Co-Chairs - Ms Tiina Mutru and Mr Will Swain

Vice Chair - Mr Karl Fuhrmann

Head Teacher - Mr Andrew King

Observer

Headteacher, Amherst Junior School - Mr Andrew Reid

Clerk to the Governors  - Mr Robert Baldock

The Governing Body is led by the Co-Chairs, elected by the Governing Body from within its membership. The role of Chair is set for a one year period.

The Co-Chairs are supported in their work by a Vice Chair, who is delegated certain tasks and responsibilities. The role of Vice Chair is  also set for a one year period.

The Governing Body may choose to appoint Governors to take on other additional specific roles. Currently, these are as follows:-

Lead Governors for Finance: Michael May and Will Swain.

Lead Governors for Health and Safety including Premises: Nic Pocknall and Simone Conti

Staffing and Pay Panel Governors: Karl Fuhrmann, Michael May and Nic Pocknall

Lead Governors for Safeguarding: Lyndsey Billing and Lesley Lee

Lead Governors for SEND: Karl Fuhrmann and Simone Conti

Lead Governor for Quality of Education: Lyndsey Billing and Lesley Lee

Lead Governors for EYFS: Lesley Lee and Mark Skinner

Lead Governor for Wellbeing: Sarah Munns

To see the Governors' Terms of Appointment, Register of Interest and Attendance, please visit our Statutory Information page.

Governor Pen Portraits

Tiina Mutru - Co-Chair - (Co-Opted Governor)

My background is in Public Health Nutrition and I have worked for different organisations and companies across Europe in the field of food and nutrition. At the moment my time is dedicated to my family and to volunteering.

When my eldest started at Riverhead I was overwhelmed how different the English education system is to that of my home country Finland. I was worried that at four he was far too young to start! He had a very happy and rewarding time at Riverhead and so I was more relaxed second time round. To learn more about the education system and to give back to the community I decided to join the Governing Body in 2015. I was elected Chair in October 2019.  Becoming a school governor has been hugely rewarding and has made me realize how much work, dedication and flexibility is required, by the staff and the Governing Body, to run the school.

Karl Fuhrmann - Co-Chair - (Co-Opted Governor)

I have recently moved to Sevenoaks from Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire, and wanted to use what I have learnt in my career so far to help out within the local community. Becoming a governor seemed like an obvious choice, and since my appointment in May I have really enjoyed learning about how the school is run, and how I can have a positive impact on the strategy of Riverhead over the next few years. My first impression of the staff and children has been excellent, and there is clearly a desire from everyone to maintain an outstanding learning environment.

I have spent the majority of my working life in financial services procurement, and been involved in driving buying strategies across a variety of different categories, from IT to professional services. I hope that this will stand me in good stead as a governor, and that in turn I will be able to take away knowledge and skills that I can use elsewhere.

Will Swain Vice Chair (Co-opted Governor)

I was born in New Zealand and have spent the past 22 years living in the UK.  My working background is in financial services and I have served on the executive team with a number of banks and insurance brokers, leading technology and operations. I bring a wealth of experience in financial and organisational management, including facilities and human resources.  I believe education is the most important aspect of a child’s upbringing and relocated to Sevenoaks in 2020 for the great schools. My oldest daughter started at Riverhead in September 2021.

Lyndsey Billing (Co-opted Governor)

I started my teaching career over 20 years ago in London. Since moving to Kent in 2007, I have taught in several schools across the primary range.

I was Key Stage One Leader at Chevening School before joining Amherst in 2021 as Inclusion Manager. I have always been passionate about supporting children with Special Educational Needs and have experience of working with a wide range of needs.

As a member of Riverhead Governing Board I hope to use my skills and experience to support the school going forward. 

Nic Pocknall (Local Authority Governor)

I have lived in Sevenoaks for 17 years, more recently close to the school and was appointed as a Governor in August 2018.  I have 2 children at secondary school locally.

I am a Chartered Surveyor specialising in commercial property development and sales and look forward to using some of my skills to benefit the school community.

Riverhead Infants' has an excellent reputation and I look forward to enhancing the community of such a well-respected local school.

Sarah Munns (Staff Governor)

Following a successful career in the advertising industry in London, I joined Riverhead Infants' School as a Teaching Assistant, approximately 14 years ago. However, my association with the school stretches further back than that, as both of my daughters spent the first years of their education here.

During my time as T.A, I have supported all year groups, 1:1 SEN support and the delivery of specialist interventions. And at present, I’m working in Year Two.

From breakfast club to the final bell, I enjoy playing a part in the school children's day, supporting their learning, well-being and watching them flourish as they grow. As a member of the Governing body, I hope to be able to use my hands on experience and knowledge to help maintain and enhance the great reputation of the school.  

Mark Skinner (Parent Governor)

My two daughters currently are lucky enough to attend Riverhead Infant School and I have a younger son who will join the school in 2024. I have loved the environment they have grown up in and would like to support the school's future development as a governor. I am passionate about our children having the best environment possible to nurture their development. I have a degree in economics and politics and 17 years’ experience of building my own business to a successful company of over 30 staff, I believe I have the financial, operational and Human Resources skills to bring value to the school in this role. Our family experience of the school to date is that the children are at the heart of everything they do, their learning, their play and their wellbeing. I hope to continue to support this admirable ethos as my children continue their journey through their early school lives.

Mr. Michael May - (Co-opted Governor)

Having recently retired from full time employment I now have the time to offer help and support to Riverhead where my three grandchildren have attended, are attending and will be attending. I feel it key that children have an education that enables them to develop and grow to their best potential. Having held senior roles over the years in a mix of large multinationals and small entrepreneurial companies I feel that my broad experience can be put to good use here at Riverhead Infants’ School.

Lesley Lee - (Co-Opted Governor)

Education has been my gateway to a range of choices and opportunities. It is therefore not surprising that I have spent my adult life working happily in a variety of secondary schools  in both London and Kent.

My final post was as Headteacher for 12 years in a state Grammar school in Kent.  This was a time when schools were encouraged to work cooperatively, both at primary and secondary levels, resulting in increased funding and the  introduction of  creative ideas into the curriculum.

Now retired, I am very pleased to maintain my contact with education and hope that my experience can be of use for Riverhead School.

Mr Simone Conti - (Co-Opted Governor)

I am an architect specialised in education projects with experience in the UK across all school levels, from primary to higher education for both SEND and mainstream schools. My expertise extends to biophilic architecture and sustainable design, emphasising environmentally conscious and innovative solutions for the education sector. Both of my daughters have been Riverhead School pupils and they love their time there.

Mr Andrew Milne (Parent Governor)

Having been a primary school teacher myself for many years, I have recently decided to pursue a career change to the tech sector. However, I maintain a passion for education and when the opportunity arrived to apply to be a parent governor at Riverhead it seemed like the perfect opportunity to put my skills to good use. 

My daughter has been at Riverhead for two years and has had a fantastic start to her time in education. She bounds in full of enthusiasm every day. My son will hopefully be starting at the school in September 2026. I hope by combining my knowledge of the education sector with my understanding of what life is like as a Riverhead parent I will be able to support the school to continue to grow and develop.