Governance

All Governors were appointed by Saracens Multi-Academy Trust

The Clerk to the Governors can be contacted via email at clerk@saracensbf.org

All Governors attend Local Governing Body meetings.

Governor Role Description September 2024

Chair of Governors

Jo Newman

Jo is a former Primary Head and educationalist with over 40 years’ experience. She is an education consultant to a number of schools having recently retired as Head of North London Collegiate Junior School, a role she held from 2003.

Prior to that, Jo was head of a junior school in Highgate and previously a Deputy Head and class teacher. She has worked on the development of international schools in Asia and undertaken monitoring and inspection visits to them.

She is Co-Designer and Co-Director of the PTI’s Primary Leadership Residential Course where the focus is on curriculum leadership. Jo has a BEd from Cambridge University and is a Geography subject specialist, also with a keen interest in modern languages.Jo has wide interests from gardening and pottery to the arts, especially the theatre.

Term of office: 1st October 2025 – 30th September 2029

Trust Appointed Governors

Millie Appleyard

Millie has always worked in education. Whilst working as a class teacher at the British School of Paris Millie found herself working closely with the Learning Support Department to support a particular pupil. It was at this point that she decided to make the move from being a class teacher and retrained to become a Specialist Teacher of pupils with a specific learning difficulty and later qualified as a Specialist Teacher Assessor.

Currently, Millie is the SENCo for Berkhamsted Prep and Pre Prep Schools. She is passionate about ensuring that all children are provided with an inclusive and adaptive education to ensure they maximise their potential and become confident learners. Her role includes working alongside staff and parents to ensure each child’s needs are recognised and supported.

In addition to working at Berkhamsted School, Millie is an ambassador for her local Hospice (Hospice of St Francis) and is a charity liaison officer for the Worshipful Company of Saddlers and their link with Beormund School in London. The funding provided enables the pupils of Beormund School, all who have Special Educational Needs, to attend a local riding school.

In her spare time, Millie enjoys spending time with her husband and two adult children – they all share an interest in food and wine as well as watching rugby. She enjoys sport and regularly plays tennis and padel and has recently taken up golf.

Term of office: 1st October 2025 – 30th September 2029

Shadee Dymont

I am an experienced finance professional with 15 years in banking, primarily in financial markets, having worked at two of the UK’s leading financial institutions. A graduate in Economics from the University of Nottingham, I have developed strong expertise in financial analysis, risk management, and strategic decision-making.

Laurence Finger

I am a chartered accountant, who started a new practice in central London in 1988 with my best friend, when I was just 32 years old. We specialised with clients in the music industry and built a unique practice over the years.

As senior partner for many years, I dealt with all aspects of our industry, including practice development, marketing, staff recruitment and training, client liaison and specialist taxation.

I am fortunate to be married and have 3 adult children who, so far, have produced 6 grandsons and 1 granddaughter for us.

I have been involved in charity bike rides around the world over the past 30 years and raised substantial donations from friends, family and clients.

When I am not cycling, I go walking and climbing, having done many hills in the UK as well as Everest base camp and Mount Kilimanjaro.

I also have some experience of dealing with people who have learning difficulties and have to live in specialist care homes.

Term of office: 1st October 2025 – 30th September 2029

Isabel Isaacs

My name is Isabel Isaacs and I am currently a Year 5 teacher at Our Lady of Grace Junior School in Dollis Hill. I taught Year 6 here for two years, Year 5 for two years and will be moving back up to Year 6 in September.

I went to Birmingham University to study Classics and went to Middlesex University to gain my Primary PGCE. I have always been passionate about the importance of education and  attended NLCS in Edgware where I was able to take part in a myriad of extra-curricular activities. This allowed me to understand the importance of catering to every child’s interests and needs and how paramount it is to make school a safe and enjoyable environment for them.

I enjoy singing, achieving my Grade 8 when I was at school and currently run my school’s choir for Year 3, 4, 5 & 6. I am also the History & Geography subject lead. I enjoy directing school plays, taking the children to choir competitions and encouraging learning musical instruments. I had teachers who saw my potential at school and every day of my career I strive to do the same for the children I teach.

Term of office: 1st October 2025 – 30th September 2029

Robin Leigh

I have over 40 years experience as a solicitor in private practice and was senior partner of my own central London law practice before selling out in 2018 to a larger organisation where I remain to this day as Senior Consultant.

During my career I have trained many young solicitors most of whom are now partners in other law firms across the capital.

For the last five years I have also been a Mentor for a charity called Mavar UK which organisation helps mostly young people who have grown up in the ultra-orthodox Jewish community explore the modern secular world and start a new life.

Term of office: 1st October 2025 – 30th September 2029

Claudia McKenzie-Cook

My teaching career started nearly 20 years ago in Islington; since then I have taught across London which has brought me a wealth of experience, commitment, and passion for education. I have been lucky enough to work in a variety of educational settings, teaching pupils from diverse backgrounds and supporting young people to achieve their full potential.

My expertise lies in development consultancy, with a strong track record in managing a wide range of planning applications—from small-scale residential schemes to large commercial developments. I bring a well-rounded skill set that includes strategic planning, detailed site appraisals, policy interpretation, and the preparation of robust planning statements. I am also experienced in client liaison, fee negotiation, financial management, and leading teams through complex planning processes.

A confident communicator and effective team leader, I am committed to delivering high-quality advice and outcomes, while also supporting the growth and development of junior staff. My work is underpinned by a deep understanding of planning legislation, a proactive approach to project management, and a practical, commercially-minded outlook.

Outside of work, I’m a lifelong Saracens fan—raised by parents who are long-standing supporters—and I proudly continue the tradition as a season ticket holder.

Term of office: 1st October 2025 – 30th September 2029

Shinal Shah

Shinal has served as a Governor at Broadfields Primary School since 2019. An experienced Optometrist of over 20 years, her clinical background has given her a strong understanding of health, wellbeing and patient care. This has honed her ability to work collaboratively with others, listen actively and make informed evidence-based decisions.

Originally from Kenya, Shinal relocated to the UK to pursue higher education. She is deeply committed to ensuring that all children regardless of background, have access to the highest standards of education. Her passion for learning and supporting young people has led her to retrain as a secondary Maths teacher.

Outside of education, Shinal enjoys a wide range of interests. She is an avid traveller and a keen mountaineer. She has successfully summited Mt Kilimanjaro and more recently, Mt Kenya with her teenage twin daughter and is passionate about encouraging young people to spend time outdoors as a means of supporting their mental and overall wellbeing.

Term of office: 1st October 2025 – 30th September 2029

Craig Tallon

Craig has over 35 years experience in the field of education and school governance. He is Headteacher of Woodcroft Primary School and previously served as a trustee of Broadfields Primary. Prior to that, Craig was also a parent governor in Hertfordshire.

Craig is passionate about teaching and learning; recently undertaking his own further study towards an MA in Education, specialising in curriculum development and assessment.

Originally from Yorkshire, Craig moved to the local area after graduating from the University of Warwick and has worked within the borough throughout his career. He is married with two children, both now at university themselves.

Term of office: 1st October 2025 – 30th September 2029