown Upper School?

I have always had an interest in education and how it impacts on our future generations. In London I was actively involved in Young Enterprise and recruitment, and having now settled in the local area would like to be able to give something back to the community. My son is now in the educational system, and from a personal perspective I am keen for the school to prosper and develop over the coming years. Working in the private sector and being involved with local recruitment I hope to be able to bring a different set of skills to the school

Name

Clive Dedman

Category of Governor

Co-opted

Area

Sixth Form and T Levels

Staff Link

Deneen Kenchington

Date Appointed

November 2018

Biography

Before retirement, I was the Head of Procurement at Telereal Trillium, a national facilities Management company based in London

As the husband of a teacher, I believe I have a good understanding of the pressures and needs of an educational establishment. In fact, I have a number of friends in education and some of whom have taught at Ferndown Upper School

I have managed staff at senior level, controlled large value budgets and projects and chaired and attended meetings for many years. Recently, I accepted a part-time role at Crawley College, West Sussex, lecturing in Procurement and I am a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (FCIPS)

Currently, I invigilate examinations at a secondary school and undertake student mock interviews at local schools

Name

Alex Crutchley

Category of Governor

Co-opted

Area

Science Faculty

Staff Link

Kimi Bothamley

Date Appointed

December 2019

Academic Background

A Levels at Brockenhurst College.

BSc (Hons) First Class In Astronomy At University College London.

PGCE (FE) Greenwich University.

Personal Background

I live in Verwood. My daughter attends Ferndown Upper School and my son attends a local middle school. I have been a lecturer at Brockenhurst College for twenty five years and am currently the principle examiner for GCSE Astronomy.

Why Ferndown Upper School?

Having seen first hand the inspirational transition my daughter has taken from middle to upper school, I would like to get involved and play a part in the learning and life opportunities that this school is delivering.

Name

Tonja Ackroyd

Category of Governor

Parent

Area

English & Ethics Faculty

Staff Link

Oliver McVeigh

Date Appointed

December 2019

Personal Background

I have been living in the area since 2006. I combined studying at University with working in Parliament. Experiencing politics and diplomacy at such a level was an amazing experience. Also adding real life business experience certainly influenced my career path. I have been involved in education since 1998, both as a teacher in secondary schools and as a Marketing and Economics lecturer in further education. I currently teach German at a local school.

Why Ferndown Upper School?

This school has impressed me over the years, not just because of the excellent exam results, but also the increasingly positive attitude from parents towards the school. To achieve these enviable statistics requires huge effort and cooperation by the senior management, teachers, pupils and parents. My passion is to enable children of all abilities and backgrounds to achieve their potential. Encouraging children to achieve their best is a challenging task for schools and is something I am looking forward to contributing towards.

Name

Barry (Baz) Bennett

Category of Governor

Co-Opted

Area

Health & Safety / Premises

Staff Link

Boo Feltham

Date appointed

July 2020

Academic background

Graduated from FUS in 1985

Graduated from Royal Military Academy Sandhurst 1992

Master of Arts in Military Studies

Master of Philosophy in National Security and Strategic Studies

Business Background

A full Army career, my appointments have included:

Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands

Commanding Officer 40th Regiment Royal Artillery
Chief of Staff 51 Scottish Brigade

Head Employment Policy (Diversity and Inclusion)

Currently serving as Head Strategy Integration in UK Strategic Command, I will become Deputy Chief of Staff, Field Army from September 2020.

Personal background

Born in Poole and educated in West Parley and Ferndown, my parents and sister still live in Ferndown and therefore I have never lost contact. I enjoy many sports and have a passion for the outdoors, especially the sea. I like to travel, eat good food, collect art and watch films. I am married to Shona and we have two children at university.

Why Ferndown Upper School?

I am keen to make a difference and have always enjoyed developing young men and women. I have a passion for Diversity and Inclusion and addressing social mobility issues. Having been educated at FUS, I am delighted to be able to serve on the Board of Governors where I hope I can add some value and assist the next generation through their key educational years.

Other Relevant Information

Mentor for NHS senior leader during Covid 19 Crisis

Honorary Colonel (mentor to Commanding Officer) 105th Regiment Royal Artillery

Chairman Royal Artillery Nordic Skiing

Culture Champion for UK Strategic Command

Advanced Diving Instructor

Skiing Instructor

Name 

Kevin Penwarden

Category of Governor 

Parent

Area

Social Science Faculty

Staff Link

Emma Elliott

Date Appointed 

10th November 2021 

Academic Background 

I was educated at Wells Cathedral School, as a Boarder and Chorister.

Business Background 

I currently work for a large multinational integrated energy company, and previously engaged as a Consultant for a variety of clients including Allianz and Carnival. Additionally, I have worked in Investment Banking and Insurance, predominantly in Finance and Information Technology disciplines. My professional career has encompassed many roles, including leadership positions, as well as around 8yrs operating a consultancy.

Personal Background 

I live in West Moors, with my wife and 2 daughters. One daughter attends Ferndown Upper School, and my younger daughter will also attend from 2022. We have lived in the village since 2014, although have lived in the wider area for much longer. We love the area, the proximity to both beaches and New Forest, as well as strong access links for work and travel. I love to get out on my mountain bike, spend far too much on bike computers that provide data, and enjoy flying my drone for aerial photography, where permitted.

Why Ferndown Upper School? 

I previously served as Governor at West Moors Middle School, whilst my daughters attended the school, and greatly enjoyed the opportunity to contribute and help shape direction. Seeing how my daughter has settled in, listening to her impressions of the school, I am keen to play an active part in both my daughters' journey through the school, but also aid in the 'continuous improvement' effort that is essential.

Name 

Anne East

Category of Governor 

Co-Opted

Area

Safeguarding

Young Carers/Careers Education and Guidance

Staff Link

Jo Taylor

Date Appointed

July 2022

Business Background

I have worked in the corporate environment as a Senior HR professional for over 15 years in both UK and Global businesses. In 2018 I decided to follow my passion towards Learning and Development and became a Global Learning and Development Consultant. Covid then struck and I decided to seize the re-structure opportunity and start my own HR and Development Consultancy (EasterlyWinds Consulting Ltd) based in Ferndown supporting small businesses with HR and management training. I am also the Managing Director of a family run e-commerce small business called Dorset Treasures.

Date Appointed

July 2022

Academic Background 

I studied at Talbot Heath School in Bournemouth and attended Southampton University studying Business Studies.

During my professional career I achieved Associate CIPD in Human Resource Management, am a certified practitioner of many behavioural psychometrics and am a Mental Health First Aider.

Personal Background 

I have lived in Ferndown since 2019 moving my family from Verwood so that both my daughter and son can attend Ferndown Middle and Ferndown Upper School. During lockdown I was furloughed and realised that my corporate role which often involved worldwide travel, had been impacting my family life balance as well as my own mental health. When the opportunity arose, I chose voluntary redundancy and started up my own entrepreneurial businesses so that I could be there for my family on a daily basis. Best decision I ever made.

Why Ferndown Upper School? 

Being Mum to two students and a passionate supporter of learning and development I have enormous respect and empathy for the role of a teacher. I believe in the “Ferndown Way” values and want to encourage that every child receives an outstanding level of education while also considering their Mental Health. As an HR, Training and Mental Health First Aid professional I hope my experience can support my fellow Governors, Senior Management, Teachers, Parents and Pupils navigate any challenges and celebrate many achievements to come.

Name 

Cathy Willoughby-Crisp

Category of Governor 

LA Governor

Area

Maths Faculty

Staff Link

Clair Alderman

Date Appointed

July 2022

Academic Background 

Educated at Notre Dame High School for Girls; Plymouth

‘A’ Levels in Pure Maths; Applied Maths and Physics

BSc (Hons) Mathematics; Royal Holloway College, University of London

Career Background

MY career spans 40+ years in Aviation. Primarily, as an Operational Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO); and with the last 18 years, within Air Traffic Control and Airfield Operations Management.

ATCO career initially as a Commissioned Officer in the Royal Air Force for 8 years; a short spell at Gatwick Airport followed and retired in July 2022 from Bournemouth Airport, after 32+ years of service there.

Personal Background 

Born and raised in Plymouth, Devon. Settled in Dorset after leaving the RAF, due to training for my ATCO Civil Licence. Now living in Verwood; married, no children.

Previously a Generalist Advisor with the Citizens’ Advice Bureau. Hold Certificates in Counselling Skills and Mental Health Awareness.

Why Ferndown Upper School? 

I am keen to fill my time in retirement in a meaningful way and look to various options within which I could experience a range of different interests and challenges; whilst using my skills and life experiences to the benefit the community.

Name 

Andrew Gilbert

Category of Governor 

Co-Opted Governor

Area

Sports and Health Faculty

Staff Link

Ryan Ellis

Date Appointed

July 2022

Business Background

I have worked for JPMorgan Chase for over 22 years where I have held a number of different roles in both Operations and Technology managing diverse global teams

Personal background

Born in the West Midlands I moved to Ferndown as a teenager where I attended Ferndown Upper School graduating from sixth form in 1994, I am married and have 2 boys both currently being educated through the Ferndown schools

Why Ferndown Upper School?

I have always been keen on the development and growth of individuals and, with the personal connection having attended the school I wanted to get involved and see where I can help and contribute

Name 

Tristram Hobson

Category of Governor 

Co-Opted Governor

Area

Staff Link

Date Appointed

December 2022

Academic Background

I graduated from The University of Edinburgh with a degree in Business and Economics in 1991 and undertook a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at Sheffield the following year. Professional qualifications include the National Professional Qualification for Headship.

Professional Background

I started teaching in 1992 at Hereford Sixth Form College, then moved to Wimborne to become Head of Business Education at Queen Elizabeth School. In 2002 I moved to St Edmund’s School, Salisbury as Deputy Headteacher. I was lucky enough to take part in a teacher exchange to Australia for a year in 2006.
In 2012 I was appointed as the first Headteacher to create a brand new secondary school in Swanage. I retired from Headship and teaching in 2020.

Personal background

I am married and have two grown up sons. We have lived in Dorset since 1997. I am a very keen cyclist and enjoy getting out as much as possible.

Why Ferndown Upper School?

As a retired Headteacher, education is what I know about. It felt like an obvious thing to not let that skill set go entirely to waste. After speaking with Phil Jones (Headteacher), who I’ve known for many years, I decided that I might be able to play a small part in Ferndown Upper’s continued success.

Name 

Lucy Giles

Category of Governor 

Staff Governor

Date Appointed

January 2022

Academic Background 

I studied at Ferndown Upper School from 2011-2016 as part of the lower school and Sixth Form. I then progressed on to higher education, my undergraduate in English Literature at the University of Winchester, and then furthered my studies by completing a Masters in English Literature at the University of Winchester. At present, I’m currently working towards my Level 6 Diploma in Careers Leadership.

Personal Background 

I live in Ferndown having relocated with my parents from London several years ago. I have a great love for the local area and am an avid sports fan. Before working at Ferndown Upper School, I worked at The University of Winchester for four years as an Associate Ambassador. I have a great love for education and believe there are always new things to learn!

Why Ferndown Upper School? 

As an Ex-Student I was really keen at the opportunity to join the school as a member of staff in order to give back. I first joined in 2019 as a Teaching Assistant and have now progressed to being the Head of Careers. As a member of support staff, I’m delighted to be on the board of governors and bring a fresh perspective to the role.