Governor Biographies
David Shaw (Chair)
I have lived in Winslow for over 30 years and both my children attended the school. I was appointed as a governor in 2017.
I have been involved in education throughout my life. I started my career teaching mainly physics for 8 years in Bucks and Northants at both grammar and comprehensive schools during which time I held both pastoral and head of department responsibilities.
The rest of my working life was spent working in local government education and children’s services departments. At Bucks County Council I held a wide range of senior education posts which included managing a range of school facing services e.g. governor support, finance and HR support, management information and school place planning.
I am now happy to provide whatever support I can to the school in its role at the centre of our community.
Samantha Dimbleby (Headteacher)
I have been Headteacher of Winslow Church of England School since September 2022 having moved from S Mary’s CE School where I was Deputy Headteacher. Prior to this, I taught in schools in Harrow and Buckinghamshire were I was an Assistant Headteacher. I am delighted to be part of the Winslow team and sense a clear match between my strengths and skills, and the opportunities for service within the school. Winslow is a caring and inspiring learning community with high aspirations for all its children. We have a fantastic staff team; supportive parents; and a committed Governing Board, who do a great job of supporting the school and making sure that we do the best that we can for all of our children. I feel immensely proud and privileged to be able to lead and manage such a lovely school.
George Hooper
I have lived in Winslow for over 25 years, and am married with two grown sons. I have been a Churchwarden at St Laurence Church in the town since 2020, and as I have recently retired, I wanted to take the opportunity to do a bit more in my community. I am very pleased to be able to be part of the Governors team, as a Foundation Governor and as RE Governor Lead - I think Winslow is a wonderful town, and the school is such a central part of that community, so I hope to be able to help in a small way. After a career in logistics and consultancy, I hope to bring my business skills to assist the Headteacher and her team in their development of the school.
Sarah Kingham
I am a co-opted governor at Winslow CE School. Both of my children went to Winslow albeit several years ago, but I have enjoyed keeping up my links with the school and seeing how their vision has developed and strengthened over the years. Having lived in Winslow for over 18 years I am very proud to be part of the town and school communities. I am a teacher in a local Special School and have a real interest in the way children with additional needs are supported in mainstream schools; I am the SEN governor and also have a strong interest in the financial responsibilities having worked previously in school finance.
I joined the governing Board as I felt it important to support the work of the school and that it was time to offer something back to a community that my family have been part of for several years.
Victoria Eele
I have lived in Winslow from the age of three apart from a very brief spell in Gloucestershire. I attended Winslow School from Reception under the Headteacher Mrs Black, so I know the school very well, as well as the local community.
My two eldest children have both attended the school and I have a young son who will also be joining the school as soon as he is old enough.
I was a committee member of FOWS for many years. During that time I organised Christmas and Summer Fetes and other fundraising events to help raise the much-needed support for the school.
My day-to-day job is working as a Volunteer Coordinator for a local charity called Enrych Buckinghamshire which supports adults with physical disabilities to engage and achieve their personal and social goals.
Adam King
My family moved to Winslow from Aylesbury in 2019 and my two daughters now attend the school. We love it here!
I started my career as a trainee reporter at the Bucks Herald, working my way up to become its deputy editor (which also included responsibility for the Buckingham and Winslow Advertiser). I am currently communications manager for England’s Economic Heartland, a partnership of local authorities which advises government on transport infrastructure.
My experiences throughout my life and career have given me a strong interest in how we improve the attainment and life chances of children from more disadvantaged backgrounds.
Hermione Longton
My family moved to Winslow in 1957 and I attended both primary and secondary schools here. I started my own business in 1971 and in 1982 I qualified as a lecturer in FE. I still enjoy working full time.
My family have always been very involved with St. Laurence Church, the ethics of which have been borne into me. I am currently a member of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) at the church. As a Foundation governor I will endeavour to contribute in any way possible and to maintain the most apparent and invaluable pastoral and caring ethos of Winslow C of E school.
I believe all children must be nurtured to have faith and confidence in themselves, enabling them to achieve their aspirations and to have trust in those who will help them reach their goals.
Colin Poyntz
I have lived in Winslow since 2014 and serve as the Pastor of Winslow Christian Fellowship. I have three teenage girls and a boy who will be starting school in a few years. For a number of years I was chair of the Friends of Winslow Youth Club committee. Now I want to contribute to the development of the school, which I see as a key hub of family life in the town. It is a privilege to support the senior leadership team to maintain the high educational and pastoral standards the school already exhibits.