Jim Edgecombe

I am a retired civil servant living in Uxbridge, where all my children went to school.
I have been a governor of various schools, primary and secondary, in the Borough of Hillingdon for over 20 years.
I have continued to be a governor because I feel that people who are not educational professionals should have a significant say in the operation of our education system.
I enjoy being a governor because I can see how our children take advantage of what our schools offer not only in academic learning but in wider areas.

Alison Percy

My name is Ali Percy and I am a parent to 3 children - a son and twins girls who have just moved on from Whiteheath.  Alongside being a parent, I also manage my own business as a qualitative market researcher, which I love as it means I can spend lots of time being nosy about other people's lives! 

I joined the governing body in January 2018 because I've seen how the positive environment of Whiteheath has encouraged my children and their peers to develop and grow in confidence, and I wanted to support the school in continuing to offer a wide range of experiences to its students.  It’s important to me that our school environment is one where our children feel safe to be children still, to play, to grow and to make and learn from their mistakes and I enjoy working with the fantastic team at Whiteheath in maintaining a healthy, happy place for all our children.

Jatin Patel

Hello! My name is Jatin Patel and I am really excited about joining the governing body in the Spring of 2022. I’m work in the financial services industry and am a partner at KPMG.

Growing up I benefitted immensely from a quality education – it’s allowed my wife and I to offer more opportunities to our two children than we had and suspect many parents want the same. In a changing and highly competitive world education is the best investment a community can give to ensure future generations reach their potential. I want to bring my experience to ensure the children at Whiteheath have fun whilst continuing to receive the development support to thrive. Like many others, I want to do this to support my community and give something back and am confident I will do lots of learning myself along the way!

Matt Fletcher

I am one of the Parent Governors at Whiteheath Junior School with a son in year 4 (and a daughter who was in year 6 last year). I have been a teacher for 28 years, initially as a science (physics) teacher, with the last 16 years being a senior leader in secondary schools.  I am currently Heateacher at Rickmansworth School; a large, “outstanding”, partially-selective academy in Hertfordshire. Several years ago I was seconded to act as Headteacher of a small primary school and so have leadership experience in our education system from EYFS through to Key Stage 5. Recently, I was also a Parent Governor at Whiteheath Infant School and thoroughly enjoyed my role there also.

I am a Parent Governor because I believe that schools are an integral part of the community and, as such, everyone in the community should play their part, however small, in ensuring that their local school’s provision is as good as it possibly can be. My main area of responsibility on the Governing Body is as Science Link Governor and I am also a member of the School’s Finance & Resources Committee.

Richard Berry

Hello, my name is Richard Berry. My son attends Whiteheath, and I became a Parent Governor in September 2023. I work in local government at the Greater London Authority, supporting the Mayor in his oversight of the London Fire Brigade and advising on fire safety policy issues. I am also a published author of fiction and non-fiction, and was previously a junior football referee. I joined the governing body so I could help the school to continue providing a great education, in a safe, challenging and fun environment that allows all pupils to realise their potential.

Marta Wright

My name is Marta Wright and I have been a Parent Governor since 2021. My 3 children have attended Whiteheath Juniors – one currently in Year 5 and twins who were in Year 6 last year.

I have always had an interest in education and upon completion of my undergraduate degree in English and Postgraduate Certificate in Education, I started my career teaching English in Spain. For the last 23 years I have worked for an American Investment Bank, where I am part of the Business Management Team where I focus on Human Capital and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

I became a Parent School Governor to support the school particularly around Special Education Needs as I am very interested in this area. In my work I often see the effect that poor management of SEN in education can have in the professional world, potentially limiting professional opportunities. I firmly believe this can be changed by providing adequate support in school and home from an early age.

Seema Parmar

I have recently assumed the role of a co-opted non-parent governor at Whiteheath, and although I am relatively new to this position, my background and experience in the health and wellness industry have equipped me with a strong foundation in leadership and a deep commitment to the well-being of others.

With almost a decade of dedicated service in the health and wellness sector, I have cultivated a profound passion for promoting the physical and mental wellness of individuals. As an integral member of a co-founding team in a health and wellness startup, I have gained valuable insights into business development, teamwork, and effective leadership. Furthermore, I hold professional qualifications as a Yoga teacher, Personal Trainer, and Spin instructor, allowing me to facilitate personal growth and skill development while fostering confidence and encouraging healthier lifestyles among those I work with.

I am wholeheartedly aligned with the vision, aims, and values of the school, which provides me with a unique opportunity to leverage my background and expertise to contribute to the development and well-being of both the school and its students. Simultaneously, I view this role as an avenue for my own ongoing growth, enhancing my leadership skills and personal development.

I am genuinely enthusiastic about being part of a team that upholds the highest expectations for both ourselves and our students, ensuring a nurturing and thriving educational environment.