Miss Claire Coombes

Governor Type: Appointed by X-officio by virtue of office as Headteacher
Position:  Headteacher
Business Interest: Headteacher.

I have been teaching for over 25 years and have been at Sandling for 20 years; it is a whole school community and I hope my length of service reflects the value I put on working in this school and with all our staff, governors, parents and most importantly pupils. My role on the governing body is to provide information about the school so all governors are able to effectively carry out their duties.

This includes:
• The internal organisation, management and control of the school
• The educational performance of the school
• Along with others, leading, developing and supporting the strategic direction, vision, values and priorities of the school
• Developing, implementing and evaluating the school’s policies, practices and procedures
• Leading and managing teaching
• Lead, manage and develop the staff, including appraising and managing their performance

Mr James Kilduff

Governor Type: Staff (appointed by staff)
Term of Office: 25th May 2021 - 24th May 2025

I have been teaching for over 12 years and am currently in my fifth academic year as Deputy Headteacher at Sandling Primary School. Throughout my career, I have worked in various Kent schools, gaining experience as a class teacher and in leadership roles, including EYFS Lead, Key Stage 1 Lead, and Key Stage 2 Lead. Beyond my role at Sandling, I serve as Chair of Directors for a local nursery, further supporting my passion for early education. As a staff-appointed governor, my role is to provide insight into the school’s operations, ensuring that governors are well-informed to carry out their responsibilities effectively. I also represent the views of staff, fostering collaboration and shared understanding within the governing body.

Mr Andy Larkin

Governor Type: Appointed by parents
Term of Office: 12th November 2021 - 11th November 2025
Key Responsibility: Finance Group

Business Interests: None.

I was elected to the governing body of Sandling Primary School in November 2021. I have lived in the Maidstone area for 15 years, with 11 of those in Penenden Heath, and have one child currently attending the school. My career spans extensive work in the financial services industry, with the last 17 years dedicated to an Investment Management Company where I currently serve as an Associate Director, specialising in Institutional Client Relationship Management. Being part of the governing body provides me with the opportunity to actively contribute to our children's education. As a parent to a pupil at Sandling Primary, I am committed to enhancing the school's effectiveness and success, and I aim to support teachers and staff in navigating the ever-evolving and sometimes challenging educational environment.

Mrs Anthea Mitchell
Governor Type: Appointed by Governing Body
Term of Office: 27 September 2023 - 26th September 2027
Key Responsibility: Educational visits
Business Interests: None

I first joined the board of governors when I was curate of the parish church, St. Paul’s. I live in Penenden Heath although I am now Priest-in-Charge of St. Andrew’s, Barming Heath. As a governor at Sandling, I feel that I can bring some spiritual input to the school as well as my 35 years of experience as a small business owner. These may seem like divergent skills but as a ‘Minister in Secular Employment’ (in my day job, I own and run a hairdressing salon), I am well used to holding space for the sacred in the midst of the material world.

Ms Elizabeth Nicholson
Governor Type: Appointed by Governing Body
Term of Office: 1st December 2015 - 2nd December 2026
Key Responsibility: Safeguarding, Children in Care, Medical Needs
Business Interests: Tutor/assessor at Kent Adult Education. Spouse is a Governor at Sandling.

I was appointed to the governing body at Sandling Primary School as a community governor in 2015 having previously served on the governing body of three other schools as a school staff member. My background is in education. I taught in both the secondary and primary sector for 38 years, the final 14 years as deputy head teacher of two Kent primary schools.   I now work in Adult Education teaching and mentoring trainee teaching assistants. I have lived in Penenden Heath for 18 years with my husband John Viner who also serves on the governing body.  I have two sons and two stepsons who have long since left the family nest.  They are all pursuing professional careers in the UK and abroad and providing me with a constant stream of grandchildren to spoil when they are in my care! As a Sandling Primary School governor, I am able to use my career experience in many ways but my key responsibility is for Safeguarding and am delighted to be able to serve the community as a governor of such an effective and friendly school.

Mrs Carmel Park
Governor Type: Staff (appointed by staff)
Term of Office:

I am the School Business Manager here at Sandling Primary school and I have been associated with the education system for in excess of 30 years, starting with early Years Teaching, to School Business Professional, with many variations along the way. I have two grown up daughters, one across the other side of the world in Australia where she lives with her husband and my two grandchildren and another who lives in London and works as a chef. The majority of my time is spent at work but at weekends I am a respite foster carer for children of all ages and that keeps me busy. In my spare time I have lots of hobbies too – my main one being a fascination with different languages - I’m learning and I practice every day! I love the learning journey we are all on – no matter how old you are it never ends! It is a privilege to be part of the Governing Body supporting, challenging and, together, making good decisions on behalf of the school community and I look forward to my term.

Mrs Alina Pavel
Governor Type: Appointed by Governing Body
Term of Office: 15 May 2024 - 14 May 2028
Key Responsibility: Finance Group
Business Interests: None.

I was elected to the governing body of Sandling Primary School in May 2024. Having lived in the Maidstone area for the past three years, after relocating from London, I am eager to contribute to my local community. My career began in support roles for several SaaS companies, and I currently work as a Solution Architect, specializing in Privileged Access Management, for a leading global bank. Serving on the governing body allows me to give back to the community and play a role in shaping the educational experience for our children. My goal is to provide support to teachers and staff as they navigate the dynamic and often complex educational landscape, ensuring they have the resources needed to excel in their roles.

Mr Adam Terry

Governor Type: Appointed by parents
Term of Office: 12th November 2021 - 11th November 2025 
Key Responsibility: Educational Visits

I became a parent governor in November 2021. I grew up in Maidstone and have lived in Penenden Heath for many years. My wife and I have two sons who attend Sandling. Professionally I am a Chartered Accountant and Statutory Auditor, I lead a team of around 80 people in our Gatwick Audit department. In my spare time I am also a Scout Leader at the local Scout group, St. Paul's. I wanted to become a parent governor to offer my skills and time to support the school to achieve its ambitions. It was important to me that I put myself forward as a governor as schools, like many similar organisations, cannot function without roles like governors being fulfilled by volunteers.

Mr John Viner
Governor Type: Co-opted (appointed by the Governing Board)
Term of Office: 27th January 2016 - 28th January 2028
Key Responsibility: Chair. EYFS, Training and development.
Business Interests: Self employed Education Professional, Spouse governor at Sandling.

I have been a co-opted governor at Sandling since January 2016. I currently serve as Chair, having considerable experience of school governance and being Chair of another Kent school. I have a background of school leadership, having led five primary schools over a quarter of a century. I currently work as a freelance education adviser, trainer and consultant. I have lived in Penenden Heath for nearly 20 years and am married to Elizabeth Nicholson, who is also a Sandling governor. We have two sons and two stepsons, two of whom are teachers and two of whom live and work abroad. Being a governor of our local school is a great privilege and I hope that my knowledge and experience of education can make a contribution to shaping and sustaining the strategic development of the effective and happy place that is Sandling Primary.