Welcome to our Governors’ section. 

Please find below information regarding who our governors are, what they're responsible for, their declared interests and terms of office.

Governor Biographies

Kate Owbridge - Chair of Governors

My name is Kate Owbridge and having grown up and lived in South London for most of my life, I moved to Laddingford (only a few doors from the Chequers!) with my partner Gary in 2015. I am part of the congregation of St Mary's Church Laddingford, and on the PCC of Laddingford and Yalding so it made sense to become a foundation governor. I have been a primary teacher since 1993, and a primary headteacher since 2004 and I am currently an executive head in Crowborough. I have worked with many governing boards and I really wanted to put back into my local school some of the support that I have had in my career from governors. 

I have no spare time, as I fill it with crafting, playing the recorder, baking, education events and seeing my friends and family. Particularly my nieces and nephews, my two goddaughters and my baby step-grandson.

Sharon Waterman - Vice Chair

My name is Sharon Waterman and I am a Coach and Consultant with over 28 years experience in education. I have been a Principal of a large secondary academy in Kent and held the position of Education Director in a Multi Academy Trust of 28 secondary, primary and special academies. I have lived in Laddingford for 18 years and have enjoyed being part of the Governing Body since 2019. I have a keen interest in health and fitness and in my spare time I play golf.

Cheryl Johnson - Co-opted Governor

My name is Cheryl Johnson, I work as a senior student manager at a local independent boarding school supporting students and parents academically and pastorally. Within my spare time I enjoy spending time with the family and running. I wanted to be part of the governing body at Laddingford School to support the already highly experienced, passionate team. 

Jason Bryant - Co-opted Governor

My name is Jason Bryant and I have lived in the village for 25 years. I work as a pharmaceutical consultant helping companies bring their medicines to patients all around the world. When I'm not working, I love to fix stuff, roam the local countryside, walk the family spaniel (which usually involves a swim of some kind), and when away from home I can usually be found on my boat which is moored in Essex on the Blackwater.  I'm a father of 2 (27 and 8!), a local parish councillor, and chairman of the Yuletide Market committee, which all help to fill any spare time left!  I have been a school governor since 2020 so still one of the new boys.  What I lack in governor experience, I hopefully make up in business acumen, enthusiasm and a desire to make a difference to our collective children.

Nick Hillman - Foundation Governor

My name is Nick and all 5(!) of my children have been a part of the school community over the years- my oldest 2 have recently started at university, and my youngest is currently in Jazz class, so it give you an idea of how long Laddingford has been part of our family life.

Last year, having spent many years in operational management roles within the charity sector I decided to pursue a change of career direction and joined Network Rail to train to be a Signaller- learning a completely new career has been something of a challenge but has, for the most part, been enjoyable!

As a Foundation Governor I see my role as supporting the teachers and leadership team, along with the wider governing board to see that, amongst other things, the Christian ethos of Laddingford School is embedded throughout all that takes place within the school and local community.

It has been a real privilege to serve on the board since 2017 and I truly believe that Laddingford is a very special place with amazingly dedicated staff and I have been so grateful that my children have had the opportunity to be a part of such a great school.

Amy Yates - Parent Governor

My name is Amy Yates and I have been a Laddingford parent for the past seven years, with all four of my daughters previously attending the school. I have been a parent governor since January 2017 and during this time I have gained a real insight into the workings of the school, our policies and how these have an impact on all aspects of our children's education.

When not parenting or governing, I work within Editorial Production at the Economist newspaper.

Ian Harrison - Local Authority Governor

I’m Ian Harrison (Harry), the Local Authority Governor. 

I have lived in Laddingford for fifteen years and know many of the residents and have watched many of the school’s ex pupils grow into adults.

After service in the Royal Marines my working career was spent in the Metropolitan Police, retiring seven years ago. My time is now currently divided between working part time for a Train Operating Company and as a Specialist Scent Trainer for the only charity in the UK that trains dogs to alert when their brittle Type 1 diabetic child is having a medical episode. 

As a school governor my main aim is to support the school whilst trying to ensure the children and staff work and learn in a safe environment so they can look back with fond memories of their time at St. Mary's.

Father Paul Kish - Foundation Governor

I'm Father Paul, one of the schools foundation governors. I am originally from Ilkley in West Yorkshire and now vicar of Yalding and Laddingford with Collier Street. I have been a governor in all our local schools in these parishes since I came here to be vicar in 2016. Previously I have been an industrial chaplain and a school chaplain and I was ordained in the diocese of Gloucester in 1998.

Vince German - Co-opted Governor

I live in Laddingford with my wife and daughter having moved into the village in 2021. In our short time in the village, we’ve become active members of the local community. As well as joining the school as a governor, I’ve also become a flood warden for Laddingford. I work as a Graphic Designer for a small agency in Clerkenwell, London. I support our varied client base with their communications, striving to ensure that they engage effectively with their target audiences through online and offline channels. More historically, I studied at the University of Nottingham and graduated with a 2:1 (Hons) in Management in 2003.