Meet The Governors

The Federation of Guillemont Junior School and Pinewood Infant School

"The roots to grow, the wings to fly"

Frances Akinde

Co-opted governor

Frances Akinde is an experienced educator, school governor, speaker and author with over 20 years’ experience across primary, secondary, special and local authority education. She has held senior leadership roles, including serving as Headteacher of a secondary special school, a former local authority inspector and is a qualified SENCO with extensive expertise in inclusion, SEND, behaviour, and safeguarding.

As a school governor, Frances brings strategic insight, challenge and support to leadership teams, with a strong focus on equity, belonging and positive outcomes for all pupils. Her governance work is informed by both professional expertise and lived experience, including her work supporting neurodivergent learners and families.

Frances is passionate about ensuring schools are inclusive, reflective and responsive communities. She supports schools to balance high expectations with compassion, strong systems and a deep understanding of pupils’ needs, helping governing bodies fulfil their statutory responsibilities while keeping children and young people at the centre of decision-making.

Tim Barette

Co-opted governor

My name is Tim Barette and I am delighted to take on the role of governor at the Federation of Guillemont Junior School and Pinewood Infant School.

I have spent over twenty five years working in education across Kent and Surrey, with experience as a class teacher, middle leader and teaching and learning consultant within the local authority. During this time, I have worked across both the state and independent sectors, supporting schools to improve teaching practice, curriculum design and outcomes for children.

In 2024, I moved into the private sector and now work as an education technology specialist within a managed service provider. Although my role has changed, I continue to work closely with schools, supporting staff and leaders to use technology thoughtfully and effectively to enhance teaching and learning.

I am particularly passionate about the role technology can play in children’s lives, especially as a tool to make learning more equitable and accessible for all pupils. I am very much looking forward to supporting the federation as a governor and contributing my experience to help the schools continue to thrive.

Cat Butler

Staff Governor

I feel very fortunate to be part of the Guillemont team, where I lead maths and the Upper Phase, as well as working closely with Pinewood. I’m really excited to represent staff across our federation on the governing body and to help make sure our schools continue to thrive.

I’ve previously been a governor, so I know how rewarding it is to be involved in the bigger picture of school life. Before becoming a teacher, I worked in both car insurance and retail. Those experiences taught me a lot about problem-solving, teamwork, and communication – skills that I now bring into my teaching and to my role as a governor.

Most of all, I’m passionate about giving every child the best possible opportunities, and I look forward to supporting our schools in achieving this.

Liam Buggs

Co-opted governor

Georgina Compton

Co-opted Governor

Hello. I have been a governor at Guillemont since 2014 and then transferred over to the Federation.

I originally worked for the Department of Work and Pensions, more interesting than it sounds, and later in the Greater London Authority in various roles including social housing, estate contract management and finance.

I decided to work nearer home in education management when my two children started school as I wanted to be present in their lives whilst they were young. I enjoyed it so much I stayed on for 21 years.

On retiring I decided to do something completely different on a voluntary basis but eventually realised I could probably be more useful as a school governor.

I admire the determination of the staff to do their best for your children and am always impressed at how polite and articulate pupils are when canvassing their opinions, usually to check they feel safe and supported in school. They are a credit to their parents and the schools.

The new Executive Headteacher is working tirelessly to deliver the best possible outcomes for all our children and it is a pleasure to be a member of the governing body.

Stuart Divers

Chair of Governors

David Hughes

Co-opted Governor

Hello,

My name is David Hughes, I’m married with 2 children and blessed with 7 amazing Grandchildren, 3 of which spent time at both Pinewood & Guillemont. I live in Frimley and for nearly 40 years I’ve worked at an Aerospace Business in Farnborough, currently holding the role of Chief Manufacturing Engineer.

My involvement with governance goes back to 2013 when my application to become a governor at Pinewood was accepted. Unfortunately, my employment took me overseas so i had to stand aside.

I returned to the Governing Body in 2025 delighted to see the Federation firmly embedded in the local community and both schools thriving.

I’m thrilled that the Resource Provisions have expanded and inclusion remains at the forefront of the Federations values.

I look forward to assisting both schools in any way I can because I believe every child matters.

Theo Hayle

Vice Chair of Governor

Georgina Lines

Co-opted Governor

I joined the governing body of Pinewood and Guillemont Federation In 2023, as a co-opted Governor. I decided that when my son joined Pinewood, I really wanted to support the school further. I have been a secondary school teacher for the past 9 1/2 years, I’ve also been a head of department, and a head of year. Which has given me expertise that I am able to put good use supporting the school as the governor responsible for monitoring SEND and inclusion. I’m very honoured to be part of the governing board for Pinewood and Guillemont, two fantastic schools that really put children first.

Matt McLaughlin

Co-opted Governor

From personal experience as an individual who has thrived based on the foundations of a state-provided education and a parent of two very different happily flourishing children (now 26 and 28 years of age), I’m passionate about the power and implications of meeting the educational and developmental needs of children of all ages and backgrounds such that they enjoy growing and achieving their best based on their respective unique gifts.

Following 33 successful years of learning and leading in the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices sector, in August 2024 I took on a semi-retirement role as Caretaker for Guillemont Junior school and was immediately vested in and excited by supporting the vision and successful ongoing development of the school and wider federation. As such, I was co-opted as a Governor in October 2024.

My personal brand, which gives an idea of my values and approach, is outlined below:-

My brand is shaped by many experiences, achievements, challenges and mistakes throughout my work and home life.
I believe profoundly in personal accountability and vulnerability, seeking to bring the best out of people through coaching and leading with openness, objectivity and empathy.
Attitude is more important than aptitude. Learning is as important as succeeding.
Laziness, indifference and entitlement are not welcome – whereas gratitude, humility and humour are strongly aligned.
My brand is a blend of emotional literacy with a balance of candour and kindness.
In one word; nurture.

Linda McBrearty

Clerk to the Governing Body

I have worked as a Local Authority Clerk for the last four years, working with the governing bodies of various schools, both Infant and Junior. I am now also supporting Pinewood.

I have worked in Education almost all of my working life, including sixteen years as a Bursar in large secondary schools, as a Project Manager / Accountant for large educational building projects in various areas of the country and for a time as a EU Grant Auditor for the Audit Commission.

I very much enjoy working with Pinewood School and wish them every success.

Colin Morgan

Co-opted governor

I served in the Army for 28 years, then trained as a secondary school teacher of humanities, soon transitioning into offender learning. I have since trained as a Christian prison chaplain through Waverley Abbey College and currently, enjoys working outdoors on a large Victorian estate. I have been married 42 years, have 3 grown-up children and 5 grandchildren, at the last count.

I am passionate about education and keen to strategically support the federation.

Claire Porter

Co-opted governor

Hello my name is Claire and I joined the governing board in March 2025.

Since my eldest son enrolled at Guillemont Junior School, I have been impressed by both school’s emphasis on parent involvement and the strong sense of community they foster. I have two children currently at Guillemont, with my youngest at a local infant school. With a background in Early Years Education and experience as a Nursery Manager, I bring a strong understanding of child development and the importance of creating a positive learning environment. I now work in a Senior Procurement role in the defence sector, where I’ve developed strong communication, relationship-building, and strategic thinking skills. I am passionate about supporting both schools, the staff, and the wider school community, and I am eager to contribute as a Co-Opted Governor. With many years ahead at the federation, I am committed to helping shape and support both school’s long-term strategy to ensure the best outcomes for all children.

Heather Ryder

Co-opted governor

Hello. I have served on the governing bodies of Pinewood, Guillemont and latterly the Federation since 2017. My background is in education as I have taught in several schools in the nearby area over the years. In addition I live in the locally; my own children having attended both Pinewood and Guillemont.

Since my retirement, becoming a governor has enabled me to remain involved in education and to continue to use the knowledge and skills that I have gained while teaching. I thoroughly enjoy the visits I make to the school and being involved in the children’s learning activities. I enjoy working with all members of the governing body to support the school in delivering a high quality of inclusive education for all.

My passion is the curriculum and I have a real interest in local history.

Paul Shakespeare - Executive Headteacher

Staff Governor

I am Paul Shakespeare and on the 1st September 2024 I became the new Executive Headteacher of The Federation Guillemont Junior School and Pinewood Infant School! My role is to over-see the strategic direction of the school and support all the staff to deliver high quality outcomes, for all children, both academically and socially, within a caring and nurturing environment.

I believe that all the children will thrive as we work together to achieve the best possible outcomes whatever their needs, irrespective of the starting points of the children. Across both schools, the children are delightful and the staff are totally committed to ensuring all children enjoy attending school and achieve the best possible outcomes. The closer that we can work together with our families and community, the more progress the children will make, and the more prepared they will be for the next stage in their education, and of course for life.

Chloe Waters

Co-opted governor

Since 2014, I have supported the Federation in many roles, including teacher, Deputy Safeguarding Lead, Phonics Lead, Phase Leader, PTA Chair, and parent. Both of my daughters attended Guillemont and thrived in its inclusive environment, where their individuality was celebrated and their academic growth encouraged.

The ethos of the Federation reflects my own values: to provide children with an inspiring, aspirational context that equips them to become responsible, transformative citizens who want to make a positive difference.

Beyond teaching, my experience as a Broker Development Manager, Operations Executive, and Business Mentor gives me a broad perspective and a range of skills that strengthen the school’s governance. It is an honour to continue my relationship with Guillemont by serving as a co-opted governor.