Week B

Arttu Rajantie 

Chair of Governors 

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 

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. 

Rachel Entwistle 

Clerk to Governors 

I have been Clerk to Governors since January 2020. Until recently, I also worked at the school, however I enjoy my work with the Governing Body so much that I chose to stay in this role after pursuing a career change. Being a Clerk is a varied role, helping to ensure that Highdown is compliant in all aspects of governance. I have a keen interest in education, especially in the areas of inclusion and diversity, and am glad to be able to use my skills to help Highdown be a credit to our young people. 

Wayne Edwards 

Finance Committee Chair, 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. 

Sabiha Siddiqui 

Co-Link Governor for SEND

I am passionate about ensuring the development of a high-quality learning environment for students with special educational needs and bring in a diverse portfolio of personal and professional experience to my governor role. I hold 30 years of experience as a childcare practitioner in Social Care supporting children and young adults with complex health needs. I am keen to raise awareness of supporting neurodiversity in the classroom setting, and I look forward to seeing the development of this crucial agenda item which should be a central part of tailoring education to meet the needs of all our students. 

Caroline Foulkes 

Learning & Teaching Committee Chair, Link for Curriculum 

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 

Audit Committee Chair, Co-Link Governor for SEND 

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.