Trustee Profiles

Trev has recently retired after working for the NHS (Commissioning) and Berkshire’s Local Authorities (Social Services and Public Health) for 37 years. He was Chair of Governor’s for a Reading Secondary School for 10 years and has also been a Governor at a Primary School. Trev is passionate about diversity and equality, about social education as much as academic education and ensuring that Denefield enables each young person fulfils their potential as they wish.

Appointed 25/05/22, term of office 28/03/2028

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

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.

Amy is currently a Senior Research Officer for Qualifications Wales. She is also a qualified teacher, having previously taught religious studies, philosophy and sociology for a secondary school in Oxfordshire. Whilst teaching, Amy completed an MSc in Comparative and International Education at the University of Oxford where she developed an interest in issues of equity and inclusivity in education. Amy is a member of the Standards Committee as well as the Trust Board.

Appointed 13/07/2022, term of office 12/07/2026

Steve is a father of three, one of whom has already been through Denefield, and his other two children are currently enrolled. Steve is an immigrant from New Zealand and works within the real estate sector for Kennedy Wilson as the Head of Retail.

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 SEND and Premises Trustee and sits on both the Resources and Standards Committee.

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

Olive is an experienced professional with 19 years in operational roles within Transport for London. In her current role as a Customer Service Manager for London Underground, she oversees the safe and effective running of station operations, has extensive knowledge of compliance, policy and process improvement.

Olive is also an advisory board member for a local charity supporting Berkshire families who have children and young people with disabilities.

Olive has one child attending Denefield School.

Appointed 08/02/2023, term of office 07/02/2027

Magdalena is currently a Global Mobility Senior Manager working for Equinix and responsible for global mobility operations in EMEA. She studied politics and international relations at Reading University before completing a tax accounting qualification with Deloitte and progressing her career within regulatory compliance. She has a keen interest in sustainability, DE&I and leadership development and wellbeing. Magdalena has one daughter at Denefield.

Appointed 21/03/2023, term of office 20/03/2023

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

Dawn is an accomplished and dedicated professional with extensive experience in the retail industry. With a passion for delivering exceptional customer service and a keen eye for business operations, Dawn has successfully managed various retail stores throughout her career. As a dedicated School Trustee, she brings her expertise and leadership skills to contribute to the development and success of our school community.

Dawn has two children attending Denefield.

Dawn sits on both the standards and resources committee and is the trustee lead for PE and extra curriculum activities.

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

Stephen is currently employed as the Head of Sales for a law firm and has over 30 years’ pharmaceutical sales and marketing experience and has been retained as a judge for an annual pharmaceutical sales award event for 6 years.

Stephen has 5 years’ experience as a school governor at a local primary school. He has held a number of roles within this time including: Vice Chair Resources committee, Chair of the Pupil Achievement committee, Chair of the Curriculum and Learning committee, Link governor for SEND, Chair of an exclusions panel, Head Teacher recruitment panel member, Head Teacher Performance Management panel member.

Stephen is also a trustee of the Purley Park Trust that provides supported living for vulnerable adults.

Stephen has two sons; the older will join Denefield in September 2023.

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

I am currently employed as Head of Business and Professional skills for a private training provider leading on Apprenticeships and Adult Education.

I have spent the last 15 years working in post 16 education, delivering and managing apprenticeships and full-time programs in local colleges and private training providers.  

I worked at Denefield in 2021, with the Exams Team, giving me good insight into day-to-day life at the school.

My experience has given me strong working knowledge and understanding of Ofsted, curriculum design and delivery, safeguarding and pastoral support.

I have two children, one currently attending Denefield and another who left in 2022.

This is my first role as a trustee. I look forward to supporting the school.

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

Parent Trustee Tony joins the board with a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years in technical support and services within the healthcare and hospitality sectors. His expertise in leading teams and managing complex technical environments makes him an invaluable asset, especially in areas concerning IT, Security, and Data.

Appointed in October 2023, Tony is committed to leveraging his technical background to enhance the board’s understanding and governance of emerging technologies, particularly the positive and negative impact of Artificial Intelligence within education. His role is pivotal in ensuring that the integration of these technologies aligns with the strategic vision of the school, fostering an environment of innovation and security.

Appointed 23/10/2023, term of office 22/10/2027

I am currently employed as Executive Assistant for the UK's largest water company, Thames Water. I'm proud to work for Thames Water these past 8 years, providing life's essential service to over 16 million customers across London and the Thames Valley and Home Counties.

I have 2 Denefield children, 1 currently in Denefield Year 7, so they are just starting their secondary journey, and a Denefield alumni now furthering their studies in Hairdressing at Reading College.

This is my first role as a trustee. Parents are important people 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 the 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 look forward to supporting the school as parent trustee.

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

Gemma is a Marketing Manager for a FTSE 100 company and has over 25 years’ experience in the Financial Services Industry.  Her current work focuses on informing and educating individuals from all backgrounds, on how their transferable skills and behaviours, no matter their work experience, can be easily transferred into an exciting and prosperous career helping others. Her role also involves mentoring graduates, and she’s heavily involved with her company’s DE&I strategies.

Gemma has two children, one currently attending Denefield and another who leaves in 2024.

This is Gemma’s first role as a Trustee, she has a keen interest in DE&I, SEND and further education, and she is looking forward to supporting the school.

Appointed 28/03/2024, term of office 27/03/2028