Julia Powell (Chair of Governors)

I have been a Governor here at St Nics since 2010, and my 3 children have all attended this lovely school.  I have previously chaired the Learning committee, and the Finance and Premises committee, and am presently Chair of the Governing Body.  During my time as Chair we have been through a very successful Ofsted inspection, and also recruited a new Headteacher - it has been a busy few years!  I used to work in commercial mortgage banking in London but I don't work at the moment, so have time and energy to devote to this role, and I very much enjoy being a part of the St Nics' community, even though my children have moved on.  St Nics' is a very special place and we as a Governing Body work hard to keep it that way.

Toby Richardson

Hello I’m Toby Richardson. Originally from Guildford I’ve been back living locally to St Nicolas’ for the last 5 years. I joined as a Foundation Governor in November 2016. I have a son who is loving Beech Class and a daughter who I hope will soon join him at St Nicolas’ so I’m particularly keen to help maintain our caring, safe and nurturing environment! I work at the Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital running a team who secure company partners to enable a broad range of cancer research to be carried out and then turned into products to benefit patients.

John Bethell

I’m the newest governor at St Nicolas’ – I joined the governing body last March. I feel very lucky to be part of such a great team and am looking forward to supporting the school in any way I can. I have three children, the eldest of whom is in Reception. I’ve always felt very fortunate to have received a good education and hope all of today’s children can have the same start in life. I work in London as a barrister and have previously been a soldier and an academic. In my spare time, I enjoy running (usually with our energetic springer spaniel), the outdoors and cooking. I am also the treasurer for a local branch of the charity SSAFA and act as a mentor with the Social Mobility Foundation.

John Harmer

I started as a Governor at St Nicolas' in September 2018 when my daughter joined the school. I live in Guildford and wanted to make a contribution to the local community - I have always had an interest in education so becoming a Governor seems the perfect match. The school is a really impressive and happy place and I am excited to have the opportunity to be involved. Outside of school I work in public affairs. I am a long serving supporter of Portsmouth Football Club and also enjoy gardening, astronomy and cloud spotting.

Marian Coom

I was appointed a Foundation Governor at St Nicolas' School in September 2018. Originally born in Shropshire, I have held teaching posts (including Deputy Head and Head of KS1 ) in Wolverhampton, The Bahamas, London and Hillingdon. I specialised mainly in KS1 and latterly led the Special Needs team in Early Years in a large multi cultural primary school near Heathrow. I took early retirement in 2013 after 37 years of teaching! Many of my positions were in Anglican schools and in the 1980's I was appointed one of the first Teacher Governors at a church school in London.  I have lived with my husband in Guildford for 21 years. I have been a member of St Nicolas Church congregation since 1997 and I am a Parochial Church Council member and have served as Churchwarden for 12 and a half years. I continue to help lead Children's Church at St Nicolas during the 10am Sunday Eucharist and also help with Messy Church and the summer Holiday Club. I look forward to becoming an active member of the Governing Body.

Jessica Staniforth

My name is Jessica Staniforth. I joined the school as a student at the end of my PGCE and have taught Cherry, Oak and Chestnut classes. I am also the school's Religious Education and Values Subject Leader, Forest School Leader and Staff Governor.

Akemi Nogiwa

I joined the team in September 2018 as a parent governor. I have two children in year 1 who are thriving in this school! We are very fortunate to have access to high quality education in the hands of caring teachers and I would like to see this opportunity available to all. I am happy to have joined a very engaged and positive governing team and look forward to contributing. I work in research at Imperial College London in the field of biomaterials. 

Robin Holdsworth

I trained as an analytical chemist in London.  My wife and I moved with our two young children to Guildford in 1973. I have worked for over 50 years in the construction industry in which I have managed companies at home and abroad. During my expat life I helped to set up a primary and junior school in Dubai. In between my overseas appointments I have been a regular member of All Saints’ Onslow Village holding various posts as Churchwarden, PCC Secretary and am currently chairman of the Premises Vision Group. I maintain a keen interest in cricket and hockey although I have retired as a player, trainer and umpire.

James Armstrong

I became a Foundation Governor in November 2018 and am excited to have joined a talented team of governors. I live locally and have 3 children with the eldest loving year 1 and the second itching to start in reception next year. St Nics is a small school but it plays a large part in local life, its values radiate through everything and makes it a really special place. I look forward to supporting the school in any way I can to ensure the best possible experience and outcomes for all of the children as they start their education. Away from St Nics, I work in London as Finance Director of a technology consultancy. And away from work I enjoy being active and outdoors and spending time with family and friends.