Meet our Dorney School Governors

A very warm welcome from the Governors here at Dorney School. The Governing Body has seven members varying from teachers, support staff, parents and members of the local community. We work as a team with the Headteacher for the benefit of all the pupils and staff at Dorney School.

We’re all volunteers and have a diverse background, from education, to safety, Law and I.T. We’re here to give the school a strategic direction and to act as ‘a critical friend’ - helping to guide the school to improving the standard of education for all our children.

We don’t get involved in the day-to-day operation of the school but set the criteria by which the school is managed by regularly challenging and questioning to ensure that everyone is working together, and every child has the opportunity, to be enriched, enhanced and excited.

We ensure that local and national government legislation and targets are met, that we spend our school budget wisely, that the safety of everyone is paramount, and that the curriculum is delivered to benefit all children.

Governors take an active role in the school, they are passionate about the school and are here to make sure that every child is given the best education, opportunities and experiences that the school can give.  Governors not only attend meetings, but also school functions, visits to classrooms and they help with school visits.

The decisions the Governors are involved in affect the school, from curriculum decisions, setting the annual budget, appointing staff and safeguarding and approving all the school policies, therefore the children are at the heart of these decisions.

If you are interested in a role with the Governors, and bring a useful skill set, please get in touch through the school office; we’d be happy to hear from you.

Who are we:

Acting Headteacher: Sharifah Lee

Sharifah loves being a mum of four kids (five if you include her husband!) and she loves teaching. She likes to travel to far off places, eat lots of food and read as much as she can. Her whole family supports Manchester City Football Club and they love cricket too.

She has been teaching for many years in primary, secondary and high schools. She has had the opportunity to lead in various roles and has been a staff and community governor for different settings. Teaching is not just a vocation, it is her passion and she is passionate about promoting this worthwhile profession. Sharifah says, “it is a privilege to be a part of this Governing Body as the work we do ensures that all pupils get the education and care they are entitled to.”

Chair of Governors: Andy Findlow

Andy has been a finance professional for 24+ years in businesses ranging from chemicals and engineering to logistics and financial services. Andy lives in Taplow with his wife and son and sings in a local chamber choir and loves anything outdoors (when time allows!).  Andy has been Vice chair of Governors at Dorney School for four years, including responsibility for Finance & Curriculum. Effective from 15th January 2020, Andy was appointed to the position of Chair of Governor.

Safeguarding and Vice Chair of Governors: Raj Keshvara

Raj is a Sales Director who lives in Burnham and has two children at Dorney School. Raj has been the Chair of Governors for 4 years, on the 15th January 2020 Raj stood down from his position as Chair.  Raj will remain on the Governing board as Vice Chair to support the new Chair. Raj is also a Trustee of Beeches Learning Development Trust for over 2 years.

Staff Governor: Leon Williams

Leon is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years’ experience in industry and education. In her spare time, she works closely with local community groups.

Teaching & Learning: Manisha Ghafadgi

Manisha has been a parent at Dorney School for nearly 13 years, with 5 of those years serving as a Governor of the school. She has had several positions within the FGB and is currently the joint quality of education Governor. She was an Infrastructure Project Manager in the City for 20 years until her third son was born and now works more locally at a school in Windsor.

Teaching & Learning: Stephen Baker - Appointed 20th November 2019

Stephen was educated at both Dorney School and Burnham Grammar School. He went on to a career in Human Resources where he has specialised in Employment Law, Organisational Change, Legislative Changes and HR policy, working for both large national and large multi-national businesses including Sainsbury’s, Ernst and Young, Balfour Beatty and ENGIE. Stephen is committed to the school in ensuring that all pupils receive the best education possible and that the team in place have the tools, knowledge and skills to deliver this.

Leadership & Finance: Kuldip Kainth - Appointed 20th November 2019

Parent Governor - Kate Mawdsley - Appointed 17th December 2020

Parent Governor - Simon Whitrod - Appointed 17th December 2020

Dorney School Governing Body -

Reported as at 31st August 2020 for 2019/20

Business interests are directorships, partnerships and employments with businesses that provide goods or services to the school and details of any other educational establishments governed.

Relevant relations are those between governors and members of the school staff including spouses, partners and relatives.