Who We Are

Ed Bramley-Harker -Chair of Governors

I am a parent governor and joined the Governing Board in 2016. I was chair of the Finance, Personnel and Resources Committee for two years, which was a good fit with my professional background in finance and economics. I was pleased to become Chair of Governors in September 2018 – I find it very rewarding to be able to support the team as they work to provide a high quality and rounded education for all the children.  I have lived in the village since 2009 and both my daughters attend the school.  Away from the school, I have worked in the health sector for all my career. Most recently, I founded a company that uses data science and analytics to support hospitals and other NHS organisations to make better strategic, operational and planning decisions.

Liz Astley - Headteacher

After completing my PGCE, I began my teaching career on the Wirral.  Since then I have been the headteacher of three very different types of schools – the primary section of a large English international school in Houston, Texas; a prep school in South London and The Stoke Poges School.  I can honestly say without hesitation that being a headteacher is the most enjoyable and rewarding career I have had.  Buckinghamshire is a beautiful place to live and I am very proud to be part of a thriving school community.

 

Natasha Brady – Local Authority Governor

 I am a Local Authority Governor for the school. I came to the village in September 2018, as the new Vicar of Stoke Poges church. I am a mum of four (one son, three daughters) all of whom are now either at University or teaching, but I have spent many years as part of governing boards, PTAs and I’ve even Chaired a Pre-School in my time.  I am married to Jamie, who regularly helps in the Village Centre Bar. We live in the village, and I am thrilled to be able to serve our local school as I enjoy and love being an active member of the community.

Carole Powell - Co-opted Governor

 I joined the Board of Governors as a co-opted member in September 2021 after taking early retirement from the teaching profession. I thoroughly enjoyed working in a variety of primary schools and I was delighted to have the privilege of being the SENDCo at The Stoke Poges School for the final 12 years of my career. I qualified as a counsellor/psychotherapist in 2012, specialising in providing emotional support for primary school aged children.

I have two grown up children and enjoyed being chair of the PTA and a parent governor when they were at school. I understand the challenges schools face and the importance of good governance. As a governor, I am able to use my knowledge and experience to help ensure every pupil at The Stoke Poges school has the opportunity to thrive, and that mental wellbeing is given a high priority. 

Lea Fetherston - Staff Governor

I have been in integral part of Stoke Poges village life for over twenty years. Starting as a helper at the local Toddler Group, then proudly as a Beaver Leader.  I have two boys, both of which attended Stoke Poges School and that is where my journey started at school as a 1:1 Teaching Assistant. 

My role in school now is HLTA, First Aid and medical lead which means I can be found in lessons providing teacher cover in their absence or in the medical room looking after our children. I have a passion for reading and literacy and so, I now run the school library. 

During my many years here at school, I have been fortunate enough to have attended numerous residential trips with the children and cannot wait for their return.

Selina Kerr - Co-opted Governor

I am a co-opted governor and delighted to be part of the Board of Governors at Stoke Poges School. I live in Gerrards Cross and have three children currently in senior schools.

I work as a senior consultant within the education sector. My experience includes working with a range of independent schools in the UK and internationally providing support with strategic projects, marketing, communications and stakeholder research.

I am a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist, and I also work on a voluntary part time basis counselling young people in a counselling charity serving the communities of Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead.

 

Saira Awan – Parent Governor

I joined the Governing Board as a parent governor in 2023 and have been an active member of the school community since my eldest started Reception in 2019.  I have worked closely with the PTA over the last few years and was also a parent rep for my son’s class - a role I thoroughly enjoyed.  Professionally, I am a Speech and Language Therapist with specialist skills in oncology and palliative care.  I have worked in the NHS for over fifteen years and recognise some of the challenges faced by the public sector.  My husband is Head of Finance for a pharmaceutical company nearby and also coaches our son’s junior football team.  We have lived in the village for over ten years and both my son and daughter are currently attending The Stoke Poges School.

In terms of my outlook on education, though academic success is relevant, I place significant value on broader curriculum, including music, sport and languages.  I feel really passionate about incorporating growth mindset and resilience into daily school life, so children can thrive and achieve their full potential.     

Sonia Ral - Co-opted Governor

I am a Co-Opted Governor and joined the Governing Board in 2022. I am an experienced Secondary School teacher, currently working in a small school in Hillingdon. I have held several roles including Pastoral, as a head of year, Director of Post 16 and Curriculum- Director of Learning of Humanities, managing large teams of staff. I have most recently been appointed SENCO, which is a challenging but rewarding role.  I am looking forward to gaining further experience of working closer with students with a variety of needs and their families.  

I have two young children, one of whom currently attends Stoke Poges School and is absolutely thriving at the school. Her love for learning is nurtured to ensure she can achieve the best she can. Our youngest daughter is currently at a local nursery in Stoke Poges and is excited to join the school. 

Momade Faizal - Co-opted Governor

A devoted father of four wonderful children, with over 20 years of experience in director level roles in the area of Information Technology. Actively engaged in community initiatives. Serving as the Chair, Trustee for different charities, a representative of SACRE and co-opted as a Governor to help Stoke Poges School.

During my spare time, I teach Computer Science to both GCSE and A-Level students. In summary, my life is a blend of family devotion, professional achievement, community leadership, and a commitment to education and philanthropy. I find fulfilment in contributing to personal and collective growth, fostering unity where possible.

Rajdeep Dhamrait - Parent Governor

I had the privilege of joining the Governing Board as a Parent Governor in January 2024. I have lived in the village for just over ten years and both my children attend the school. I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the Governing Board and hope to contribute in a proactive, supportive and positive way to the life of the whole school.

I am a strong advocate for teaching and equipping children with the skills, knowledge and understanding they require for life in the 21st century.  I value a holistic approach to school life and believe children should have the opportunity to grow and develop in all areas including academics, sports, music, arts etc.  

Professionally, I have worked in education for eighteen years, currently as Assistant Headteacher and Senco. I am part way through my postgraduate study and hope to complete my Master’s qualification in Special Educational Needs and gain an Assessment Practising Certificate (Dyslexia) soon.

Anoop Khanke - Parent Governor

I joined the Governing Board in 2024, after being elected as a Parent Governor by my peers.  Prior to this I was an active member of the Stoke Poges School PTA, raising money for the school and organising events for the students and whole school community to enjoy, including the school's first ever outdoor cinema, and a break the rules day that proved a huge hit with the children! I enjoyed engaging with the local community and strengthening the bond between the school and the village during this time.

My family and I have lived in Stoke Poges for seven years and both my children attend the school. I also hold the position of Chair for the Stoke Poges Air Scouts Group.

Outside of school life, I have worked in Financial Services for 20 years in a variety of countries, roles and companies. I currently head up the Business Transformation arm of a Global finance company for the regions of Europe, Middle East, Africa and the United States & Canada. I will draw on my extensive experience in planning, organisation and outreach in order to help support all aspects of maintaining the school's status as a forward-thinking, fair and progressive establishment. I am dedicated to opening up opportunities to all students and ensuring equality and innovation in the school, building on the strong foundations we are already lucky enough to enjoy.

I am excited to become a Governor and look forward to making a positive contribution to the school and bringing a fresh perspective from a strategic viewpoint.  I am committed to enabling our school to run to its very highest potential and offer a welcoming, safe and equal environment for all children.