Governors
Greetings from the governing body at Kew Riverside Primary School. We are very proud of our small, welcoming school, which truly cherishes its diversity and inclusion and takes good care of each individual child. We work closely with Ardeep and the rest of the Senior Leadership Team to ensure our vision becomes a reality, constantly striving for improvement. Our work is carried out through regular meetings, as well as visits to the school to see first-hand how things are going.
The governors come from a wide range of backgrounds, to create a diverse team to support the Headteacher. Some are also parents or staff here, while the rest have no connection with the school other than a desire to help. If you are interested in discussing what is involved in being a governor, please feel free to contact us at governors@kewriverside.richmond.sch.uk
Kew Riverside Primary School (KRPS) Governing Body:
The Instrument of Government (click here) dated 25th September 2020 specifies that there are 12 governors, including 2 Parent elected, 1 Local Authority elected, 2 Staff (including Head Teacher), and 7 Co-Opted. There are two committees reporting to the Full Governing Body (FGB): Curriculum & Achievement (C&A); and Finance & Resource (F&R). Governors abide by a Code of Conduct (click here) which is reviewed annually. If you wish to contact the governors, please email governors@kewriverside.richmond.sch.uk
Ardeep Virdi (Headteacher)
Head Teacher
Current term of office: September 2022
Committees: C&A, F&R
Declared interests: None
Michelle Green (Chair of Governors)
Michelle Green (Chair of Governors)
Co-opted - appointed by FGB (Vice-Chair of Governors)
Current term of office: December 2021-December 2025
Committees: C&A, F&R
Other roles: Link governor for Safeguarding
Declared interests: None
I am Michelle Green, a Life Coach for children, young people and families. I am passionate about inspiring young people to believe in themselves and focusing on what they want to achieve.
My life coaching journey initially began with empowering and encouraging my children to focus on what they wanted. I accomplished this by identifying their strengths, increasing their confidence and supporting them in their choices, and now they are happy and thriving, positive young people.
I'm delighted to be co-opted into Kew Riverside school to support the school's vision, for children to have the learning opportunities that will allow them to develop skills and knowledge, build confidence and be happy and thriving.
My hobbies and interests consist of; keeping fit by engaging in daily gym workouts and boxing sessions; travelling; listening to rare groove classics and 80's music.
Chris Carlson
Co-Opted
Current term of office: December 2022 - December 2026
Declared interests: None
Committees: C&A / F&R
Other roles: Lead Safeguarding Link Governor
Declared interests: None
I am first and foremost father of two young children, living in Chiswick for the last 15 years.
Having studied zoology and genetics at university, I went on to complete a PGCE specialising in Science.
For the last 20 years, I have taught across all age ranges and am currently a Deputy Head at an independent school in Central London.
My interests in education range from safeguarding, promoting pupil wellbeing to developing the cultural capital in children to ensure they have access to the wide range of experiences life has to offer.
I am excited to be part of the Kew Riverside community and developing and promoting the passionate team of teachers and support staff that make the school such a wonderful place to study and grow up.
Lesley Chalbot (Acting Deputy Head)
Staff Governor - Elected by Staff
Current term of office: Sept 2024 - September 2028
Committees: F&R / C&A
Declared interests: Senior Leadership Team Lowther Primary
Caroline Gagliardi
Co-opted - Elected by Parent Body
Current term of office: February 2024 - February 2028
Committees: F&R / C&A
Other roles: To be confirmed
Declared interests: None
Hayden Hainsworth-Millar
Parent Governor - Elected
Current term of office: September 2022 - September 2026
Committees: F&R / C&A
Other roles: Vice-Chair of C&A. Link Governor Health & Safety
Declared interests: None
I have over 18 years experience in the construction industry, scrutinising design, procuring and delivering subcontract packages. I am an openly trans man and am active in the LGBT+ community in West London. I have rolled out EDI policy and training in the construction industry and am now setting up my own business providing personal training to the transgender community.
I have lived in the area for 15 years and have a fantastic daughter who attends Kew Riverside. I am delighted to become a governor of Kew Riverside and contribute to the ongoing success of the school.
Michael Kirker
Co-opted - Appointed by FGB
Current term of office: May 2024 - May 2028
Committees: F&R / C&A
Other roles: To be confirmed
Declared interests: None
I was born and grew up in New Zealand. After New Zealand, I spent a few years in Chicago while undertaking my PhD in economics. I moved over to the UK in late 2018 to work as an economist at an investment bank in the City. In late 2023, I moved into the Richmond borough with my Fiancée and dog. We love the area and enjoy exploring the parks and local community. We very much look forward to spending many years here.
Having attended many schools over my years, I understand the importance of a positive and supportive environment in which to learn and develop. I have been highly impressed by the community and the opportunities Kew Riverside Primary School provides its pupils. It is an honour to be a governor at the school and to be able to contribute and support the school in order to set pupils up to thrive in their lives ahead.
Patrick Neave
LA nominated - appointed by FGB
Current term of office: May 2019 - May 2023
Committees: C&A / F&R
Other roles: Link Governor for Safeguarding
Declared interests: None
I have worked in the City of London in investment banking, shipping and commodities and with a trade association and have recently retired. My career has included Company Secretaryship and Corporate Governance. With my family, I have lived in Kew for over 30 years and am delighted to become a Governor of Kew Riverside and to contribute to its well-being, excellence and future aspirations. For my hobbies, I enjoy art, particularly pastel portraiture, reading and gardening.
Helen Oakley
Co-opted - Appointed by FGB
Current term of office: February 2022 - February 2026
Committees: Chair of F&R / C&A / Vice Chair of Governors / PPG Link Governor
Declared interests: None
Kristie Overton
Co-opted - Appointed by FGB
Current term of office: September 2024-September 2024
Committees: C&A, F&R
Declared interests: None
I am a proud resident of the local area, living in Barnes and Kew with my partner for the last 3 years. I am very pleased to sit on the governing board for Kew Riverside School and see this as a wonderful opportunity to support a local school, engage with families within the local community, continue to develop my learning and use my skills to support improvement.
For the past three years, I have been working with schools around the world, through my role with an international education group. In my role with this company, I am privileged to support 100+ schools in 18 countries to continue to improve and develop their offering. Key focusses of my work include supporting data-driven decision-making in schools, developing opportunities to hear student voice and championing the highest standards of safeguarding. I am also passionate about supporting school teams to make their school a safe space for people of all identities and genders.
Outside of work, I enjoy long runs along the Thames Path, developing my skills in a new language (Urdu) and travelling.’
Angus Roy
Parent Governor - Elected
Current term of office: May 2024 - May 2028
Committees: F&R / C&A
Other roles: Member of Pay Committee
Declared interests: None
I have been working a solicitor in the Corporate Real Estate space since 2006 in London and in Sydney.
I wanted to become a Governor at Kew Riverside Primary School because I very much value the aims and ethos of the school.
I wanted to become a governor, as when I was at school as a pupil, I thought I was going to become a teacher. My career didn’t take me down this route in the end, qualifying as a lawyer instead. However, since I have become a parent and also having just returned from living in Sydney for 7 years, I wanted to volunteer to give something back to the local community. As a parent to a 5-year-old who started reception at a local primary school in Hammersmith in September 2023, I am particularly interested in the initial years that a pupil transitions into their education journey. I look forward to supporting Kew Riverside Primary in providing every child with the best opportunity to excel.
Outside of my work, I spend time with my family and find different ways to attempt to keep my two young children occupied. When I do have time to myself, I enjoy doing exercise and taking landscape photographs.
James Symonds
Co-opted - Appointed by FGB
Current term of office: February 2022 - February 2026
Committees: Chair of C&A
Other roles: Link Governor for Maths
Declared interests: None
I have been teaching in the primary setting since 2010 and have held numerous roles across two schools. I am currently Head of Year 6 at St. George’s Junior School in Weybridge, Surrey.
I wanted to become a Governor at Kew Riverside Primary School because I very much value the aims and ethos of the school. I believe that my knowledge of primary education and interest in wider educational issues enables me to complement the existing range of skills within the governing body. As an advocate for extension and challenge within the primary framework, I look forward to supporting Kew Riverside Primary in providing every child with the best opportunity to excel. Throughout my career in education, I have developed a keen interest in Maths, pastoral care and mental wellbeing. I especially look forward to being involved with initiatives that will support the school in promoting pupil wellbeing alongside academic excellence.
Outside of my work, I enjoy playing golf, personal fitness, and I am an avid football fan and Brentford FC season ticket holder.
Clerk to the Governors - Penny Nugent
Current term of office - September 2024
Governors that have left in the last 12 months
Charlotte Hands-Wicks
Co-opted Governor
End of term: December 2024
Donna Connor
Co-opted Governor
End of term: December 2024
Lisa McCann
Co-opted Governor
End of term: December 2024