Holiday

Arttu Rajantie 

Chair of Governors, Link Governor for Science

I was elected as parent governor in 2013. I chaired the Learning and Teaching Committee from 2016 to January 2020, when I became the Chair of Governors. I have two children currently at Highdown, and one already at university. Originally from Finland, I have lived in Caversham since 2005. I work as a professor of theoretical physics at Imperial College London.  

Marco Cuttin 

Vice-Chair of Governors, Chair of Audit Committee, Link Governor for Maths 

My son studied at Highdown from 2012 to 2019. I joined the Governing Body as elected Parent Governor in 2017. In September 2019 I became Appointed Governor. I chaired the Finance Committee from January 2020 to September 2020, when I became Vice-Chair of Governors. Originally from Venezuela, between 2008 to 2010 I was Member of the Board of the International School of Caracas (Venezuela). In 2010, I moved to England and since then I have lived in Caversham. 

Jocelyn Crowland 

Clerk to the Governing Body

Moving from Thame to Caversham in 2005, this is my tenth year working at Highdown mainly with the data team – one of my jobs being collating and sending out the information parents receive in reports. I have to admit that my favourite days at school are when I help handing out the exam results envelopes to the student – love to see their faces when they realise their hard work was worth it. My twins have just started their second year at university so I have time to take on this additional role. 

Wayne Edwards 

Link Governor for Safeguarding and Careers 

I have been part of the Governing Body since July 2019. I live in Woodley, and I have been in the teaching profession for 25 years. In my current role I am a principal of a school in North London. I enjoy working as a governor, as I can support the strategic direction of the school. As the Chair for the Finance Committee, I can use my skills that I use daily to support the school in maintaining high financial management. 

Caroline Foulkes 

Learning & Teaching Committee Chair, Link Governor for Curriculum and for SEND

I have been an elected parent governor since November 2020 and have two children at Highdown. I work at the University of Reading in Initial Teacher Education having previously been a secondary science teacher, and before that a research chemist.  I enjoy working as a governor to help support and develop the strategic aims of the academy. I ask lots of questions to understand the reasoning behind decisions and the potential impact on staff and students! I am passionate about the provision of an enjoyable exciting curriculum that is accessible to everyone. 

Meredith Miller 

Finance, Staffing and Premises Chair, Link Governor for English

I was elected as a parent governor in April 2021, following 7 years on the governing board of a primary school where I was Chair of the Finance Committee. I have two children at Highdown. My role as governor is varied and I have been involved in interviewing staff, sitting on various panels, approving building projects and ensuring policies and guidance are adhered to.  I work as a Tax Director at a large accountancy firm. Outside of this, I am a keen (if slow) runner and am Treasurer (and violinist) at Reading Symphony Orchestra. 

Rick Larsen 

Staff Governor 

After many years of working in the service industry, most notably with the Jamie Oliver Group, I decided to take the dive into the teaching profession.  Part of my PGCE was completed at Highdown and I was delighted when I gained a teaching role within the Maths department of the Academy 6 years ago.  I put myself forward for election as Staff Governor so that I could give a little back to the school that has helped to shape me as an educator.  I hope to use my variety of skills and experience from management, business and education to maintain Highdown as one of the leading schools in the region. 

Elizabeth McCrum

I have a son in Year 9 and another in Year 6 who I hope will join his brother at Highdown next year. I am an experienced school governor of primary and secondary schools, most recently having spent 9 years as a governor at Thameside Primary School, the last 4 years as Chair. I have an understanding of educational issues and experience of strategic leadership through my work. I am a Professor of Education and am on the leadership team of the University of Reading where I am responsible for teaching, learning and student experience. I look forward to representing parents on the Governing Body of Highdown. I am really committed to and enthusiastic about the role.