We will no longer be publishing a printed version of our ‘Meet the Governors’ brochure and will instead be keeping this page updated as and when roles or responsibilities change, or when governors leave or join. Further information relating to the governors can be found on our ‘Goverors and their Roles‘ page.
Dr Sarah Backhouse
I have a child entering Whitehill soon, and I feel very privileged to be able to give back to the school community in this way. I love the school’s holistic approach to education, and hope to provide support that can help the school continue to create an environment in which each child can thrive.
For my day job I work in a medical museum in London, where I curate exhibitions aimed at engaging the public with the history of medicine, and hopefully inspiring future generations to work in healthcare. Access and inclusion are a large aspect of my job.
Outside of work I am passionate about children’s mental health. I am training to become a person-centred counsellor, and I am a mentor for young people at a school in Stevenage.
Mrs Dawn Barnes
My name is Dawn and I have two children- one currently in Year 4 and one attending preschool. Before having my second son, I worked as an Assistant Headteacher in a vibrant primary school in North London.
Having a teaching background and being a parent gives me both ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ eyes which I believe I can use to support the development of the school. I bring with me a passion to ensure that every child meets their full potential, and beyond, whilst at Whitehill. I share the school’s belief that together, we can develop confident learners who are happy, self-motivated and ready to be the best they can be.
Mrs Heidi Burniston
Since joining Whitehill as a class teacher in 2007 and having also enjoyed a teaching placement here in 2005, whilst training, I have experienced a variety of roles and opportunities working with pupils, staff and parents across the school.
My current role affords me the opportunity to work with colleagues in different teaching teams and the Senior Leadership Team.
Additionally, I support the school council and liaise with our Junior Leadership Team, which helps me to understand and appreciate the perspectives of our pupils and staff in all areas of our community.
Mrs Kate Campbell-Flint
As a mum with one child at Whitehill and another joining next year, I’m personally invested in making sure that the school continues to provide children with a fantastic experience.
I am a qualified primary teacher having taught Reception to Year 6 and I feel that this experience, paired with my personal involvement through my own children, will help me to support the school with knowledge and insight from both sides.
I am passionate about education, about supporting teachers so that they continue to thrive at work, and most of all about ensuring that all pupils have access to the education they deserve in a way that reflects all interests and abilities.
Dr Jon Clayden
I have two daughters at Hitchin Girls’ School, both of whom used to attend Whitehill. I want to help ensure that Whitehill’s friendly and welcoming atmosphere continues, and that the experience of all pupils is as nurturing and supportive as possible.
In my day job I am a university lecturer and researcher in developmental neuroscience and child health, so I have a special interest in science. I’ve also been heavily involved with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at my institute for several years.
Mrs Laura Cole
As a parent of two children who have thrived at Whitehill, I am privileged to have the opportunity to support the school.
I am Assistant Headteacher and SENCO at a local secondary school where I am also a Safeguarding Lead and Senior Mental Health Lead. I have also lead both Philosophy and Ethics and Learning for Life teams for a number of years and have experience working with a range of schools and other agencies.
I am passionate about the need to encourage children to develop enquiring minds and a lifelong love of learning through creative teaching strategies and care for their well-being. My areas of strength for governance at Whitehill are my knowledge of secondary transition, teacher training, safeguarding, data, well-being, SEND and inclusion
Mrs Jumoke Cox
I am a mum of 3 children who have all benefitted from the good quality education and well-balanced pastoral care at Whitehill. Being a governor gives me the opportunity to contribute to a school that has been part of our lives for almost 10 years.
I currently work as a Wellbeing Director in a local church charity. I feel my experience in Human Resources, Community work, Pastoral Care and Finance would help support the good work of the governing board and staff team. My 5 years as a Trustee of a local charity means I have a good level of experience in managing the balance of statutory obligations and good stewardship.
I feel privileged to serve in a vibrant school and look forward to working with the whole team.
Mrs Emma Dorrell
I work as a Commercial Director for a small business that focuses on social mobility by helping aspiring solicitors from disadvantaged backgrounds gain training contracts within large companies. I’m passionate about creating a more diverse and inclusive sector, with a focus on equity as well as equality. I have one daughter in year 4 who has thrived since joining Whitehill, and another due to start in a couple of years’ time.
I’m delighted to be part of the governing body at such a joyful school, one that aims to inspire and nurture well-rounded individuals. I love that the school empowers each pupil to embrace their own unique strengths and talents and recognises promise in every child. Providing a successful primary education can be the bedrock of almost all the success that follows in a young person’s life. My job is to ensure that Whitehill continues to live up to that essential mission.
Mrs Ellie Jarman
During my time at Whitehill I have enjoyed the opportunity to teach both year 3 and 5, as well as be involved within clubs which correlate with my passions externally from school (music and sports). I now work across all year groups, teaching targeted Maths and English groups, as well as P.E afternoons and music.
Having completed a Masters in wellbeing, SEN and inclusion, I relish the opportunity to partake in ensuring the school continues to excel in being an accepting and truly inclusive school. Whitehill already provides fantastic opportunities for all, both staff and pupils alike, and I appreciate the opportunity to look at how these can be continued and progressed.
Dr Margot Kalmus
I am a parent of two daughters the youngest of whom in in Year 4 at Whitehill. Her curiosity and inspiration to learn has really been ignited since she started at Whitehill school. This inspired me to become a parent governor and am excited to be part of the governing body, supporting the school to continue to provide excellent experiences for pupils and staff alike in the creative, supportive and positive learning environment that is established at Whitehill School.
I am a Clinical Psychologist by profession and have a long career in working in child and adolescent mental health services in the NHS. I have expertise in child development, communication and behaviour and in my job, I collaborate with educators, parents and young people.
Dr Wendie Ray
I’ve enjoyed a career in advertising for over 35 years, creating successful strategies for brands and companies, helping them become a part of consumers’ everyday lives.
I believe in the importance of purpose and the value of knowing why you do something, of bringing visions to life, and of the power of stories to motivate people.
My son is now enjoying sixth form at HBS. I am convinced Whitehill was instrumental in inspiring his curiosity and desire to learn. I believe in the fundamental importance of primary school education to every child. I want to help create the best environment at Whitehill, so they can continue to nurture every child’s curiosity and creativity, deliver the best education, and inspire curious, engaged individuals with a passion for learning and for life.
I became Chair in October 2019.
