Carole Powell - Chair of Governors

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 had 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.

I was delighted to be appointed as Chair of The Stoke Poges School Board of Governors in September 2025 and I am committed to continuing to support our excellent school in this strategic role.

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/Vice Chair

 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.

Ed Bramley-Harker - Co-opted Governor

I am a co-opted 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 have lived in the village since 2009 and both of my daughters have previously attended The Stoke Poges 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.

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.

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 joined Reception in 2019.  I have worked closely with the PTA and have also taken on the role of parent representative.  Professionally, I am a Speech and Language Therapist with specialist skills in oncology and palliative care.  I have worked in the NHS for nearly twenty years and recognise many of the challenges faced by the public sector.  My husband is Head of Finance for one of the pharmaceutical companies nearby and we have lived in the village for nearly fifteen years.  My son has moved on to secondary, but my daughter currently attends The Stoke Poges School.

In terms of my outlook on education, while academic success is relevant, I also place significant value on access to a broader balanced curriculum, including music, sport and languages.  I am particularly passionate about fostering a growth mindset and resilience in 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 The 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. 

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, the 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.

Adam Cadoo - Co-opted Governor

I joined the Governing Board in the 2025/26 academic year. My wife and I have two children and live in the village.

I have over 15 years’ experience in organisational transformation, helping private companies and public sector organisations adopt new technologies, processes and ways of working to improve how they operate. Outside of work, I volunteer as a Mentor with the Social Mobility Foundation, supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and as a Coach with the East London Business Alliance (ELBA), supporting leaders in East London’s voluntary and charity sectors.

In a fast-paced and ever-changing world, I believe education should give children the foundations to understand themselves, develop healthy relationships, and build the confidence, skills and resilience they need to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. I value the opportunity to work in partnership with staff, fellow governors, parents and the wider school community to help every child reach their full potential. 

Jeff Ivey- Co-opted Governor

I joined the Governing Board as a co-opted governor in 2026, keen to support the school and help make a positive difference to the education and opportunities available to its pupils. Having lived in Stoke Poges for over 25 years, I’m passionate about supporting our local community and helping the school continue to thrive.

I began my career as a Financial Controller at Dynix, before moving into Finance Manager roles at Thames Water and Hewlett-Packard. I subsequently became Managing Director of Haes Systems, which has since evolved into Haes Technologies and IST Supplies. I hope to bring the experience gained throughout my career to support the school’s continued development.

Outside work, I enjoy walking in and around our wonderful village, along with a range of other outdoor pursuits and sports. I am also a governor at an independent school in Reading, giving me further insight into the role and responsibilities of school governance.