Chair of Governors: Sally Walsh

I have lived in Little Kimble for more than 20 years and have five boys all of whom have attended Great Kimble and had a magical start to their education. On leaving school I studied for five years at St Andrews University gaining a BSc Honours degree in Biochemistry and Anatomy.  Following this I spent some time as a Clinical Research Associate in the pharmaceutical industry before going to the Royal Northern College of Education to do a PGCE. 

I taught for the majority of my career at St Albans School, but decided to turn my hand to tutoring from home in 2000 so that I could raise my boys.

I have been a governor since 2004 and Chair for the last few years. This has allowed me to fulfil my love of helping children to learn and develop whilst having a hand in ensuring that an excellent education is available to all our local children. I hope to be involved with the school for many years to come.

Vice Chair: Tom Audley

I have lived in the in the local area my whole life except for when I went to University to study for a degree in Sport Science and Business. A couple of years later I went on to study for a Law degree. I qualified as a Solicitor in 2007 and practised Property Law and Private Client work for over 10 years. Whilst I currently still take on Locum work, I now run my own Personal Training Company and a Gardening Company. I like variety in my working life!

I am a keen sportsman with a particular preference to football a

I have lived in the in the local area my whole life except for when I went to University to study for a degree in Sport Science and Business.

A couple of years later I went on to study for a Law degree. I qualified as a Solicitor in 2007 and practised Property Law and Private Client work for over 10 years. Whilst I currently still take on Locum work, I now run my own Personal Training Company and a Gardening Company. I like variety in my working life!

I am a keen sportsman with a particular preference to football and rugby. I helped set up Risborough Rugby Football Club and have been a committee member of the club for 10 years.

I attended Kimble School, together with my four siblings, many years ago and now my son is a pupil. It is a privilege to have been elected as a Parent Governor and provides me with the opportunity to assist the school in continuing the outstanding quality of education it provides for its pupils.

Robert Martin - Community Governor

Robert is a retired history graduate and chartered company secretary, having held public company administration roles during his career.

Robert has lived in Great Kimble since 1995 and has been active in the community as a Trustee of the Friends of Kimble Churches and member of the Kimble Neighbourhood Plan Working Group.   

Rev Tim Harper - Foundation Governor

I am a qualified and experienced teacher and previously spent several years as a head of department in a south London comprehensive secondary school.

Since Ordination, I have served twenty-four years as a Foundation Governor at St Mary’s C/E Primary School and have been a trustee and member of the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education since 2002, serving our two hundred and eighty-four schools over three counties. I currently chair their Support and Development Committee.

Kai Türck - Foundation Governor 

As pastor of Kimble Free (Baptist) Church in Little Kimble, a Baptist Church, I have the Kimble community very much in my heart. In a world full of challenges, it is a privilege to be able to be governor and be involved in supporting the school’s values and vision for the future of the children here.

To this day I work ‘bi-vocationally’ meaning I spend part of my time looking after Kimble Free Church and the other part involved in the sale of dental equipment. During my sales career I have worked in the dental field in many roles in the UK as well as across Europe, also living in France and Germany. 

I found faith relatively late in life (it is never too late!) and studied Theology at the Bristol Baptist College whilst continuing to work, as I wanted to learn more about my new found faith. This journey has led me to Little Kimble today where I am excited to be able to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in word, thought and deed with adults and young people.

Ben Smith - Parent Governor

I have really enjoyed becoming increasingly involved in the school community since my eldest daughter started Reception in 2017 and now have three children thriving at Great Kimble School. 

I have lived locally all of my life, enjoying a varied career in engineering and more recently plumbing and heating. I enjoy designing and making things, particularly wood craft.

Having been involved with Friends of Kimble and various school events, I look forward to working with the school to continue to provide a supportive and nurturing community for all of our children.

Hanna Cesek - Parent Governor

I am thrilled to be a parent governor at Great Kimble School and am absolutely committed to helping to play my part to help the school continue to thrive. I live locally in Askett and hold a degree in Arts Management. I have previously worked in an educational setting at the University of Brighton where I was involved in student and staff recruitment. I also bring ten years of experience of running my own small business and prior to that have held roles in fundraising and events. 

We joined the school in September 2024 and I have since become involved in many school events and activities; acting as class rep, volunteering to accompany the children to Smokey Row and a school trip to College Lake and with FOKS at the summer and Christmas fayres and regular bake sales. I am absolutely passionate about supporting our wonderful little school and contributing to its continued success. 

Sam Ing - Staff Governor

 

I have lived in the village since 2016 and have loved being a part of Great Kimble. Prior to moving to the Village, I lived in High Wycombe with my husband. Having completed a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science, I spent some time working as a fitness instructor as well as working in a Secondary School and a specialist SEND School as a TA. This work confirmed my interest in teaching and education. I then went on to study my PGCE at Oxford Brookes University in 2012. During my time in Primary Schools, I have led on a number of curriculum subjects prior to specialising in Special Educational Needs and qualifying as a SENDCo in 2018.

My daughter started at Great Kimble School in 2023 and we found the parent community to be very welcoming from the beginning. I joined Friends of Kimble early on, getting involved in organising different events. I know the sense of community a School can instil amongst its parents and the local area is important. I now work part time as a Primary SENDCo and enjoy spending more time at home with my youngest. I feel very fortunate to be elected as Staff Governor and look forward to supporting the School in this role.

Leona Hayes - Staff Governor

I have been a part of the Great Kimble School community for just over one academic year and am thrilled to contribute as a staff governor. Before joining Great Kimble, I spent seven years teaching predominantly in Early Years at a school in West London. My teaching journey began while working as a Learning Support Assistant (LSA), during which I gained my teaching degree.

My experience spans a range of settings, including maternity care and private childcare, but my true passion has always been teaching. Supporting children during their early educational journey is incredibly rewarding, and I am committed to fostering their growth and development.

In addition to my teaching role, I am an active member of FOKS, the school's Parent-Teacher Association, where I enjoy collaborating with others to enrich the school community.