The Governing board

• Deena Lamela-Panthaky
  Chair and Quality of education
  Deena Lamela-Panthaky

  Words I use to describe Earlsfield Primary are dedicated, amazing, fun!

  
  I have worked in education since 2001 seeing first-hand the impact (positive and negative) organisations and especially schools have on young people, aspirations and ability to fulfil potential. It is vital that the interests of all children be at the heart of school decision making.

  By being a welcoming, adaptable, receptive school, keen to smile not frown, our children are bright, curious, happy, and principled. I strive to continue to achieve this as a Governor at the school.

  My roles involve feedback, working with data, analysis and research shaped provision. Building on improving existing structures, developing new innovative practice to provide best, measurable outcomes. I aim to apply this experience to my role as governor.

  Having two children at the school I am keen to ensure the school continues to successfully navigate the next four years and beyond.

• Ivor Sokolic
  Vice Chair, Chair of QEW and Data Governor
  Ivor Sokolic

  I moved to Earlsfield in 2014 and my two children attend Earlsfield Primary School. I became governor because the school shares many of the same values that I prioritise in my own role as a university Lecturer, such as making education accessible for all and preparing students for life-long learning. I have worked at a number of universities and have extensive teaching and course design experience. I also act as a BA Programme Lead, where I oversee the design and strategic direction of educational programmes. In addition to teaching, I am an active researcher and specialise in using novel data analysis techniques to study how societies recover from conflict.

• Joe Jennings
  Chair of resources and Finance Governor
  Joe Jennings

  Both my parents were teachers, I grew up seeing the difference a good school can make to a community. I was state educated and firmly believe that having excellent schools is vital to giving fair opportunities which is why I have chosen to be a School Governor.

  I am a Charted Accountant and Risk analyst, I have worked at the Big 4, Retail Banking and now Investment Banking in Finance, Accounting and Risk roles. Working with and leading teams on a number of audits, accounting transitions and risk management projects.

• Hilly Bryde
  Headteacher
  Hilly Bryde

  I have been fortunate enough to have been a part of Earlsfield School since January 1999 when I joined as Deputy Head. I became Headteacher in September 2001 and feel very proud to be part of a wonderful school community where children, staff and parents make Earlsfield such a great place to work.

• Mahesh Karu
  SEND Governor
  Mahesh Karu

  I grew up in South London and moved to Earlsfield in 2023 with my wife to start our family. We feel very fortunate to have become part of such a wonderful community that cares for its young people and aims to see them thrive. I volunteered to become a governor so that I can support my community and Earlsfield Primary School to continue to help children grow, learn and be the best they can be.

  As a criminal barrister, I strive to help, listen and offer sound advice to deal with challenging problems. I hope that my experience and skills will be of service to the school in achieving its vision to develop every child to their full potential.

• Lizzie Maxwell
  HR Governor
  Lizzie Maxwell

  I am a mother of three children (my eldest is at the school) and an employment solicitor. My job has given me extensive experience in advising schools on a variety of HR related issues. I have helped governing bodies, headteachers and local authorities deal with some of the staffing challenges that can affect a school daily.

  I am passionate about the way a school can shape a child's educational development and I hope that my expertise will make a positive contribution to the continued success of Earlsfield Primary.

• Elizabeth Wickham
  Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare (PDB&W) Governor
  Elizabeth Wickham

  
  I have lived in this community for over 14 years and I have two little boys at Earlsfield Primary School. I feel honoured to be able to give something back to the school in which my children are being given every opportunity to thrive and develop. I work full-time as a family law barrister and also teach law to post-graduate students on a freelance basis. I hope that my skill set allows me to provide the right balance of professional support and challenge as a school governor. I am 100% committed to making sure that the school continues to be the best it can possibly be for the benefit of all its pupils.

• Paul Kimber
  Health and Safety Governor
  Paul Kimber

  My daughter is at Earlsfield, and I have been impressed with the school's commitment to supporting the needs of every child, and the drive to make the school experience enjoyable. I would truly like to contribute and support in the school's continued success, ensuring all children can fulfil their potential whatever their background or special educational needs.

  As a chartered accountant I hope my experience will offer skills that complement those of the existing board of governors.

• Rosie Gowers
  Staff Governor
  Rosie Gowers

  I have been a class teacher at Earlsfield for nearly four years and I feel incredibly lucky to be working in such a wonderful school. All stakeholders are dedicated to making EPS the absolute best it can be and I think it is the community spirit that defines us as an inspirational school. I really enjoy being a member of staff in a school which values the community so much. Our links with outside agencies, such as the Earlsfield Foodbank and the Home Cafe means that the school is an integral part of the wider community.

  I hope that as a staff governor, I will learn about other aspects of organising and running a school, as well as being able to contribute to our school community in more varied ways.

• Ryan Fiske
  Pupil Premium Govenor
  Ryan Fiske

• Simren Priestly
  Safeguarding Governor
  Simren Priestly

• Debbie Mayers
  Governor
  Debbie Mayers

  I have two young children at Earlsfield and have been very impressed by the standard of teaching and the effort that goes into making education an enjoyable experience for the pupils. I am passionate about the role education plays in ensuring that children have the opportunity to achieve their potential with the support and expertise of a good school. With my experience as a solicitor and compliance professional I hope I have the skills to complement the existing governors and I look forward to playing a part in helping the school continue its journey to excellence.

• Cathy Johnston
  Associate Governor
  Cathy Johnston

  I have lived in Earlsfield for 15 years and my three daughters attend Earlsfield Primary School. Â I feel fortunate our children are at a school that fosters such a strong sense of belonging, community and well-being. Â I believe these provide the best foundation for education, as students to begin their journey as life-long learners.

  My background and current work is as a paediatric speech & language therapist in the NHS in South London with a focus on provision of support and intervention in the early years. Â I am passionate about supporting health and education services to strive for the best outcomes for children in their local areas. Â I hope my experience working as a clinician and team lead in the NHS will contribute to the governing body in supporting Earlsfield Primary school as it strives to achieve the outcomes and aspirations it has for its children and school.

• Tamara Wilson
  Clerk to Governors
  Tamara Wilson

  Wandsworth Borough Council