Toby Richardson (Chair of Governors)

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.

Father Neil

I am Rector of Guildford St Nicolas and as such together with the Head Teacher the other ex-officio Governor of the School. After a Choral Scholarship at King's College London (Theology) and Cambridge (Education), I taught at independent schools in the East Midlands and Surrey, teaching RS and Music and was Head of Philosophy and Ethics, an NQT mentor and PGCE tutor. After two more degrees in Theology and Ministry and a research degree in the Spirituality of Music, I served in parishes in Southwark, Chichester and Derby dioceses latterly as a school chaplain. Having over twenty years in the classroom and as a HoD and senior teacher, I have also served on the Board of Education in Southwark, Chichester and Derby. The job of the Rector is to be there for everyone: staff, parents, families and children and to be a known face around school as well as the expected roles of taking weekly Collective Worship and bringing the children to their church for term services. I am always happy to welcome families to their Parish Church at any time. Since being appointed I have relaunched Junior Church for Sundays and redesigned the welcome area making a clear point of contact between the Church School and the Church Building. St Nicolas is a coin - and the two sides are the school and the church building - my principle role is to be there to bring both together and to support our wonderful staff in shaping the children into all that God has made them to be. What a joy!

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.

David Sharpin

My name is David Sharpin.  I have recently retired having been a banker in the City for the last almost 40 years.  Whilst I am at heart a Large Corporate banker, I have also spent a lot of time in Strategy, Risk, Finance and Corporate Governance roles.  Clearly, banking has changed enormously during that period and had its fair share of crises.  I was heavily involved in minimising the fallout from some of those crises, ensuring that lessons were learned and acted upon and spearheading some of the technological advancements in the current banking system.  Constant change became a way of life!

 

Having seen our children grow up, and recently become a grandparent for the first time, I am keenly aware of the importance of a quality infant school education when enthusiasm can be enhanced and confidence and an attitude to learning can be instilled, which will stay with them for life.  I am also keen to see traditional Christian values kept at the heart of the education system from which our future leaders and influencers will emerge.