Governor & Financial Information

Governance Structure

Amanda Aston
Will Parker
William McCreath

Amanda Aston - Chair
Will Parker - Vice-Chair
Matthew Pauling
Dan Clark
Lisa Comer
Nina Kessell - SEND Link
Alison Selwyn
Hannah Little
Katherine Milne - Safeguarding Link
Claire Curtis
Clive Brindley

Terms of Reference: Full Governing Body - November 2023

William Parker - Chair
Matthew Pauling
Hannah Little
Claire Curtis - Health and Safety Link
Clive Brindley

 

Terms of Reference - Audit and Risk Committee - January 2024

Amanda Aston
Matthew Pauling
Dan Clark
Lisa Comer
Nina Kessell - SEND Link
Hannah Little
Katherine Milne - Safeguarding Link

 

Terms of Reference - Learning and Outcomes Committee - November 2023

Will Parker - Chair
Amanda Aston
Matthew Pauling
Hannah Little
Allison Selwyn
Claire Curtis - Health and Safety Link
Clive Brindley

 

Terms of Reference - Resources and Community - November 2023

Amanda Aston
Chair of Governors

Amanda Aston

Appointed by: Governing Body

Term of office: 08/12/2015 to 07/12/2023

Committee and Roles: Chair of Governors, Resources and Community Committee, Learning and Outcomes Committee, Discipline Panel, Pay Panel.

Biography:  Performance Manager, managing supply chain provision through Recruitment, Welfare to Work and Apprentice delivery.

Partnering with market leaders supporting business through innovation and Design thinking.

MBA Masters in Business & Administration, Senior Leadership Master’s Degree Gloucestershire University.
Quality Assurance Level 4 (observations in teaching and learning delivery)
Safeguarding Level 2
IOSH

Will Parker
Co-opted Governor

Will Parker

Appointed by: Governing Body

Term of office: 08/12/2015 to 07/12/2023

Committee and Roles: Vice Chair of Governors, Chair of Resources and Community Committee, Learning and Outcomes, Pay Panel.

Biography:  My professional background is in sport and education, having worked across the sectors for 20 years. In a previous public sector role I led policy and investment for young people and sport nationally working closely with Government. I have worked with a range of schools nationally and more closely with a number of schools in Gloucestershire. My sporting roles included working for a large national sport based charity and as Chief Officer of a National Governing Body of Sport (NGB) and Vice-Chair of a different NGB.

At Chosen Hill I have sat on all committees in my time and currently chair the Learning & Outcomes committee. I was also involved in the recent Ofsted inspection.

Matthew Pauling
Headteacher

Matthew Pauling

Appointed by: Governors

Term of office: Term of employment

Committee and Roles: All committees. Accounting Officer

Biography: I am very proud to be the Headteacher at Chosen Hill. Having 30 years of working in schools as a teacher, leader and consultant I have loved applying my experience and living out my values in leading the school. Having trained as a PE teacher, I have worked with many schools as Specialism Impact lead working with specialist Sports Colleges on behalf of Youth Sport Trust. I have been a Governor for a Primary School. I strongly believe in an education for all and the importance of a rich, wider curriculum which fosters a sense of belonging and directly contribute to student outcomes. 

Lisa Comer
Staff Governor

Lisa Comer

Appointed by: Staff

Term of office: 01/10/2021 to 30/09/2025

Committee and Roles: Learning and Outcomes Committee

Biography: My name is Lisa Jane Comer I am the Behaviour Lead Officer here at Chosen Hill School, I am also a Staff Governor of the school.  I have worked at Chosen Hill School since 2019. I moved from Wales to Gloucester for this position - and every day is a New Day. I pride myself on putting yesterday in the past and focus on the day ahead – this stands for the advice I give to the students too!

I grew up in the lovely green hills of South Wales, I have 4 grown up children/adults,  and soon to be a Glama Nana, I have worked in education since 2004. I have completed both a Foundation Degree and a BSc Hons Degree in Childhood Studies.  I have in my life had many hurdles to overcome, and I have succeeded in becoming the very confident person I am today. I believe strongly that the obstacles and life experiences that I have endured make me a good role model for the students here at Chosen Hill.

I try to return to Wales to visit family.  My philosophy has always been to be the best I can be and give 100% in every position I have been privileged to hold and if I make friends along the way then I consider that a bonus…

Chosen Hill students ask me why I do this job…….. it is a simple question to answer…..

I absolutely love my position, supporting students with situations that they can find themselves in, finding solutions and ensuring that Chosen Hill’s expectations are fulfilled, and students enjoy school life, and look forward to coming in every day Monday – Friday just as much as I do.

Nina Kessell
Parent Governor

Nina Kessell

Appointed by: Parents

Term of office: 13/12/21 to 12/12/25

Committee and Roles: Parent Governor, Learning and Outcomes Committee, SEND Link.

Biography: Professionally I am a Senior Lawyer in financial services, having trained, qualified and worked in local firms before joining my current employer.

Over the years I have been involved in managing large teams, including recruitment, training and development.

In addition to being a parent governor I am currently co-chair of PATCH and support the school with careers activities.

I have a passion for supporting our young people in becoming the best they can, believe strongly in social mobility, equality and the value of diversity.

Dan Clark
Co-opted Governor

Dan Clark

Appointed by: Governing Body

Term of office: 02/10/21 to 01/10/25

Committee and Roles: Parent Governor, Trustee/Director, Learning and Outcomes Committee.

Biography: I have a 15 year career in education with roles in teaching, pastoral support and more recently events and project management.

I am the Project Lead for the Cheltenham Education Partnership, an organisation of 14 schools in the Cheltenham area.

I have expertise in curriculum design, careers and progression, and widening participation.

Ms Hannah Little
Co-opted Governor

Ms Hannah Little

Appointed by: Governing Body

Term of office: 02/10/.23 to 01/10/27

Committee and Roles: Trustee/Director, Audit an Risk Committee, Learning and Outcomes Committee, Resources and Community Committee.

Biography: Professionally my career spans years of working within Investment Banks and Wealth Management, working in numerous roles.  Currently I am responsible for driving organic growth for the company and optimising or bringing about change to internal processes and cultures to support that growth.  

Outside of my working life I am a parent, animal lover and enjoy many different sports.  From a young age I was interested in both human and animal psychology, choosing to study psychology at university.  As a parent I continued learning about child development and more specifically the impact words can have on mindset in the formative years of a child’s life.  I am very passionate about supporting all children in reaching their full potential and am delighted to be a governor at Chosen Hill. 

Ms Katherine Milne
Co-opted Governor

Ms Katherine Milne

Appointed by: Governing Body

Term of office: 02/10/23 - 01/10/27

Committee and Roles: Trustee/Director, Learning and Outcomes Committee, Safeguarding Link.

Biography: Having studied for a Degree in English at the University of Durham, I began work as a teacher in Cheltenham in 2005, and have taught GCSE English Language, GCSE English Literature, and A Level English Literature, ever since.

I have worked in both a day and a boarding environment, and am currently a Housemaster to 65 day girls, as well as a Deputy Safeguarding Lead, and an Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Lead, at my current school.

I am a very experienced sixth form tutor, and frequently guide pupils through the UCAS and higher education process.

I am also a huge hockey enthusiast, and manage the girls' 1st XI at school, with whom I have won numerous National medals.

Beyond work, I am devoted to my family, and my dogs. I enjoy hill walking, cookery and baking, and gardening.

Mrs Allison Selwyn
Staff Governor

Mrs Allison Selwyn

Appointed by: Staff

Term of office: 10/07/23 to 09/07/27

Committee and Roles: Trustee/Director, Resources and Community Committee.

Biography:

My name is Allison Selwyn I have worked at Chosen Hill School for 3 Years as Career Lead, previous to this I worked at Severn Vale School for 15 years, during my time in education I have been lucky enough to support young people into the World Of Work, by offering and supporting them in school, I have been lucky to work on programmes such as the Employability Programme which gives students the opportunity to experience extended work experience while at school,  I am a trained Prince's Trust advisor which allows me to support young people who may be struggling at school to achieve and learn personal and employability skills to help them in later life.

I believe that all students matter and everyone should have the opportunity to a happy and successful life.

Claire Curtis
Parent Governor

Claire Curtis

Appointed by: Parents

Term of office: 19/02/24 to 18/02/28

Committee and Roles: Parent Governor, Audit and Risk Committee, Resources and Community Committee, Health and Safety Link.

Biography:

I have recently joined the as a Parent Governor for CHS. For the past 15+ years, I have been working in Health and Safety for numerous organisations including Hertfordshire County Council where I managed the Health and Safety for over 500 primary and secondary schools.  I am a Chartered Member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and I am looking forward to utilising my area of expertise at CHS. 

I am also looking forward to becoming an active member of the Governor Team and assisting the school in continuing to achieve excellence in all areas.

 

Clive Brindley
Co-opted Governor

Clive Brindley

Appointed by: Governing Body

Term of office: 19/02/24 to 18/02/28

Committee and Roles: Co-opted Governor, Audit and Risk Committee, Resources and Community Committee.

Biography: I am Clive Brindley, a senior professional with over 28 years of experience in technology and cybersecurity. In my current role, I lead Health Security initiatives for our UK client, directing the design and implementation of comprehensive cybersecurity services. My diverse skills in strategic leadership, client engagement, and team development will contribute and enhance the schools technological and security outcomes. 

Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, racing motocross (both my sons who attend Chosen Hill,  do the racing however) , and I am looking forward to renewing my pilot's license.