Meet our Governors

Rachel taught in Secondary Education for 15 years. Her last in-school role was as an Assistant Head with whole school responsibility for Teaching and Learning, and Assessment. She is now Course Leader for the BEd in Primary Education at Anglia Ruskin University having worked in Teacher Training for the last 10 years.

Mercedes has 16 years of experience as a leader and teacher of music across all key stages (EYFS to KS5). She is also a Cultural Champion after completing the national programme from the Royal Opera House.  Mercedes has a particular interest for digital learning and has been a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert for four years. She currently serves as an MIE Fellow, a title awarded for her leadership and excellence in this area of education.

Lucy has worked at Larchwood Primary school for 5 years as a classroom teacher and she is currently the assistant Head Teacher and Head of English. Lucy is passionate about ensuring all of the children get the best education in order for everyone to reach their potential.

Steve has been a primary school teacher for over 25 years. Having worked in the London Borough of Redbridge for 18 years, teaching across the primary age range and holding a number of senior leadership posts, he moved to Larchwood in 2016 as the Deputy Headteacher. Since 2020 he has been the Headteacher of Larchwood and holds an National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).

Steph worked as a primary teacher for more than 20 years.  She held responsibility for literacy and phonics as well as being a member of the SLT as KS1 lead.  She decided to retrain as a therapist in 2022 and is now a qualified hypnotherapist.   She is currently working as an administration manager while she completes her training as a pluralistic counsellor.  Steph’s aim is to eventually work with children and young people in the therapy setting.

Gillian has worked in the construction ‘Work at Height’ sector for over 35 years. She was the first woman chairman of the global not for profit association PASMA and she is a lead instructor within the industry.  Gillian is a Trustee of the charity ‘No Falls Foundation’ and proud to be a Governor at Larchwood Primary School.

Lisa worked as a Police Officer in the Metropolitan Police for over 20 years. She then worked for a security company targeting tax evasion and corruption within a company. She is now currently working as a Fire Safety Adviser for the London Fire Brigade, which is a new role to her.