Karen Corbett

I’m Karen and I am a Class Teacher at Woodlands. Before my teaching career began I had worked as a graphic designer for 10 years. I always wanted to teach and finally pursued a teaching career in 2009, starting out as a teaching assistant with a view to retraining. I completed my teacher training in 2016 and was fortunate to secure a position as a class teacher. I have lived in Tonbridge all my life and have one child who, like myself, attended Woodlands. I enjoy football, tennis, reading and above all things the time I spend with my family.  

 

 

 

Caroline Pearce

Hi I'm Caroline and have recently been appointed a governor of the school. A retired solicitor and director of training at a City law firm, I have been actively involved in a number of local community organisations since retiring.  I am a trustee of Communigrow in East Malling, a Kent charity that seeks to educate and support children and young adults (especially those who are disadvantaged or who have special needs) through horticulture and social enterprise activities.  I am a parish councillor and member of the committee which runs the community hall in the village in which I live, which is about five miles from Tonbridge. I also raise funds for Friends of Kent Churches. I am a firm believer in giving children the best education and start in life that is possible and I look forward to supporting the school and the staff as a governor. 

 

 

Lark Snow

I joined the Governing Body in December 2019 as a Parent Governor. I have three children, two of whom currently attend Woodlands (Y1 and Y3) and the youngest will be joining next year.

I grew up locally and attended Tonbridge Grammar School for Girls before moving away to study Law at Bristol University. I later retrained as a Primary School Teacher gaining a PGCE at Canterbury Christchurch. I have worked at various schools in and around London, teaching in Key Stage One and Two, including several roles on the Senior Leadership Teams.

I am currently taking some time out of work while the children are young, so becoming a governor has provided the perfect opportunity to continue using my skills whilst also contributing to the school community.

 

Steph Williams

I’m Steph. I became a parent governor of Woodlands Infant School in 2011 when my son was in Reception. I am now a co-opted governor of Woodlands Primary School and am proud of the way both the Infant and Junior schools were successfully amalgamated and continue to develop as one thriving and aspirational establishment, giving the families of North Tonbridge the best opportunity to learn, explore and grow together! I am a qualified primary school teacher and am passionate about quality education for all. I am currently working as a maths mentor, supporting children who have been most disadvantaged by the pandemic.

 

 

Kim Groves

I'm Kim and I became a co-opted governor at Woodlands in October 2021. I am a primary school teacher and part of the senior leadership team at a small village primary school and I am passionate about the teaching of reading. During my career, I have completed an MA in education and I am currently studying for an NPQH. I have three children who attend Woodlands and I look forward to many more years being part of the school community.

 

 

 

Ripu Bains

I joined the governing body as a parent governor in May 2023. My family and I moved to Tonbridge from South London in May 2021, and my daughter and son will both be attending Woodlands Primary School.

 grew up in Walsall, in the West Midlands, before moving to London in 2004 where I attended University College London and completed a BSc in Genetics. I then gained a Masters in Medical Parasitology and Diploma in Infectious Diseases at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, which included a stint working at the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine in The Philippines. I then completed a PhD in Human Genetics at University College London in 2012. Since then, I have worked in the scientific publishing industry where I lead a team of microbiology and infectious disease editors and work with scientific experts from around the world. Outside of science, my husband and I always loved to travel, and are enjoying taking our two young children along to expose them to different cultures. Closer to home, I am a keen gardener, cook, and baker, and enjoy running and yoga. Having grown up in a relatively deprived area of the country, I understand the importance of, and opportunities provided by, a good education and this led to my interest in becoming a school governor. I am delighted to have the opportunity to be part of the Woodlands school community.

 

 

 

Joe Plant

I have recently been recently appointed a governor of the school. I am the currently the Head of Humanities at a school in Sevenoaks. I have been teaching for over 10 years,

working in a variety to different settings and I previously spent time teaching in Australia. I am a keen sportsman and I have a passion for high-quality school sport. 

 

Gareth Williams

I started as a governor at Woodlands in July 2021. A qualified Accountant I have over 20 years’ experience working in property & real estate finance, covering a range of areas including management accounting, budgeting & forecasting and compliance . I have 2 boys both currently at Woodlands and am pleased to support the school as a Governor. Away from work I enjoy all sport especially golf and football .. playing, watching and now also attempting to coach my son’s team!