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Governing Body
Amanda Sutton - Chair of the Governors
I joined the CSGS Governing Body as a Parent Governor in 2008 and became Chair in September 2016. I am a member of the Curriculum and Assessment, Finance, Estates Management and Personnel Committees. In addition to this, I am the Link Governor for Special Educational Needs, Pupil Premium and Attendance. As Chair of the Parents' Association for several years I established a good working relationship with staff, parents and pupils. Before taking time off to raise my 4 children, 2 of whom were students at Chis & Sid, I worked as a Money Broker. In the last few years I have had several roles in the voluntary sector and currently sit as a Magistrate. My aim as Chair of Governors is to ensure that all children at Chis & Sid have access to an outstanding education.
Dawn Bennett
I joined the CSGS Governing Body in September 2019 with a purpose and passion to make a positive difference to the lives of all our students. I’m a member of the HR, Estates, Finance and Change committees, with a special interest in Mental Health and Wellbeing. I’m Chair of both the very successful CSGS Parents’ Association and the CSGS Netball Association, which allows me to work with school staff and parents from all year groups to get things done. I’ve also been Chair for Colfes Parents’ and Friends’ Association for 7 years. Prior to having 2 children, both who’ve been students at Chis & Sid, I had a successful career in The City, working in Insurance for Willis Faber Dumas. Having grown up locally I've always wanted to give back and follow my passion for supporting the local community. I’ve fundraised for the Phoenix Centre in Bromley and facilitated for Bromley and Croydon Women’s Aid, running their Keys to Freedom course. I volunteer as a Covid Vaccinator, based at Downham in Bromley, which includes their Outreach programme. I’m an advocate of lifelong learning and love a challenge and new experiences.
Nick Butterworth
I was elected a Parent Governor in 2019 and became an Appointed Governor in 2023. My 7 years as a pupil here were instrumental in my getting into Cambridge for an engineering degree and then a PhD in mathematical modelling. Subsequently I spent 32 years in the City, at the Bank of England and JP Morgan Asset Management, the last seven years as an Investment Director. My son, brother, sister and father are also former pupils; my niece and nephew are in the sixth form.
I took early retirement from The City in 2019 and now tutor GCSE and A-level mathematics part time and occasionally “guest lecture” at Greenwich University. In my spare time I volunteer with “Friends of the Shuttle” improving the environment of this little, local river and I am also a keen “Park Runner”, looking to improve my PBs at various locations and add new ones to my list.
My school interests include Finance, the Curriculum, running the program of “Governor Learning Walks” across all subjects (with the Senior Deputy Headmaster) and supporting the exam process as an invigilator.
Jason Gardiner
I am a CSGS "old boy" and was fortunate enough to attend back in the 1970s, just after the school became mixed (and the wearing of caps became optional). I spent 35 years in financial services, mostly in the City of London, with companies such as Schroders, Aviva and Royal London. My experience included a number of director and head of compliance positions as well as working for regulatory bodies. I have recently moved into part-time consultancy work which means I have more time to devote to other interests like belatedly studying for a degree with the Open University and now taking a governor role with the school. I am married with two children, one of whom is currently with Chis and Sid. My outside interests include golf, cycling and supporting Charlton Athletic (through thick and thin). Whilst I am not an “education expert” I believe my experience stands me in good stead to contribute positively to the school’s continued success.
Tony Jenkins
I joined the CSGS Governing Body in January 2019 and hope to make a positive contribution through a blend of my skills and experience coupled with my enthusiasm for education. I taught mathematics at three different schools in the Borough of Bexley and I have a particular interest in the role that technology can play within education.
The challenge of preparing young people for their future in a rapidly changing world fascinates me. My eldest daughter currently attends the school and she has recently been joined by her brother. When not working or spending time with family I am a keen, albeit mediocre, tennis player.
david higgins
I joined the CSGS Governing body in November 2024, shortly after my son became a year 7 pupil at the school. My career has spanned 25 years, working for technology companies including Accenture and Trainline.com. I now focus an increasing amount of my time investing in tech companies inventing scientific solutions to address climate change. The opportunity to contribute to the ongoing success and development of CSGS while it adapts to an ever changing social, cultural and educational landscape is a challenge I relish. While not coming from an educational background, my experience allows me to offer a fresh perspective to contribute to the school.
In my spare time I am an avid rugby fan, volunteering at Blackheath rugby club, and in the summer months I enjoy cycling.
alexander robinson
Parent Governors
NICOLA dewar
I joined GSGS as a Governor in October 2023. I have a son in year 9 and a daughter in year 7. I have worked for over 25 years in the arts - currently as one of the directors of the Crafts Council where my areas of responsibility include education, participation and youth voice, research, advocacy, sector support and business development. I am also the chair of Intoart, a collective of artists who have learning disabilities and the President of the World Crafts Council Europe. I believe that creativity is important for everyone and essential for young people; both for their well-being and resilience and as a rewarding career.
Professor Caroline Garaway
I was elected as a parent governor in March 2021. My son is in year 10 and has enjoyed his time at Chis and Sid so far despite all the challenges that the pandemic has brought. I am an academic at UCL, being part of the Anthropology department with a research specialism in Environmental Anthropology. I study the impact of development and other environmental changes on fisher/farmers in the Mekong Basin and, closer to home, fishers and shellfishers in the Thames Estuary.
I am also Vice Dean of Education for our Faculty overseeing educational enhancement in the departments of Anthropology, Archaeology, Political Science, Economics, History, History of Art and Geography.
I am, and have always been, passionate about education and am extremely excited to have the opportunity to get involved in education at secondary level. Over the past year I have played a leading role in helping our staff and students (>5000 students >400 teaching staff) adapt to remote learning, so I am extremely aware of the challenges this has posed to the education sector. It has also made me keenly aware of how the pandemic has exposed structural inequalities in our society with respect to education, the digital divide, and the differential experiences of lockdown felt by students of all ages across the UK. I look forward to helping our Chis and Sid students in these critical years post pandemic.
Lindsay O'Neill
I joined CSGS as a Governor in April 2021. I have a daughter in year 11 and a son in year 9. I grew up and was educated in Surrey and have a degree in Biomedical Science and Business from Queen Mary & Westfield College, University of London (Now Queen Mary University) and a Masters in Social & Organisational Psychology from London School of Economics and Political Sciences (LSE). I worked for over 20 years in recruitment and HR, in large recruitment firms and KPMG. I have been privileged to live and work in London, Sydney, Hong Kong and Tokyo but now have my roots firmly planted back in the UK. I currently run my own business which I co-founded in June 2018, assisting young adults with the transition between education and the workplace. Being self-employed has afforded me the time to become more involved with causes that are important to me; education, mental and physical health and well-being. I am a Parent Digital Helpline Volunteer for YoungMinds and a qualified Mental Health First Aider for Youth.
Michael Stradling
I was elected as a Parent Governor in November 2017. My son is in Year 9. I was educated at a comprehensive school on the Isle of Wight and went from there to Pembroke College, Cambridge to read Philosophy. I then studied law and qualified as a barrister. I am a member of Grays’s Inn and was called to the Bar in 1998. I currently practise from 3, Temple Gardens, London and sit on the pupillage committee at my chambers. I have taught some advocacy courses to undergraduates at the University of Hertfordshire and usually end up as one of the judges at the National Criminal Advocacy Competition that is held there each summer.
Staff Governors
Faye Lopez
I have just started my fifth academic year at CSGS as a German teacher and Head of Learning. I was elected as a Staff Governor in July 2022.
Before I began teaching in the UK, I completed a degree in French and German at the University of Sussex, after which I taught Business English and English as a Foreign Language for 5 years in Freiburg, Germany. While in Germany I completed a Master's Degree in 'Bildungswissenschaften', pursuing my interest in Educational Psychology.
More recently, I managed an English language school in Guatemala, training teachers and teaching students of all ages. Outside of work I enjoy learning languages, travelling and I play football for a women’s team in London.
Lucy Bunn
I have a degree in Clinical Psychology and outside of education, I have qualified as a Level 2 netball coach, Level 3 personal trainer and have recently gained accreditation studying for an introduction to counselling course.
I joined CSGS as a teacher of Physical Education & Geography in 2015 and became a Head of Learning in 2018. I am proud to be an Old Sedcopian having studied at the schools sixth form.
Since arriving at CSGS I have been fortunate enough to train as a first aider, mental health first aider and Duke of Edinburgh Assessor. I currently head up the schools successful Netball programme and secretary the girl’s fixtures within the Bexley Borough. As part of the Netball Parents Association, I continue to work closely with Chair, Dawn Bennett to fundraise on behalf of girls sport.
I was elected as a Staff Governor in July 2023 and look forward to working closely with the board of governors moving forward.