Chair

A co-opted Governor at De Aston since 2020, Tom is a project delivery professional working within central Government, currently improving portfolio and project delivery standards across a major Government portfolio. He specialises in financial management, governance and assurance practices, and project and change delivery.

He has worked across large departments including the Ministry of Justice, Department for Work and Pensions, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. His roles have supported delivery of major government projects across infrastructure, transformation, and reforming public services. He is also accredited through the Cabinet Office to provide assurance on Government major programmes and projects.

Before joining the Civil Service, Tom enjoyed a successful career in Financial Services, working in leadership roles for national banks and smaller, regional building societies. He completed a LLB Hons in Law and Business Studies at the University of Birmingham and has recently completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA).

His relationship with De Aston is through family connections to the school and local community. He lives in Nottinghamshire with his partner and primary-aged son.

Co-opted Governor

Hello!
I'm new to the Governing Body and excited to be part of the team supporting De Aston School. I spent eight years teaching at Tealby Primary School, and although I’m currently taking a break from full-time teaching, my passion for education remains as strong as ever. When I was invited to join the Governing Body, it felt like a natural next step—a way to continue contributing to the world of education and support a school I know well.

Both of my children attended De Aston, and I’ve seen firsthand how the school helped shape their learning journeys. They navigated the challenges of GCSEs and A-levels during lockdown and came out the other side with resilience, confidence, and the inspiration to move on to university and beyond.

My connection to De Aston actually goes back much further—over 30 years, in fact. In a former life, I was an actor touring the UK with a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. One stop on our tour was De Aston’s school hall. I had never been to Lincolnshire before, and little did I know that years later, I’d settle in the area, raise a family here, and return to the very same school in a completely different role as a Governor.

I’m looking forward to helping shape the future of a school that has played such an important part in both my life and my children’s.

Co-opted Governor

Ex-officio Governor

I trained to be a teacher as a result of my experience as a volunteer working with refugees from a war in central Europe in the 1990s. I began my career as a teacher of English before taking on roles as Head of Department, senior leadership, then taking on the position of Headteacher in 2017. I serve the governing body in an ex officio capacity. I have a BA Hons English with Philosophy, a BA Hons in Business Management, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and have also completed the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers. I have been part of the De Aston family since 1999. Unusually, for a secondary Headteacher, I still teach and that keeps me grounded in the reality of school life. De Aston is a non-selective school in a selective context and that further strengthens my passionate belief in the importance of comprehensive education and the power of learning to change the life chances of young people

Community Governor

Parent Governor

I'm proud to serve as a school governor because I care deeply about education and the role it plays in shaping young lives. I want to help make sure that every child here has the best possible chance to thrive academically, personally, and socially.

Growing up on the family farm, I learned early the importance of hard work, teamwork, and resilience. Now, as a Transport Manager for Pedersen Contracting Ltd in Woodhall Spa, and Vice Chairman and Welfare Officer at Louth Football Club, I bring leadership, organisational skills, and a strong commitment to safeguarding and community support to the board.

Through my professional and voluntary work, I have developed a passion for supporting young people’s wellbeing and helping them reach their full potential. My aim as a governor is to help the school remain a welcoming, ambitious, and supportive environment for all pupils, staff, and families, ensuring that every decision made puts the students' best interests first.

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