Members

Christopher Robinson Chair of Governors

Co-opted Governor

I was lucky enough to be appointed as one of the Parent Governors in October 2022 and was re-appointed as a Co-opted Governor in 2025. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to support the children, parents and staff by contributing to the Federation community. I have a background in HE and have worked for the University of Portsmouth for just under 15 years in a variety of professional services roles. I am currently the Student And Academic Administration Manager for the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. I have worked with a number of different professional bodies and quality assurance regulators, including the NHS and the Department for Education. My daughter is currently at Wallisdean, so I am really keen to see staff and parents working together to provide the best possible environment and opportunities for the children to learn and play.

Samantha Hoggarth Vice-Chair of Governors

Co-opted Governor

I am a parent of two children at the school, with one currently in the Pre-School preparing to start in the Infant School, and the other in the Junior School.

I have served as Co-opted Governor since 2022 and bring a background in education, including experience in inclusion, teaching and behaviour.

I am passionate about supporting children and families and am committed to helping ensure the very best outcomes for all pupils.

As both a parent and a governor, I value the importance of creating an inclusive, supportive environment where every child feels encouraged, valued and able to reach their full potential.

Andrew Feltham

Parent Governor

I am a Parent Governor at Wallisdean, appointed in November 2024, and have two children at the schools, both in the Infant School.

I bring a background in budget and data analysis, along with experience in strategic planning and I support the governing body in areas such as financial oversight, effective use of data and long-term planning.

As a governor, I am committed to helping ensure the schools are well supported, well managed and continue to provide a safe, positive and high-quality learning environment. I work with the governing body to provide appropriate challenge and accountability, ensuring the best possible outcomes for all children across the federation.

Samantha Gardner

Co-opted Governor

My son is now in Wallisdean Junior School but has attended the schools since Pre-School. I work as a Quality and Data Manager within a local NHS doctor’s surgery, which allows me to use my skillset to help analyse data within the Resources Committee. I became a Governor to have the opportunity to help support the schools to develop their nurturing and stimulating environments for the children and to gain an insight into how a school runs and the issues they face.

Luis Johnson

Co-opted Governor

I am the owner of a third-party fulfilment company that supports brands globally. With my internal audit experience from a top UK university and the perspective of a parent with a child at the school, I am committed to providing the best possible education for all students. As a new governor, I am eager to learn and bring fresh perspectives to the board. I am dedicated to fulfilling the role of a governor by contributing my skills, knowledge, and passion towards achieving the schools’ goals and ensuring the success of their students.

Niki Paton

Co-opted Governor

I have been a Wallisdean parent since September 2020, a tough time for a child to start school but I was blown away with how well the school did with welcoming the children, supporting the parents and making that new environment as welcoming as possible. I am really enjoying this opportunity as a School Governor to now be able to help support the children, parents and all of the school staff.

I work in Operations for a Sporting National Governing Body, so I am hoping to use my skills of working with various stakeholders, young people and their parents to support the Federation and the community it has built to achieve their goals and all future aspirations for the school and the children.

Jill Phelan

Staff Governor

I have had links with Wallisdean for the past 19 years, initially as a parent, the youngest two of my five children attended Wallisdean schools, and as a member of staff for 16 years, currently working across the Federation as an HLTA. Throughout my career at Wallisdean I have developed a strong understanding of its values, culture and commitment to supporting pupils' learning and wellbeing. I have also been an active member of the PTA since 2009, working collaboratively with staff, parents and the wider community to support school initiatives and enrichment opportunities. I am passionate about contributing my experience and insight to help the federation continue to thrive and deliver the best possible outcomes for all pupils.

Michelle Young

LA Governor

My name is Michelle Young, I have been a governor for a number of years now and have really enjoyed seeing both schools develop and thrive. I have a special interest in Wallisdean as I attended the schools myself as a child. Another passion of mine is the education of children and young people and I have a particular specialism in the younger children in the school as my own career is centred around early years. I currently work at a local college educating older children to care for early years children. The skills I have gained through my career and also being a parent myself all help me to support the direction of the schools.