Winkfield Row, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG42 6NH

01344 882422

secretary@wsmschool.org

Winkfield St Mary's CE Primary School

Meet The Governors

Julian Brecknock - LA Governor/Chair 

 

 I have been a governor at Winkfield St Mary’s since 2012 and have held many roles in that time including SEN link, Curriculum link and more recently Co-Chair and currently Chair.  I got into school governance to help improve my understanding of how schools work and how I can use my skills in negotiation and strategic planning to help.  I most enjoy visiting the school when it is open, there’s an energy and positive atmosphere that is unique to Winkfield St Mary's. 

Outside of Governance I like to volunteer at a local dog rescue centre and spend time with my family, including my two teenage children, both of whom attended Winkfield St Mary’s and are now in their final years of secondary education.

 

John Sawford - Co-opted Governor/Vice Chair

 

I am now into my third year as a co-opted Governor having joined in September 2021. My two grown up sons attended St Mary’s in the late 90’s and I live locally, so when I saw the school was looking for Governors I had no hesitation in applying. Having retired back in 2020 from a career in Global Finance and General Management, I believe my professional experience brings a different skill set into the School Governance environment. Having been elected into the role of Vice Chair for this academic year, living locally and being retired allows me to be very participative in support of the school. 

I look forward to continue working with Mrs Tomkins and her Senior Leadership Team as we strive to make Winkfield St Mary’s the primary school of choice in our community. 

 

Louise Farrar - Co-opted Governor

It is a privilege to be a member of the Governing Board at Winkfield St Mary’s. I have been teaching for 30 years, primarily in Early Years and Key Stage 1 and have held a variety of leadership roles. I am currently Head of Pre Prep at Lambrook School with a particular interest in pupil wellbeing and curriculum development. I very much enjoy using my skills and knowledge to support the Head, staff and Governing Board to ensure the best possible education for each pupil and to ensure that the school continues to thrive.

 

Lisa Fazey - Staff Governor

Being appointed as staff Governor at Winkfield is a privilege. Having worked at St Mary's, in various roles, for the past 7 years has enabled me to gain a deeper understanding of the education system and how to support children on their learning journey. Being able to help nurture each child's learning along with building relationships with parents is an important part of my role as a class teacher. My family and friends are really important to me and I love spending time with them, whether that maybe be a game of badminton or a meal together. I hope to continue building upon our schools firm foundations by following our school and Christian values.

 

Revd. Patrick Mukhol - Foundation Governor

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I am originally from Kenya trained as an Agricultural Engineer and later called by God to the Church ministry. As a Foundation Governor I am appointed by the Diocese. I am responsible for the foundation Christian ethos of the school to ensure that it is sustained and developed. I keep and maintain links with the St Mary’s Winkfield Church and the Diocese of Oxford. It is my role to help focus all decisions and discussions within the context of the Christian foundation of the school.

I also monitor pastoral care within the school, which includes pupil welfare.  The spiritual care of the school community is especially important.

All children Christian or not are valued by God and the church and are individually unique. Together with other governors, we have a mission to help each pupil to fulfil their potential in all aspects of their personhood: spiritually, academically, socially, morally and physically.

 

 Gurmit Hunjan - Co-opted Governor

 

 

 

 

 My name is Gurmit Hunjan. I am a graduate in Engineering and PGCE in science from Brunel. I have experience and understanding of Educational System. I became recently a co-opted Governor in September 2023. I am the Designated Lead Governor for Safeguarding. My hobbies are reading, swimming, long walks and travelling.

 

Steven West - Co-opted Governor

I am a former chair over Governors at a large primary school in Surrey and have two children at Winkfield St Mary's. 
In my professional career, I am the Human Resource Director of an organisation in the Public Sector and have a small consultancy business. I am a committed Public Servant and people-professional with significant experience leading teams and delivering cultural change. I am a driver of leadership and organisational development who embeds impactful and sustained improvement.
My professional credibility in HR, leadership and civil contribution has been acknowledged through my award of Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and Chartered Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. 
In my spare time, I enjoy personal fitness, spending time with my young family and watching Tottenham Hotspur football club, where I am a season ticket holder.
 
 

Rachel Tomkins - Head Teacher

I have had the privilege of being the Headteacher at Winkfield St Mary’s since September 2022. With over 12 years of teaching experience across the primary phase, I also hold a specialism in  Early Years education and Special Educational Needs (SEN). I am dedicated to ensuring that every child, regardless of their individual challenges, receives the support and encouragement they need to reach their full potential.

Throughout my career, I have worked with a wide range of students, always striving to create an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and can succeed. I believe in nurturing both academic and emotional growth, fostering resilience, and encouraging a love of learning through a multitude of awe and wonder experiences. As Headteacher, I am committed to working closely with our families, staff, and governors to ensure that Winkfield St Mary’s continues to be a school where every child feels supported and inspired. I look forward to the journey ahead and am excited to continue making a positive impact on the lives of our children.

Holly Moore - Deputy Head/Associate Member 

I joined Winkfield St Mary's as the Deputy Headteacher and SENCO in September 2022. I am currently an Associate Governor and enjoy supporting the governing board with SEN and whole school development alongside the Headteacher. My passion is supporting all children in achieving their potential and immersing them in wisdom and wonder to live their life to its fullest.
 

Cesar Fraguela Rodriguez - Parent Governor

I joined the Governing Board as a Parent Governor in December 2024. I moved from Spain to Bracknell in 2008. I work as a Finance Manager for an IT company. I am looking forward to learning more about the education system and working with the other Governors and Winkfield St Mary’s school staff to continue to deliver an optimal environment for the development of the children.

 

Suki Hayes - Parent Governor

I became Parent Governor in January 2024 and have learnt so much already within my first year. I currently have a daughter in Year 3 at Winkfield St Mary's and another who will hopefully join in September 2026.  I have worked for a Local Authority for over 14 years within the Children and Young People's Disability Service. This is a multi-professional service with a statutory responsibility for education and social care for children and young people with SEND.  As the Specialist Services Manager, I am responsible for ensuring that all our processes are carried out in-line with our statutory duties. My role includes the monitoring of budgets and having a close working relationship with multi-agencies, such as health and schools.  I work closely with the SEN team and assist with supporting in advice for EHCPs in relation to social care and commissioning. I was a Borough Councillor for Bracknell Forest for 12 years from 2011 - 2023. During this time, I sat on boards and panels for children and young people and education, including the School Accountability Board and I also Chaired the Corporate Parent Advisory Panel for the last 4 years whilst elected. The area of governance that I am most interested in is SEND and feel that my knowledge and experience are of benefit. I am an active member of the PTA and I have thoroughly enjoyed embracing and becoming a part of the school community. I want to see the school thrive and for the children to have access to the best facilities and teaching opportunities and to work together and ensure that whilst providing them an enjoyable setting for learning, they are also safeguarded and provided the best support.

 

 

Rachel Moss - Clerk to Governors

Prior to working as Clerk at Winkfield St Mary's Primary Schools, I was Clerk in another Bracknell Forest School for 12 years. I also Clerk to Governors at Ranelagh School. Before working in education I was a Housing Officer based in Staines and also spent some time as chef at Gatwick Airport. I enjoy cycling (though only when it's not raining!), knitting, reading and spending time with my family. I am also currently training to be a Licensed Lay Minister in the Church of England at Easthampstead Parish Church.

 

Bethany Beckford - Co-Opted Governor

Sharon Cakebread - Foundation Governor