Kevin Griffiths

After 45 years’ experience in special education, including 27 years as Headteacher of a special school and latterly as an Educational Consultant, I am delighted to be co-opted as a governor at Coten End as three of my grandchildren have hugely benefited from attending this school.

Now that I’m retired I am able to pursue my interests in music, theatre and walking. However, education remains my passion and I want Coten End to continue to be at the heart of the local community, knowing that children are safe, happy, enjoying and progressing well at school. In my professional life I always strived to create a culture of high expectations, ensuring teaching and learning was exciting, challenging and fun and where achievements were always celebrated. I believe Coten End has such an ethos and by providing additional scrutiny, support and challenge as a governor I wish to ensure the school continues to offer the very best education for every child.

Alistair Fox

After studying at the University of Manchester, I worked in industry for 10 years, designing automotive and energy management products before moving into sales and marketing. I’ve worked for large companies such as Microsoft as well as start-ups and smaller companies in the UK and internationally. For the past 15 years I have worked as a management consultant. I am a Chartered Engineer and have an MBA as well as technical qualifications. Outside of work I cycle, sail (very occasionally) and enjoy good beer. My eldest daughter attended Coten End and is now at Myton School. My younger daughter is currently in year 5. I became a parent governor in 2019.

Helen Thompson

It has been a privilege to serve the Coten End community as a Parent Governor since September 2019. There are new and challenging pressures on our young people. The partnership between parent/carer and Coten End Primary School is a special one, together preparing the children for the many changes in our evolving society.

I have two children who returned to Years 2 and 5 in September 2021 as well as two older children who have now moved to secondary school.  I have seen the school meet the needs of 4 very different personalities of child.

I have a career background as an Assistant Head including being Head of 6th Form and Head of Biology, having responsibility for staff professional development and coordinating 14-19 Education in South Warwickshire.

On the Governing body I am responsible for Governor training as well as being the link Governor for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

I look forward to being able to contribute more as a Parent Governor, bringing to the role not only my educational experience but that of an ever learning parent myself.

Claire Williams

I became a Parent Governor in February 2018 and Safeguarding Governor in 2021. Two of my children have attended Coten End and the school has done a fantastic job educating, nurturing and inspiring them. I am very keen to help maintain those very high standards and prepare our young people as best we can to face the challenges ahead.

I live in Warwick and work as a freelance journalist. I like to spend as much time as possible outdoors, walking, cycling, camping and exploring new places with my family.

Nick Williams

I joined Coten End as a class teacher in September 2012 as an NQT and I have mostly worked in Year 5 and 6 with a single year in Year 2. Up until this academic year, I was Year 5/6 Phase Leader and KS2 Mathematics Subject Leader and my roles prior to this were Year 2/3 Phase Leader and Computing Subject Leader. I am now Assistant Headteacher responsible for teaching and learning and post-Covid recovery.

It is a pleasure to work at Coten End and I particularly enjoy working in Year 6. I have always loved the Year 6 residential visit and working towards achieving brilliant results in SATs in May.

I am looking forward to being involved in the school's governance, helping develop the bridge between governors and school staff.

Away from school, I enjoy hacking my way around a golf course and running. I am also a keen supporter of Everton and I watch many different sports.

Nick Golsby

Following over 10 years’ experience working in secondary and higher education, I

am excited to join the governing board of Coten End Primary School. I look forward to making a positive impact on primary education with Coten End for pupils, parents and staff.

Currently I work as an Associate Professor in Engineering Design at Coventry University; this role sees me leading my discipline in curriculum development, quality education delivery and collaborating with leading institutes and industry.

In my own time I enjoy rowing with Warwick Boat Club, taking a scenic walk with my family and renovating our home.

Emma Sims

As a mum of two children at Coten End, I'm passionate about our school, its values and ethos and the well-being of its community.  I have worked at a Secondary School as a Teacher, Head of Department and Head of Faculty.  I have considerable experience in school management such as leading whole school initiatives, curriculum, budgets, staffing and school development.  I became a Parent Governor in February 2022. 

In my own time I enjoy going to the theatre, cycling, running and spending time with friends and family.

Paula Palade

I have a background in higher education as a lecturer, following my PhD in Electrical Engineering.  Currently, I work for Jaguar Land Rover as a Manager in Future technology, AI and Connected & Autonomous Vehicles, specialising in Ethics of New Technology and societal impact.

I am a Chartered Engineer with the IET, heavily involved in volunteering activities in engineering and STEM ambassador. I enjoy working at the interface between new tech, science, innovation and policy, providing benchmark and best practice.

I am excited to join the governing board of Coten End Primary School, share my experience and support the school. I became a parent governor in 2022, as my eldest son just started his educational journey with the school. 

Stuart Brill

I have over 10 years’ experience in Human Resources across a range of sectors and am currently a Senior HR Business Partner for a healthcare consultancy. 

I am excited to join as a Governor and to hopefully help the school go from strength to strength. I have two young children and so don't really have any spare time but when I get a moment enjoy cycling and (extremely!) amateur woodworking. 

Hannah Webber

It has been a privilege to join the governor board from Spring 2022. My background is in healthcare and higher education; I work as an NHS doctor at Warwick Hospital and teach medical students from two universities. As part of this role I sit on the clinical governance board for the trust which has some similarities in how the governors work within the school.

I’m a solo parent of two, both at Coten End, so I am very familiar with the juggling many families do at the school. I am very passionate about supporting particularly those children with added educational needs and hope to bring that experience, as well as my continual learning as a parent to the school governor role.

Outside of work and school life I enjoy gardening, being outdoors and a (fairly) healthy amount of coffee.