Governor Profiles

Find out more about our individual Governors:

Mrs Kajal Pankhania

As a parent of children at the school, I am delighted to have been appointed as a Parent Governor, and feel privileged to have the opportunity to support the school.

Professionally, I am a Director of People & Culture within the financial services sector, where I lead on people strategy, organisational development and governance. I hope to bring these skills and experiences to the governing body whilst ensuring that the perspectives of parents are represented and heard.

I am passionate about ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential and, just as importantly, feels happy, supported and confident throughout their learning journey. I look forward to working collaboratively with fellow governors and staff to support the school's continued success and future development.

Mr Alex Marshall

Hi, I’m Alex and I have two children, Etta and Bertie, at Crowmarsh Gifford School.

I have lived in the local area for several years and am passionate about supporting the school and wider community. In my professional role as a police officer, I lead teams in complex operational environments, with a strong focus on safeguarding, leadership, partnership working and continuous improvement.

As a parent governor, I am committed to helping the school continue to provide a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment where every child can thrive. I am particularly interested in supporting the school’s strong community ethos and ensuring that all children are given the best opportunities to thrive!

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling and supporting local community initiatives where I can (Bunkfest obviously !)

You’ll often see me at school drop-offs, pick-ups and events, so please don’t hesitate to stop and say hello. I value hearing different perspectives from parents and carers and look forward to playing my part in supporting the school and its community.

Mr Paul Benham

I moved to Crowmarsh from Edinburgh in July 2021. Although I was born in London I have lived in Wales, Malawi, the Solomon Islands, Scotland as well as in England. I am much involved in the life of the Crowmarsh Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene and I have been a Foundation Governor for Crowmarsh School since late 2024.

I am a retired NHS Chief Pharmacist with a lot of senior management experience in the NHS (my last post was Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust). In the distant past I have worked in retail pharmacy, the pharmaceutical industry and overseas.

I have two grandchildren at primary school in the Ascot area. My main interests are biking, the outdoors and church and family life.

Mrs Vanessa O'Reilly

Hi, I'm Ness and I am delighted to contribute as a Parent Governor at Crowmarsh, where I currently have two children. I am particularly excited to support the school through my role as subject link for English, History and Music.

I have been a primary school teacher for over 15 years and have experience in senior leadership, as well as leading a number of core subjects. I’m passionate about high quality teaching and learning, and I look forward to using my experience to help strengthen and celebrate the school’s work.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy reading, running, and spending time outdoors.

Mrs Linda Parker

I am a retired teacher, now an author, who has lived in Crowmarsh for 4 years, but has had connections with the village for over 20 years. Generally to be seen with a beagle, Buddy,in tow.

I am an enthusiastic member of the congregation at St Mary Magdalene Crowmarsh and generally involved fully in the affairs of the local community.

I feel that it is very important to support the church school in the community. I have been a governor for a number of years and volunteer as a teaching assistant at the school, and enjoy both roles.

Staff Governor: Mrs Karen Corrigan

I have worked at Crowmarsh School for nearly 20 years, teaching in Key Stage 2 and am currently the Year 5 teacher. I am the subject leader for Computing and PSHE, I am also the school Educational Visits Coordinator and hold the required training for that role.

I really enjoy working at Crowmarsh School, alongside brilliant children and a dedicated staff team.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to be staff governor and am keen to play a part in strengthening the working relationship between the staff team and the governing body.

I live in the local area and my son attends Wallingford School.

Chair of Governors: Mr Angus Brettell

I’ve lived in Crowmarsh / Wallingford for 14 years and have three children currently at the school.

My family have always taken a keen interest in the direction of the various clubs, schools etc that our children have been involved in. I am passionate to work with the school and other Governor’s, to work through key decisions to shape the future of the school and to further enhance its reputation.

Professionally I am a Project Director with a Tier 1 Contractor leading a diverse team in the delivery of a large Project in West London. I am very keen to share any skills learnt from my workplace to the Governing Body and have a vested interest in Crowmarsh Gifford Church of England Primary School.

Chair of Governors: Mr Derek Bottomley

I have three daughters, all of whom are loving Crowmarsh Gifford School and have done so since joining. Since my first experience of the school I’ve been excited for them to be educated in such a positive environment and hope that I can be a part of the school’s progress in the years to come.

Away from my role as a governor, I have been a maths teacher and senior leader for over 15 years and very much enjoy using my holidays for long family trips abroad, to get as much sand or snow time as possible.