Governor Biographies

Name

Photos

Biography

Mrs Nina Gambier

Headteacher

Mrs Gambier joined Woodlea as Headteacher in September 2022 having previously worked for six years at a local Outstanding school in Croydon, the last few as Deputy Head. She started her teaching career in 1993 in Southwark where she worked in two schools, the latter as a senior leader before taking a break in 1999 to have her children. Nina initially returned to teaching part time but as her children got older, returned to a full-time role taking on a senior leadership post in Croydon.

Kirsty Irvine

Chair

Parent Governor

With two children at Woodlea, who have benefitted from both the nurturing environment and the learning opportunities that the school provides, I was delighted to join the Governing body as a parent governor in late 2025. Professionally my corporate career in finance has spanned commercial strategy, team leadership, process improvement and stakeholder management; I hope to use this experience and my perspective as a parent to support and strengthen Woodlea’s future.

George Holman

Vice Chair

Parent Governor

I have two children at Woodlea. As a parent and a governor, I’m keen to support the school in whatever way I can and to play an active role in its continued success. Being a governor has given me valuable insight into a different side of school life and a much greater appreciation of the challenges facing education today. I find it hugely rewarding to be part of a committed team working together for the benefit of all pupils. Professionally, I bring experience from investment banking, risk management and consulting, alongside senior leadership roles in people, culture and organisational development. I hope to leverage my commercial, strategic and governance experience to help strengthen the school’s resilience, support effective decision-making, and contribute to Woodlea’s long-term success

Vanessa Dexter

Co-opted

Governor

Photograph of Vanessa Dexter

Vanessa joined the governing body in December 2023 as a community governor. Vanessa is from an education background and brings her experience to the governing body. In September 2024 she took on the role of Chair of Governors at Woodlea.

Gary Heath

Parent Governor

Photograph of Gary Heath

Gary currently serves as a Community Governor for Woodlea, having previously held the position of Parent Governor. Within the Governor role, his focus extends to overseeing reading, phonics, and well-being.

He has two children enroled at the school, who positively love coming to school at Woodlea. Professionally, he is a Deputy Head teacher at a different Surrey primary school, and his role there includes responsibility for safeguarding, assessment, curriculum and teaching and learning. His intention is to bring this experience to the Governing Body, to help to support and challenge in the meetings.

Laurence Egglesfield

Parent Governor

Peter Mobbs

Co-opted

Governor

Fiona Hill

Staff Governor

Fiona joined the governing body in September 2021 along with her job share co- worker Rachel Menham. Fiona has a long association with Woodlea, as both a parent and teacher, and has lived in the village for many years. She started her career teaching in Croydon before taking a break to have her children. While her children were at Woodlea, she worked as a supply teacher before, taking on a permanent job-share.

Rachel Menham

Staff Governor

Rachel joined the governing body in September 2021 and has had a close association with Woodlea both as a teacher and parent for many years.

She began her teaching career in London where she worked for nine years. While her children were young she left full time teaching and became a supply teacher, working in a number of schools in Surrey. In 2004 she joined the teaching staff of Woodlea where she works as part of a job share with Mrs Hill.

Her role as a staff governor allows her to bring a staff perspective to the board, as well as being involved in guiding Woodlea’s development so it continues to be a fulfilling and enjoyable place to be, to work, and to learn.

Rebecca Urie

Clerk to Governors

Rebecca joined the governance team at Woodlea in 2023. Prior to this role, Rebecca setup and ran wraparound care clubs in Walton-on-the-Hill and Tadworth, so has experience in a primary school setting, working with children, and working with senior leadership teams. With a background in marketing and administration, Rebecca is keen to 'get stuck in' and support the governors with their roles.

Katie Dilaj

Co-opted Governor

Photograph of Katie Dilaj

Katie is the UK & Europe Product Head of Platform & Data Services, overseeing digital products for Citi’s Treasury & Trade Solutions. Since joining Citi in 2021, she has served as the Global Head of Product Marketing for TTS and as the EMEA head of Market Management. Prior to Citi, Katie held various roles at Deutsche Bank, including Global Product Management in Client Connectivity Products and roles in Relationship Management and Programme Management in London and New York.