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Governors

For governance and financial information, please click the link at the top of the page for the Auriga Academy Trust

Jane Curzon - Chair of Governors

Co-opted Governor

Jane's daughter started at Strathmore School in 2016, and joined the governing body as a Parent Governor in May 2018.

From the time her child joined the school, she has experienced and seen staff provide an outstanding environment for the children to thrive and progress in all areas of education, personal care and independence. This stirred Jane's interest in being part of the governing body and to play a key role in representing parents and caregivers to continue in receiving a high standard of personal care and education for children.

Jane's background is within the media industry, working as a marketing specialist for large media companies including The Economist Group. Her skill sets includes management, budget responsibility, analysis, planning and project management. She is also the current Chair for our school charity Friends of Strathmore School (FOSS).

She is passionate about education and ensuring that the children receive the best opportunities so that they can reach their full potential. She considers Strathmore School to be an exceptional and inspirational school, and it is a privilege to be a member of the governing body.

Appointed by the Local Governing Board            

Term of Office 21/03/2022 - 20/03/2026 (Co-opted Governor)

Date of First Appointment - 16/05/2018 (Parent Governor)

 

Sarah Hurtado - Headteacher

Headteacher

Sarah Hurtado started at Strathmore 13 years ago as a Lead Teacher for ASD and previously worked as the Lead Teacher at an Early Years and Primary Resourced Provision at Buckingham Primary School in Hampton.  She is the current Acting Headteacher at Strathmore.

Sarah is an experienced educator who previously worked in primary and special schools in the UK and South America.  Sarah advocates the need for play both for younger Strathmore learners and those who are older.  She believes that 'switching children on to learning' through motivational, fun and active learning is the key to a successful education.  She is passionate about inclusion and working with colleagues from our co-located schools.  Her aim is that all Strathmore learners are treated as individuals with kindness by staff who are equipped with specialist skills using a curriculum that offers a rich breadth of opportunities so that they have what they need to get the most out of their lives once they leave Strathmore. 

She has 2 children and loves to spend any spare time travelling and exploring our beautiful world.  

Ex-officio

Term of Office - 25/05/2020   

Rebecca Branch - Co Vice-Chair

Co-opted Governor

Rebecca is an arts education manager experienced in developing and delivering high quality creative learning programmes, resources and training.  She has worked in hundreds of schools and settings across London, building partnerships to support creative teaching and learning and recently led on the schools’ engagement for ‘Steve McQueen Year 3’ – an artwork involving over 76,000 children.  In her spare time Rebecca enjoys cooking and reading, and is currently increasing her knowledge of all things football, thanks to her six year old son! 

Appointed by the Local Governing Board

Term of Office 05/07/2021 - 04/07/2025

Marc Dodi - Co Vice-Chair

Co-opted Governor

Marc was brought up in the local area, and has worked in FE and Sixth Form Colleges within the borough for many years. 

Marc is passionate about leading strategies within Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion across Colleges, developing operational policies to increase quality of student and staff experience.  Marc is a strong believer that diverse voices make better decisions. 

Marc enjoys setting challenging targets for others and encouraging a competitive team ethos in striving for excellence. As a leader specialising in Creative and Digital Industries, he strives to develop a culture that ensures all learners leave successfully.

Marc is new to governance, looking forward to assisting the board in developing and strengthening Strathmore School. 

Appointed by the Local Governing Board

Term of Office 07/07/2022 - 06/07/2026 

Dev Desai

Co-opted Governor

Dev joined us in September 2022. He is a parent of a child at the St Richard Reynolds campus. Professionally, Dev is a solicitor (specialising in dispute resolution in the real estate sector) and a partner at his law firm, Watson Farley & Williams LLP. He brings critical thinking, dynamism and assiduity to the Local Governing Body.

Appointed by the Local Governing Board

Term of Office: 26/9/2022 - 25/09/2026

Laura Dyer

Staff Governor

Laura has  worked in Strathmore school for 7 years, 3 years as a TA and 4 years as a HLTA. Before working at Strathmore she worked in a nursery as a room leader and the setting senco. She has 3 children, one of whom is disabled.

Appointed by the Local Governing Board       Term of Office 05/07/2021 - 04/07/2025

Alexander Lee

Co-opted Governor

Alex is the Headteacher of Deer Park School in East Twickenham, and a resident of the local community. He was worked as a senior leader in Enfield, Hackney and Richmond schools, and is passionate about the provision of opportunities and personal development for young people. Prior to working in leadership, Alex was a Year 6 class teacher and is a graduate of the Teach First and Future Leaders programmes. He is now an NPQH mentor for Teach First, a mentor for Sutton Trust students, and sits on the selection panel for the Morehead-Cain scholarship. Outside of these roles, Alex enjoys the outdoors with his wife, two small children, and reasonably well-behaved dog.

Appointed by the Local Governing Board

Term of Office 05/07/2021 - 04/07/20254

 

Mitch Pender

Co-opted Governor

Mitch is both an entrepreneur and investor.  Earlier in his career, he was an entrepreneur, having helped create several technology businesses.  He later transitioned to investment management, where he has primarily focused on early and mid-stage investments in the UK and European technology startups.  An MBA in Finance from HEC Paris has provided a bridge between operational and investment roles in the tech-startup community. 

Mitch is a resident of Sheen, and he has a son in primary school and a daughter with additional needs.

Appointed by the Local Governing Board

Term of Office 21/03/2022 - 20/03/2026 

Sarah Terrey

Staff Governor

I am Sarah Terrey, I have been a teacher at Strathmore School for over 5 years and I am currently the teacher of the EYFS and KS1 class at our Russell campus. I was introduced to the Strathmore Governing body by my employer when a vacancy became available for a staff governor.

I have worked in education for over 15 years in a range of educational roles, primarily all my roles have involved working with pupils with special needs and ensuring the best outcomes for them.

I am passionate about education and ensuring I provide the pupils I teach with the best opportunities for learning and being part of our community. I like to provide our pupils with experiences to enrich their education and their time at school.

I enjoy spending my weekends with my family and friends which often means I can be found at our Rugby club supporting my son and his team. I am a keen Harlequins fan! I can also be found walking my two dogs or in my garden.

Elected (unopposed) by staff 

Term of Office 01/01/24 - 31/12/27 


John Watkin (Stepped Down)

Co-opted Governor

Appointed by the Auriga Academy Trust   

Term of Office 04/04/2019 - 31/08/2023

Thomas McFall (Stepped Down)

Co-opted Governor 

Appointed by the Local Governing Board

Term of Office 23/09/2020 - 31/08/2023

Aminta Townshend (transferred to another GB)

Parent Governor

Appointed by the Local Governing Board

Term of Office 21/03/2022 - 25/09/2023 

Amy Upton (Stepped Down)

Staff Governor

Appointed by the Local Governing Board

Term of Office 05/07/2021 - 31/12/2023