Meet our Local Committee Members

Rinku has a daughter in year 3 and therefore is personally invested in the school. Her background is in Banking working firstly in finance and currently in operations and oversight. She hopes the skill set she has built up will be of value to the school and assist Rushy Meadow continue to improve and be a place both the children and staff thrive.

Term of Office Ends: 6th July 2027

Appointed by: Parents

Paul is currently the Head Teacher at Rushy Meadow Primary Academy. Paul has experience as a senior leader within both the private and state sectors. He is a keen reader, who loves learning and recently achieved a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership. Paul is passionate about developing future leaders and is a Training Facilitator for the National Professional Qualifications. Paul became a staff governor in September 2022 when he was appointed as Head Teacher. His personal philosophy is that everyone connected to the community should look forward to coming to school each day.

Term of Office Ends: N/A

Appointed by: N/A

Kathryn is South African and moved to the UK in 2020. Kathryn started working at Rushy in March 2021, after the pandemic, it was the first school that she had taught at in England and felt at home in Rushy. Kathryn has spent most of her career as a Key Stage 1 teacher, watching children being able to do tasks that they were not able to do before is the best part of my job. Kathryn is the Science lead at Rushy Meadow, where she ensures that coverage of the national curriculum is reflected across the school and that each child has an enriching experience where they are exposed to various careers in STEM. Kathryn is a member of the PTA, and together with a team of fantastic parents plans events to raise money for the school. As a new member of the governing body, Kathryn looks forward to working with the Governor's board in helping make Rushy Meadow a safe and enjoyable experience for both pupils and staff. Kathryn is passionate about ensuring that all pupil's needs are met and ensuring that Rushy excels in all it does.

Term of Office Ends: 1st October 2027

Appointed by: Staff

Term of Office Ends: 29th June 2030

Appointed by: Staff

Alex joined the school as Parent Governor in September 2022, he has a son in year 2, a nephew in reception and a second son looking to start at Rushy Meadow in 2027 meaning he has a keen interest in the school and its community. Alex is a chartered quantity surveyor and project manager with a background in civil engineering and environmental projects, he hopes to use his skills and experience to the benefit of the school and to assist the team in making the school the best it can be for all its pupils, staff and parents.

Term of Office Ends: 21st January 2027

Appointed by: Parents

Jan has always had an enthusiasm for education and trained as a teacher after having her three children. Jan taught in schools in Merton and then Sutton and was, for the last seven years of her career, head teacher of a Sutton school. Jan believes that all children should be given the opportunities to develop to their potential. Jan is delighted to be co-opted to the local governor committee for Rushy Meadow and is keen to support the work of the school. Jan has an interest in literacy, in particular reading, and also in early years education and in art.

Term of Office Ends: 4th September 2030

Appointed by: Local Committee

Laura Paterson joined the Local Committee Governing Board in 2024-2025. Her governor biography will follow shortly.

Term of Office Ends: 29th June 2029

Appointed By: Local Committee

Catherine is a policy professional with over 15 years’ experience working in Parliament. She provides strategic and operational support to a Member of Parliament and has a keen interest in social mobility and improving educational outcomes. She has lived in the Borough all her life and has a young family.

Term of Office Ends: 11th January 2028

Appointed by: Local Committee

Recently retired, Val has dedicated much of her career to the education sector, working as a Personal Assistant supporting Headteachers and Senior Leadership Teams. She has always been passionate about education and firmly believes that supporting the workload and wellbeing of teachers is essential to enabling them to help children reach their full potential.Val is delighted to be co-opted onto the local governing committee for Rushy Meadow and is keen to support the school in its ongoing work. She brings enthusiasm and commitment to the role and looks forward to contributing to the school’s success

Term of Office Ends: 2nd February 2029

Appointed by: Local Committee

Jess Schalkwyk - Staff Governor

Date of Resignation: 17.12.2025

Appointed by: Staff

Pauline Cook - Co-opted Governor

Date of Resignation: 17th July 2026

Appointed By: Local Committee