Governors

Mrs Colley
Headteacher

I am Mrs Colley, the headteacher of Spring Grove Primary. I joined the school in January 2020, just ten weeks before we went into the first national lockdown, so it has been an exciting time to get to know the school and community.

My background is in primary education, and I have been teaching and working in London schools since 1987; making me feel very old!
Developing a child’s personal growth and expecting them to achieve their best through an aspirational curriculum is vital to leading successful and fulfilling lives. It is something that the whole school team and I strive each day to achieve. We regularly use the phrase “The Spring Grove Way,” which is about pursuing personal and academic excellence for everyone every day.

There is something extraordinary about Spring Grove; it is a school that cherishes individuals and recognises that everyone has a significant personal contribution to make. I thoroughly enjoy being the headteacher of this small, friendly, ambitious community of children and adults.
When I am not in school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, walking my dog, and reading!

Mrs Johnson
Chair

My name is Mrs Johnson and I have been a member of the Spring Grove governing board for 4 years. Last year I was lucky enough to be elected as the Chair of governors. I became a governor after speaking to my friend, ex year 6 teacher Mr Kendall who told me about the amazing culture at Spring Grove and inspired me to apply. My background is in leadership, operations and team development, all skills I share in my role as chair of governors.

Ms Robalo
Vice Chair

I was appointed as a parent governor in May 2021 and my governing body areas of responsibilities are History and Geography.
I believe that nurturing an excellent learning environment for all children enables them to perform at their best. As a local resident, I feel honoured to be able to play a part in the ongoing success story of Spring Grove Primary School.
I am a Design Director for a national research laboratory; volunteer at We Are Stronger (an anti-bullying charity) with my branding and design expertise; mentor graduates at both the University of the Arts and at the University of East London.
In my spare time, I train for marathons and triathlons, enjoy listening to podcasts, and always have an arts & crafts project (or three) on the go.

Mr Heath
Chair of Finance

My name is Rob, I became a parent governor at Spring Grove 30 years ago when my children attended the school and I have been at the school ever since, I am currently serving as a co-opted governor. My working background is in Local Authority finance bringing my knowledge and experience to my roles as the Chair of the Finance and Pay Committees.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a governor and have seen many changes over the years. I believe the reason I have been a governor for so long, is due to the school having such a warm friendly atmosphere, an active governing body and highly skilled staff who always put the children first.

Mr Hill-Cawthorne
Community Governor

My name is Grant and I am a co-opted governor for Spring Grove. My day job is as Director of Research for the House of Commons where I lead the 8 research teams that brief MPs on legislation and policy development, and answer complex questions from their constituents. I originally trained as a doctor and specialised in medical virology – which has come in very handy for the past 2 years! In 2011, I moved to Saudi Arabia to start a research lab looking at the transmission of infectious diseases during mass gatherings and then in 2013 moved to Australia where I stayed until 2018. In Australia, I researched drug resistant infections and taught masters and PhD students how to control infectious diseases. I am the named governor for the nursery class and have subject area responsibility for science/ICT – so please do get in touch with me about any of these.

Mrs Khan
Co-opted Governor

Greetings! I am Mrs Khan and I have been a Parent Governor for nearly 4 years. I have 3 daughters, 1 of whom are at Spring Grove in Years 6. I am currently on a career break having previously worked for 18 years with an independent global news organisation training journalists in television and radio news production travelling to broadcasters in over 20 countries across Europe, The Middle East, Asia and Africa! In my spare time, I volunteer for St. John’s Ambulance, enjoy playing the piano and attempting to crochet (Barbie is enjoying her scarf!).

Ms Hambrier
Staff Governor

I am Mrs Hambrier and I am the Year 1 teacher and the Staff Governor. I have worked at Spring Grove since 2014.

I have worked with children from new-borns to Year 9 in my various roles. I have lived in New Zealand and Australia. I have two grown up children and two cats;  when I am not working, I enjoy spending time with them all!

Dr Owen
LA Governor

My name is Jennifer. I became the LA governor in March 2023. I am currently the named governor for SEND and Year Five.

My background is in education and I have worked in many different areas, from teaching postgraduate courses in environmental geology at Nottingham University to working with Volunteer Services Overseas (VSO) as a chemistry teacher in rural Kenya. In addition, I taught secondary school chemistry in California for four years and in the UK for fourteen years and subsequently trained teachers in the UK for ten years. My last post was with an American charity administering a school and training the teachers in rural Tanzania. I am currently a trustee for a children’s charity based in Darjeeling, India.

I am looking forward to working with the governing body and learning more about Spring Grove Primary School.

Mrs Kibblewhite
Co-opted Governor

My name is Louise Kibblewhite. I am new to the role of Governor at Spring Grove but not new to the school. I taught at Spring Grove for just over 12 years, most recently in Year 5 but worked in years 2 and 3 as well. During my time at the school, I had responsibility for outdoor learning, art and over the last 8 years I was the Literacy Coordinator. I have a love for all things literacy but particularly writing and reading for pleasure which I am passionate about, knowing the benefits to all children. Arriving at Spring Grove for one term, then staying for 12 years is a testament to a very special school and I look forward to helping it remain so for years to come. I garden, cycle and undertake a range of creative ventures in my spare time. I also, naturally, belong to a book club.

Mr Patra
Parent Governor

My name is Aniket Patra, and I have taken up the role of parent governor for Spring Grove Primary School in December 2023. My day job is as Director of Data Architecture in Haleon where I lead the team that formulates the data strategy and data solutions design. I am also a proud father of a son who is currently being educated by the lovely staff of Spring Grove Primary School. I originally trained as a computer science engineer in India and moved to UK as a Data professional in 2010.

I am very passionate about supporting children in their growth in a positive environment. Being a parent myself as well as a resident of the local community, I believe I can partner well with the Spring Grove management team and staff; to enable children’s growth. My motto is ‘Happy Children in a progressive environment’ and I am always keen to support the school and work in the local community to further this agenda. Feel free to get in touch with me.

Mr Malin
Deputy Headteacher & Observer

I am Mr Malin, the deputy-headteacher of Spring Grove Primary. I joined the school in January 2022, and it has been an exciting time getting to know the children, staff and parents.

My background is in primary education, and I was initially a newly qualified teacher in Hounslow before teaching in Richmond. During this period of time I was fortunate enough to become a maths specialist teacher with the NCTEM London South West Maths Hub supporting colleagues and school leaders to further develop their practice and curriculum. I’ve had the privilege to teach across the EYFS, Key Stage One and Key Stage Two.

I love many aspects of teaching and leading in schools, but undoubtedly the greatest pleasure is that every day is different – you are never bored when getting to work alongside young, inquisitive children who love to share their ideas and stories with you. When I am not in school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, gardening and traveling to explore and find new adventures!