Welcome to our Governors’ section. 

Welcome to the section of the website where you can find out more about the school’s governors and the work that we do.

Our Governors are representatives of the parents, school staff and the local community. They meet every half term as a whole Governing Board.

The Governors are responsible for the overall policies of the school, making key appointments, monitoring the running of the school and having overall control of the budget.

Governors have a duty to regularly review the way in which the school is organised, monitor its achievements and to contribute to the development of the school. Governors work in partnership with the Head Teacher in every aspect of the school’s life.

Our Governors

Guy Bailey - Chair of Governors - Local Authority Governor

I joined the governing body in February 2017 shortly after I had relocated back to the area after a spell living and working in Asia. I became a governor in order to give something to the local community, share my experience, help to improve the school and to learn / develop professionally and personally in an environment outside of the private sector. I have a wide range of supply chain, procurement, and end to end business / operational management experience. I am also currently working to establish his own consultancy firm specialising in helping organisations to understand their carbon footprint, and to reduce it.

I live in Ashtead, I am married to Clarissa, and we have four young children together; three are now part of the school alumni and one is a current pupil. Most of my “spare” time is spent with the family enjoying travel, adventures, camping, cycling and generally having fun. I am passionate about food (have a bachelor’s degree in food science) and love to cook a good curry (from the time I worked and lived in Asia).

Claire Brooke-Wilson - Co-opted Governor

I am Ashtead born and bred and having attended Barnett Wood myself, the school holds a special place in my heart. I returned to Ashtead to start my own family and my children followed in my footsteps and had a very happy start to their education at Barnett Wood. During their time at the school, I was an active member of both the Friends of Barnett Wood and the Swimming Pool committee and went on the become a Parent Governor and subsequently, after they had moved on, I have stayed on as a co-opted Governor.

I work for a National Charity supporting new and expectant parents and volunteer for a local charity which aims to build positive mental wellbeing and confidence in young people. In my spare time, when not running around after 2 teenagers, I can be found enjoying the local countryside with my dog or a few peaceful lengths in the swimming pool.

James Sutcliffe - Vice Chair of Governors - Co-opted Governor

I have been a parent governor for just over 2 years now. I work in IT strategy in a logistics company and I became a governor to use my experience in strategy and governance roles to play a role in shaping the future successes of the children and school well beyond my term of office. When I'm not at work you will probably find me playing board games, watching NFL or spending a day at the cricket trying to keep as well hydrated as I can on a sunny day.

Sophie Bloxam - Parent Governor

I’ve been a parent governor since April 2021. I have more than 15 years’ experience in communications in education and technology, mainly working for large public relations agencies in London. My daughter left Barnett Wood in 2022 and my son is currently in Year 1.

I enjoy running and since last year am a keen member of Ashtead’s F45 HIIT community.

Marie Cast - Co-opted Governor

I have lived in Ashtead for the last 12 years with my husband and three children. I work in a local independent school teaching mathematics at secondary level. Before that I qualified and worked as a chartered accountant and have only just been appointed to the board of governors, and I am looking forward to getting to know the school community.

Kelly Headen - Co-opted Governor

I am the Head of Fostering and Supported Lodgings of a youth charity, a member of the senior leadership team and a Responsible Individual for Ofsted. I oversee the delivery of supported accommodation and services for Looked After Children and vulnerable young people. I have extensive experience in developing, shaping and implement large services across multiple counties in the south of England.  

I live in Ashtead with my young family and am a volunteer at Rainbows….which is often my favourite part of the week! In my spare time I enjoy anything arts and crafts related, going to the theatre and watching live music

Elizabeth Warren - Parent Governor

Becky Clements - Staff Governor

Andrew Hughes - Clerk to Governors

I am the Clerk to the Barnett Wood GB, a role which is often called the “back-office-boy”. My job is to save governors too much boring admin work.  I have clerked Governing Bodies since 2003, when I retired from my career in engineering.  Since then I have assisted about 60 schools with governance, ranging from 16 years as Clerk to one school, to an occasional sick relief at others.  I even spent a few years training new clerks.  It’s a worthwhile and interesting occupation, and I find my (current) six schools keeps me quite busy.  In my (little) spare time I play competitive bowls and fly microlights.