Trustee Profiles

Stephen is Chair of Trustees at Denefield School, having joined the Trust Board in May 2023. He brings extensive experience from the commercial, research, charitable and education sectors, with a particular interest in effective governance, strategic leadership and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Stephen is the Director of Depths of Paradise CIC, a community interest company undertaking historical and heritage research with a particular focus on Grenada and the Caribbean, and the Director of Grenada Research Associates, which provides professional genealogical, family history and probate research services.

Earlier in his career, Stephen gained more than 30 years’ experience in sales, marketing and business development, in the pharmaceutical and legal sectors. He also served for six years as a judge for an annual pharmaceutical sales awards programme.

Before joining Denefield, Stephen spent five years as a governor at a local primary school, where he held a number of leadership and governance responsibilities. These included Chair of the Pupil Achievement Committee, Chair of the Curriculum and Learning Committee, Vice Chair of the Resources Committee and Link Governor for SEND. He also served on exclusion, Headteacher recruitment and Headteacher performance management panels.

Stephen also has wider experience in the charitable sector, including serving as a trustee of Purley Park Trust, which provides supported living and support for vulnerable adults.

As Chair of Trustees at Denefield, Stephen works with fellow trustees and the school’s leadership team to provide strategic oversight, challenge and support, helping to ensure strong educational outcomes and the long-term success of the school.

Stephen is also a Denefield parent, with both of his sons attending the school, giving him a personal connection to the school community alongside his responsibility to represent the interests of all students and families.

Appointed 17/05/2023, term of office 30/08/2029.

Steve is a father of three, two of whom have already been through Denefield, with his last child currently enrolled. Steve is an immigrant from New Zealand and works within the real estate sector for Schroder’s as their Lead Asset Manager.

Steve is a serial volunteer, having been a cub scout leader, the coach of his son’s rugby team, and the coach of his daughter’s football team. A general lack of sporting ability and knowledge has not stopped him. Steve was previously a Trustee at Denefield for four years up until his term expired in 2020.

With one of his children having the daily challenges of special needs, Steve has a particular interest in making sure that SEND students have access to an inclusive education, and a supportive team of educators and staff dedicated to their success. Steve is the Premises Trustee, Chair the Resources Committee, and is the Vice-Chair of Trustees.

Appointed 01/02/2023, term of office 31/01/2027.

Mr Towill has been appointed a Trustee by virtue of his being Headteacher at Denefield. 

He took up his position in September 2019 having worked at a senior leader level in two previous schools, including as both Deputy Headteacher and Associate Headteacher.

Adam is currently a software engineer working for Cisco on global phone systems. He initially trained as a Research Scientist publishing widely on Computer Networks, Systems and Security whilst at University College London.  He completed his PhD in mobile networks at UCL in 2012.  Adam has one son at Denefield.  As a trustee he takes a particular interest in policies and procedures and compliance issues.

Appointed 24/10/2019, term of office 18/10/2027.

Claire is an accomplished and dedicated professional with extensive experience in the world of media.

This is Claire’s first role as a Trustee, and she is looking forward to supporting the school.  Claire has a passion for mental health and communication.

Claire has three children, one child attending Denefield, another who left in 2022 and the eldest of the three attended Mary Hare.

Claire sits on both the standards and resources committee and is the trustee lead for communications.

Appointed 17/05/2023, term of office 16/05/2027.

Jennifer Mitchell is an In-house Employment Counsel for a telecommunications company. She advises her employer in all Employment law related matters.

This is Jennifer's first role as a Trustee, and she is looking forward to supporting the school.  Jennifer has a passion for Diversity and Inclusion as well as supporting children with special needs.

Appointed 17/05/2023, term of office 16/05/2027.

Helen is currently Head of Business and Professional Skills at a private training provider, where they lead on Apprenticeships and Adult Education. With over 17 years’ experience in post-16 education, Helen has delivered and managed apprenticeships and full-time study programmes in both local colleges and private training providers.

In 2021, Helen worked with the Exams Team at Denefield, gaining valuable insight into the day-to-day life of the school.

As a parent, Helen has two children connected with Denefield - one who is still a student and another who left in 2022. This personal link to the school, combined with extensive professional experience in education, gives Helen a strong understanding of both the challenges and opportunities within education today.

Appointed 13/07/2023, term of office 12/07/2027.

Mark is UK Director of Engineering at ChargePoint, a multinational electric vehicle charger maker. Before this, he was head of engineering at McLaren Applied, McLaren’s motorsport electronics and advanced engineering arm. Mark has an MSc in Computer System Design from Cranfield University and an MBA from the University of Surrey. Mark volunteers as a mountain & hillwalking leader, getting young people into the great outdoors.  He is on the trustee board and standards committee and advises DofE.

Appointed 13/07/2023, term of office 12/07/2027.

Lynsey is an experienced professional currently working for the UK's largest water company. 

Speaking as a Parent Trustee, parents are important to have on a governing body because, alongside the staff, no one is more concerned with the quality of the teaching and learning provision of Denefield. Having your child’s best interests at heart means that I'll also have Denefield’s best interests at heart, which makes me committed to Denefield’s continuous improvement for the benefit of your child.

I have two children, one currently attending Denefield and another who left in 2021.

                                                Appointed 02/02/2024, term of office 01/02/2028.

Sarah completed a Maths degree at The University of Birmingham and then also completed her PGCE there. Sarah then moved to Reading where she has been a Maths teacher in local schools for over twenty years. Sarah has been a Senior Leader within schools for over ten years. Sarah is passionate about our education system and all the benefits it offers our young people. Sarah is passionate about working with young people and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Sarah has two children, one of whom is currently at Denefield with the other hopefully joining in another year's time.

Appointed 13/06/2025, term of office 12/06/2029.

Amanda has worked in Human Resources for many years and is passionate about supporting people to reach their full potential.  Becoming a Trustee is an opportunity to give back to the local community and support a school that plays such an important role in shaping young lives.  This is Amanda’s first role as a Trustee, and she is looking forward to working with her fellow Trustees to support the school.

Appointed 11/02/2026, term of office 10/02/2030.

Further information for Kirsty will follow.

Appointed 01/09/2026, term of office 31/08/2030.