Ashmead School

Governors (ID 1411)

• Emma Wright
  Chair of Governors
  Emma Wright

  Emma lives locally in Monks Risborough with her husband who is a primary school teacher, and two children. She was a Governor at an IAT School for 7 years, with the last 5 as Chair and was proud to work alongside the school on its improvement journey, resulting in a Good Ofsted rating in November 2022.

  Emma works full-time as Chief Medical Officer for a global medical device company and balances this with family life. Originally from the Northeast of England, Emma has a PhD from Newcastle University and spent 9 years working and living in the US, before return to the UK in 2011 for her children to embark on their education.

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• Michael Pearse
  Headteacher
  Michael Pearse

  I first joined Ashmead Combined School in 1999 as a trainee teacher – when I walked in for the first time I felt like I had come home. In the 26 years that followed I have dedicated my career to nurturing a school environment where creativity thrives, relationships matter, equality is championed, and every child is empowered to exceed expectations. I have taught in every Year across KS2, led teams in both lower and upper Key Stage 2, been Assistant Head for curriculum development, teaching and learning, and have been Head Teacher since 2008. I have led the School through four successful inspections and have watched Ashmead grow from a two form entry school of just over 500 pupils to a three form entry school with a Nursery with well over 700 pupils on roll. Whilst the faces have changed (and in some cases the walls too) what hasn't changed is my love for Ashmead School and my deep belief in the transformative power of education. Inspired by my predecessors, I have always strived to embed creative approaches across the curriculum, encouraging teachers to experiment, collaborate, and design learning experiences that spark joy and stretch imagination…. I truly believe that when I came to Ashmead School, I found my Roots and Wings.

• Nadia Amin
  Appointed Governor
  Nadia Amin

  I have been proud to serve as a school governor since March 2023. My connection to
  the school goes back many years — I first began working here in 1998 as an 18-year-
  old and have taken on a variety of roles over time. After gaining further experience
  elsewhere, I returned in 2015 as a teacher and have led our Reception team since
  2016.
  I am passionate about Early Years education and deeply committed to supporting
  our youngest learners. Having known many of our families and the wider community
  for a long time, I bring valuable insight into the needs and strengths of our school
  community. I also draw on my knowledge and understanding of different cultures to
  support and celebrate the rich multicultural diversity of our school.
  As a parent of two children currently at university, I understand the importance of a
  strong educational foundation and am proud to contribute my knowledge and
  experience to help shape the future of the school I care so deeply about.

• Gabriella Morales
  Parent Governor
  Gabriella Morales

  Although I haven't pursued teaching after obtaining my degree, I have always remained passionate about education. My daughter is on her journey as a very proud Ashmead pupil and being a parent governor allows me to share and shape the path she travels with her peers. I also support the school PTA where I can.

  I work at Numerator International, a global consumer data company, looking after the Data Processing and Platform Support departments. I am using my background and experience to focus on Achievement and Curriculum within our Local Governing Body.

• Kirsty Vockins
  Parent Governor
  Kirsty Vockins

  I have been a resident in the Ashmead School area since 2013 and am a proud parent of two children currently attending the school, in Reception and Year 4. I work at Buckinghamshire Council in Adult Social Care Commissioning, where I support the development of services through project work, practice improvement, and data analysis. I am passionate about contributing to the local community and supporting the school's continued success.

• Dr Alice Gallienne
  Co-opted Governor
  Dr Alice Gallienne

  I am currently the Deputy Head of School at Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School and a Biology teacher. My main responsibility as Deputy Head is student outcomes including raising standards and whole school data. Prior to my career in education, I worked as a Principal Clinical Scientist and obtained a PhD in Molecular Haematology, gaining experience at several large teaching hospitals. I have over 20 years of experience leading teams and managing staff. As a mother of two university aged children I also understand the challenges young people face and the importance of a strong education.