Governance

The Governing Board is accountable to the Inicio Educational Trust which is in turn accountable to the Department of Education. Inicio is responsible for the money that has been delegated to the school.

The Local Governing Board oversees the running of the school and is also responsible for the standard of education the school provides. There are particular statutory responsibilities in relation to, for example, admissions, attendance and behaviour, curriculum, provision for children with special educational needs, premises, staffing, finance, complaints and inspections.

In essence, the conduct and overall management of the school is under the direction of the Governing Board. They work at the strategic level, the day-to-day management of the school is the responsibility of the Head of School, who reports to the Governing Board.Declaration of Interest 2025-2026

Our Governing Board consists of:

•  The Headteacher;
• Two Governors who are parents and are directly elected by the parent body;
• Two Governors who are employed by the academy and who are directly elected representatives of the staff;
• Four Co-opted Governors;
• Clerk to the Governing Body.

Governors are appointed for a term of 4 years. Parent Governors can complete their term even if their child leaves the School.

Governors also have particular responsibilities in the following areas:

• Academic Standards;
• Behaviour & Attitudes;
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion;
• Health & Safety;
• Personal Development & Wellbeing;
• Safeguarding;
• Vulnerable Groups;
• EYFS.

Andrew May - Headteacher

Thomas Rice - Vice Chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor

 I am a scientist with experience working across industrial, clinical and academic laboratories. My research background covers immunology, infectious disease and genetics. I have a passion for science and understanding the mechanisms of disease. I have taught undergraduate and postgraduate students in the classroom and the lab, and I am currently doing my research at a world leading London university. As a governor my motivation is to ensure equal access to education for all children. 

Cherry Bartholomew - Staff Governor

I have been a teacher for over thirty years and I have spent the majority of my career teaching in Croydon schools. I have taught mainly in Reception, although I have also taught in Nursery, Year 1 and Year 2 classes.  I have been at Orchard Way Primary School for seven and a half years. I am currently responsible for both EYFS and Key Stage 1. I am the assistant head teacher and the subject coordinator for science, RE, PSHCE and British Values.  Through my role, I am committed to the well-being and development of the whole child and I aim to make a positive contribution to the caring and community-spirited ethos of the school.

Lorna Crooks - Co-opted Governor

 I am a Civil Servant with the Home Office where I manage other staff and give lots of policy and operational support and advice. Working in a large organisation means I liaise with a lot of internal and external stakeholders. I am an active member of my church where I am the church clerk responsible for keeping the records and administration. In the past have been a foster sister and supported teenagers to become independent. I love spending time with the young members of my family, friends and church. One of my passions is to volunteer on projects which I have done for a charity (ADRA – Adventist Development & Relief Agency). I also love to be creative and am an expert knitter. I live locally and am keen to contribute within the community.

Mudassar Malik - Co-Opted Governor

 I am a parent governor for Orchard Way Primary School as well as a D&I governor and Trustee for other educational institutes locally.

I am fully committed to ensuring our children receive the best education possible through excellence in all we do, in order for them to flourish in the best way possible and to gain essential knowledge and skills for their future. I have a passion for openness, equality and fairness. I firmly believe we can all learn from each other, and the rich diversity of our pupils and their backgrounds. Together we are stronger as a community and can achieve more to prepare our children for life outside in a multi-cultural society with sensitivity and understanding, and true inclusion and equity for all.

My leadership experience from a number of other roles ranging from a senior role in the public sector, to my profession as a CIPS lecturer as well as my extensive involvement in the local community, being Chair of a private estate of over 300 owners in Croydon alongside being a member of SACRE Croydon allows me to appreciate the role of being parent governor. I aim to provide strategic support to the Governing Board, whilst holding to account the Head teacher and performance of our staff for better outcomes for our children.

Billy Perrin - Co-opted Governor

 I have a strong commitment to enhancing the educational experiences and outcomes for all students. I believe that every child deserves access to quality education, and I am passionate about playing a role in ensuring that our schools are responsive to the diverse needs of their students. I have worked in education for thirteen years, first as a teaching assistant before becoming a teacher. I am eager to apply my knowledge and experiences to contribute to the overall improvement of our schools, promoting an environment where every student can thrive. 

Amarjot Singh - Co-opted Governor

I am driven by a deep commitment to education’s transformative power and a desire to give back to my community. My professional background as Head of Cloud Transformation Advisory at AWS, combined with experience at a Big 4 consulting firm, equips me with strategic leadership, financial oversight, and risk management expertise that I am eager to apply in an educational setting.

I am passionate about preparing students for a rapidly evolving world and advocating for the strategic use of technology to enhance learning and equip young people with essential skills.  I am committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. My global perspective helps me value diverse ideas, and I believe in creating environments where every student feels  supported and empowered.

Romana Janku - Parent Governor

My two children attend Orchard Way Primary School (OWPS) and I’m an active member of the community and the current chair of the PTA. I am a Senior Global Portfolio Manager at Westminster Foundation for Democracy.  I’m keen to use my experience to add value to the Local Governing Board and to OWPS as a whole. 

Shauna Stewart - Parent Governor

As a governor I would love to help create the best outcomes for children and young people. I have experience as a youth worker, teacher in mainstream and referral units, and youth advocate.  I also serve on fostering panels supporting looked-after children. Beyond teaching, I’ve worked as a consultant on equity and inclusion and have been a charity trustee. As a parent at Orchard Way, I’m eager to contribute my skills and commitment to fostering a thriving school environment.

Please click on the link below for the Governor Meeting Schedule:

We are required by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) to publish attendance details of Governors Meetings:

Orchard Way Primary School Local Governing Body Committee Meetings, 6:30pm

Meeting 2 Thursday 27 November 2025

Meeting 3 Thursday 29 January 2026

Meeting 4 Thursday 7 May 2026

Meeting 5 Thursday 2 July 2026

OWPS Governors Attendance Record 2024-2025Please email the school office on officeowps@solamat.co.uk if you require agenda or minutes of any school governor meeting.