Andrew Jeffrey

Chair of Governors, Parent Governor

Term of Office: Start and End Date  6th December 2021 - 5th December 2025

Biography: 

I work primarily in finance and particularly in Academy Schools. I am also on a board of Trustees at an Academy Trust. While some of the mechanics are different I also have a good understanding of governance and the challenges that face the primary sector.   As an added touch of nostalgia I was also a pupil at Fenny Compton before they merged with Farnborough and Northend to become The Dassett - although much has changed since those days!

Sue Taylor

Foundation Governor

Term of office: 2nd September 2024 - 1st September 2028

Biography:

I have been working in schools for over 50 years.  It is my happy place! I have been living in Northend for the last 30 years and am committed to the community and my faith.

Jackie Shakespeare

Co-Opted Governor

Term of Office: 5th February 2025 - 4th February 2029

Biography:

I have three grandchildren who attend the Dassett School and a grandson at Abacus. I currently offer local support as a qualified infant feeding counsellor, and volunteer with Barnados in their Children & Families centres. I previously enjoyed a long career in the NHS as a senior trauma ward sister in Oxford, then clinical nurse manager in the private sector. I have lived in Northend since 2019. 

Ensuring The Dassett School continues to thrive, maintain the highest standards, and provide a safe, happy learning environment for all pupils is key to my decision to become a Governor.

Graham Buttrick

Parent Governor

Term of office: 25th June 2025 - 24th June 2029

Biography:

I have three children who have attended The Dassett, and through them, I’ve had many positive experiences with the school and it's staff, including working closely with the SEN team to access support from the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. 

I work for a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative treatments for mental health conditions. I’m a strong believer in the importance of science in education and ensuring that mental health is supported and understood.

Jonathan Hughes

Co-Opted Governor

Term of Office: 2nd October 2025 - 1st October 2025

Biography: 

With the exception of a brief taster within a Warwickshire estate agent’s office, my career has been in the field of primary education. It has certainly been a definite vocation for me; requiring hard work but one which has provided me with many satisfying rewards.

Although currently working as an independent school improvement consultant, my previous background included teaching in three Warwickshire primary-phase schools and, following deputy headship and acting headship, working within Warwickshire’s school improvement team and the University of Northampton.

The role of a governor at The Dassett School is an exciting addition alongside my professional life; working with the school community to enhance the learning opportunities for all pupils.