Governing Body
The Governing Body sets performance targets for all areas of life at St Matthew's School. This work includes such diverse subjects as the times of school sessions, the level of pay for teachers, the targets for pupil achievement and the balanced treatment of political issues. Many of the targets are informed by central or local government policies. Click here for a table of Governor information, here for our 2024/25 Governors Report and here for a copy of our Strategic Plan.
Anne Khan & Nick Woods- Co-Chair of Governors - 2025 - to present
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It is an honour and a privilege to serve the school as Co-Chair of Governors. As a current parent, I have a vested interest in ensuring the school continues to prepare our young people by nurturing friendship, inspiring discovery in learning, and placing prayer at the heart of school life. With two older teenage children, I recognise the value of the strong foundations built at St Matthew’s, and I’m keen to ensure we govern effectively so that today’s pupils receive the same benefits.
With a professional background spanning technology, project management and banking, I bring passion and energy to the governing body. I also draw on my experience of raising a multi-faith, multi-racial family to help prepare all children for a changing world.
I attend school drop-off and pick-up most days, so please don’t hesitate to chat if you have any questions. |
Both of my children enjoyed a wonderful experience at St Matthews and are now at local secondary schools. I’ve been lucky enough to be part of the Governing Body since 2017, and continue to learn something new with every visit to the school. Having spent my career in banking, I was soon asked to chair the Finance & Premises Committee and oversee the Maintenance Fund. Given the challenging financial position of all schools, I’m very happy to serve in this capacity. There is something very special about the school, with its strong link to St Matthews church and genuine feel of an extended community. With two sport loving children, I’ve always been pleased with the outdoor facilities and sporting provision across the school with something on offer for everyone whether they knew they were athletic or not! |
Julia Warner - Head Teacher
Amy Hollins - Foundation Governor
I have recently joined St Matthew’s Governing Body as a Foundation Governor. My connection to the school and church community runs deep - my two children are now in KS2, having been part of St Matthew’s since nursery, and as a family we have long been involved in both school life and St Matthew’s Church.
The school’s motto — Friendship, Discovery, Prayer — reflects exactly why this role matters to me. It captures the blend of community, curiosity and faith that makes St Matthew’s such a special place, and I am committed to helping ensure these values continue to guide our vision and decisions.
Professionally, I am a Chartered Accountant with a background in finance, controls, people management and HR. I bring these skills to the governing body to support strong governance, thoughtful challenge and effective oversight. I previously served as Vice‑Chair of Governors and Head of the Resources Committee in a very similar Lambeth school, and I draw on that experience to help St Matthew’s flourish as a faith‑led, nurturing environment for children, while ensuring we steward our resources wisely and balance budgets responsibly.
I care deeply about supporting a place where every one of our children is known, encouraged and able to thrive.
Christian Dingwall - Foundation Governor
I have been a foundation governor of St Matthew’s School since early 2020. I am a member of the Finance and Premises Committee and the link governor for the music curriculum.
As a foundation governor I was appointed by the parish council and share a responsibility for the school’s Christian ethos. The school has a strong bond with St Matthew’s Church where I am a regular attender. I believe that the connection is a valuable one that should be nurtured and maintained.
I have a strong personal and professional commitment to public service values. Throughout my professional career as a solicitor I have acted mostly for NHS bodies. Much of my work is advice about and support for good governance, regulatory compliance and organisational development.
Ollie Garner - LA Governor
I am delighted to work with the St Matthew’s community as the Local Authority appointed governor. As a Head of Year in a local secondary school, I am delighted to chair the Curriculum and Standards Committee, driving forward our academic vision for the school. I am a strong believer in an inclusive education and always look to champion pupils with additional needs. A modern languages teacher myself, it is a pleasure to see how languages are used in the St Matthew’s classroom and how the wonderful teachers are preparing the pupils so well for a lifelong love of learning. In addition, I am the Safeguarding Governor for the school. For this role, I not only receive a range of statutory training myself, but I am also a safeguarding lead at my own school and responsible for providing advice and support to colleagues and pupils. Away from school, I enjoy volunteering in my local community and am an avid follower of English cricket.
Alastair Newman
I have been the curate at St Matthew's Church since 2020, and ex-officio governor at St Matthew's School since 2023. The link between the school and church communities is a strong one, and people feel they are part of 'one big family'. The school has a distinctive Christian ethos, but I am committed to the flourishing of every child: educationally, emotionally, and spiritually. I enjoy leading collective worship at the school, as well as welcoming the school to church for services or to show the children around. I am a member of the Curriculum and Standards Committee, the link governor for the RE curriculum, and run a weekly chess club at the school. I am also a parent of two children at the school. Before ordination in 2020 I was a Partner at a firm of Patent Attorneys in central London. In my free time I enjoy music, sport, British TV comedies, baking bread, cooking (and eating) curry, and drinking coffee or real ale.
