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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
Marco Cuttin 
Rachel Entwistle 
Wayne Edwards 
Sabiha Siddiqui 
Caroline Foulkes 
Meredith Miller 