Andy Yule (Chair)

I have spent 30 years in the electronics industry including over 20 years as a research scientist for Philips at their Laboratories just north of Horley, before working in Reigate for a small Swiss semiconductor company (u-blox), where I led teams designing software for GPS receivers. In 2016, I chose to “retire” in order to do something different and have taken on various voluntary roles, including Chair of Governors at Langshott Primary in Horley.

My wife & I have lived in Felbridge since 1997 and we have two children, both of whom were students at Imberhorne. I was also a governor for eight years, five of which as Chair, at Felbridge Primary. I regard being a governor as both a challenge and an honour, bringing with it considerable responsibility but also the chance to make genuine improvements. I take a particular interest in Maths and Science.

Michelle Brooks (Co-Vice Chair)

I currently work in education as a Trust Bursar and Clerk to a Local Governing Body. I am also involved in the financial management of an Academy Trust of three schools as well as HR, Premises and Governance. I decided to become a Governor at Imberhorne School as I felt that I have skills and knowledge that would complement the team of Governors in supporting the school staff. 

I have been a resident of East Grinstead my whole life and attended Imberhorne School myself as a teenager. Being able to contribute to the continued development of my secondary school and my son’s current school is extremely rewarding and a privilege. I believe that ensuring our children’s education and personal growth is a responsibility we should all take very seriously.

Julian Hollingsworth (Co-Vice Chair)

I have lived in East Grinstead since 2006 and have 3 children. I own a management consulting company with an emphasis on hospitality projects. It’s really important to me that the school works closely with the wider business environment to ensure that students are prepared academically and given the right tools in life. Every child has a special skill or talent and it’s up to us to ensure that each individual is given the best start in life when they’ve left the school, whether that be academically or in the world of work. Ultimately, we need to make sure that the students who leave Imberhorne are well rounded individuals. I became a governor to help Imberhorne achieve success and take a strong position in the local community. In my spare time, you might see me jogging down the Worth Way…

Paul Clark

I became a Parent Governor in October 2016, my daughter having joined the school in September 2016. I am currently a member of the finance committee and lead on Curriculum Links. I am also a co-opted Governor at West Hoathly Church of England Primary School. As a governor, I want to ensure that our students get the very best education possible in a safe and secure environment that provides not only the opportunity for excellent academic results but also an enjoyable and stimulating all round experience for each student. I was a civil servant for over 30 years during which time I had various roles including people management, developing and implementing change, negotiating complex financial issues, and international liaison. For the last few years before my final retirement, I worked locally, which has given me a good understanding of the community. I am passionate about natural history and the environment, with a particular interest in moths, and have taken on an allotment with mixed results!​

Claire Marsden

I have two daughters at Imberhorne and have lived in the local area for the last 14 years. During that time, I have undertaken several community volunteer roles, including two terms of office as a governor at Felbridge Primary School, so I was particularly excited when the opportunity arose to join Imberhorne’s governing body as a Parent Governor in autumn 2020.

I believe passionately in the importance and value of school as a formative experience in children’s and young people’s lives. Being able to help Imberhorne deliver on its vision of enabling all students to fulfil their potential and develop the self-belief and confidence to make them happy, well-rounded individuals is an immensely rewarding experience.

With a degree in Modern Languages, I had a career as an editor in book publishing before moving into education in 2012. I currently work part-time as an Adult Education Tutor for Aspire Sussex.

Jenny Munns

It’s an honour to contribute to Imberhorne School and to work with others to further its core values of CARE – Compassion, Achievement, Respect and Endeavour.  My involvement in education has been multifaceted, encompassing roles as a staff member, parent and governor across the international, independent, and state sectors. These experiences have equipped me with a unique perspective that I hope to productively bring to the role of governor.

After university, I started my career within the HR department at EY, the global accountancy firm and continued to work within the recruitment sector for several years before having a family and spending time overseas.  More recently, my professional background includes a foundation course in dyslexic teaching at the former Hornsby Centre and marketing and admissions consultancy in the independent education sector. 

Retired but not tired, I find joy in the care of my three, young grandchildren (all future Imberhorne pupils), exploring my passion for travel and reconnecting with my Welsh childhood through music and walking on the coastline and hillsides.

.

Sally Percy

I am a business and finance journalist, editor and copywriter, with a degree in modern history. I specialise in writing thought leadership for business executives and I am the author of three books: ‘The Disruptors’, ‘21^st Century Business Icons’ and ‘Reach the Top in Finance’. I have been a parent governor of Imberhorne School since September 2020. Prior to that, I was a governor of St Mary’s Church of England Primary School in East Grinstead for six years. As the mother of two daughters, I believe passionately in the value of education. By giving a great education to this generation of students, we are helping to build a better world for everyone.

Alyson Tonge

I have enjoyed working in education, both primary and secondary sectors, since 2006. In that time, I spent 8 years as a governor of a local primary school where I developed my understanding of a governor’s role in both supporting and challenging a school. I sat on various committees including premises, staffing, curriculum and appraisal.

Following my retirement in 2021 from the role of Learning Support Assistant at Imberhorne School, a position I held for six years; the opportunity to serve as a governor enables me to continue links with the school that I attended as a student and I was linked to as a parent of an Imberhorne student too.

Pierre Valadier

I work in financial services in London, where I hold a managerial role. My education is largely quantitative having studied a BSc in Internal Business and Economics and I have earned the professional credentials of Chartered Global Management Accountant (GCMA) and Chartered Financial analyst (CFA). I have lived in the local area for the past 8 years and I have two children attending local schools.

I became a school governor at Imberhorne school in 2023 as I was looking to take a more active role in the community. Imberhorne struck me as a school that wanted to make a difference to pupils lives by offering them the best education possible. I believe schools are key in creating equal opportunities for all and that is what drives me in this position.

Sarah Watson

I began my career at Imberhorne in 2009 as a newly qualified teacher in the science department. As soon as I came into the school for my interview, I just knew this was where I wanted to begin my teaching journey. I quickly became KS3 leader for Science and I now hold the position of Leader of Learning for Science. I feel honoured to lead the science department, as I want to inspire students to appreciate and take care of themselves and the world around them. I remain incredibly passionate about high quality teaching, and am thrilled to be one of Imberhorne’s Teaching and Learning coaches, which allows me to have a whole school positive impact on the quality of lessons and the professional development of teachers.  

My roles in school, as well as my years of teaching experience, mean I have a wealth of experience to draw upon as the elected staff governor, a position I have held since 2014. I am passionate about young people feeling supported to reach their full potential in a safe and nurturing environment, and I believe this is at the core of what we do at Imberhorne. I am hugely committed to and passionate about the success of Imberhorne School and, living locally, I am proud of its strong position within the community.

Lesley Anderson

I originally qualified as a Chartered Accountant and spent a number of years in Practice and Industry. Following the birth of my children (now at Imberhorne) I moved into the education sector. I have held senior roles in a number of individual schools and Academy Trusts. My current role is a senior financial consultant to a number of academies.

I applied to become a Governor in September 2023 as I believe passionately that every child should have access to the best possible educational experience and wanted to give back to the school that is giving my own children so many opportunities.​

Julian Greenfield

I retired in 2024 after a 25 year career at the management consultants Accenture, where I was a Managing Director, working across multiple countries and projects, most recently helping set up a successful Engineering Services business. In retirement I am a Governor at 2 schools – Imberhorne and Lingfield College – which gives me a great opportunity to help improve the collaboration between State and Private Schools. My ambition in retirement is to give back to the state sector which educated me and help address some of the opportunity imbalance between state and privately equated pupils.

I also have a strong interest in encouraging more young people to train up in skilled trades where we lack sufficient workforce in the UK, from Engineering to Tradespeople. I am training up as a plumber myself and have established a local charity, Triple B Community Plumbers, which provides free and subsidised plumbing services to the elderly and social housing residents. 

Peter Bowe

I have spent over 35 years' working in the Built Environment sector, securing and delivering high value development projects in the UK, Europe and Middle East, including 20 years in residential development. Currently, actively running two consultancy businesses focussed on major high-rise developments and building safety (post the Grenfell disaster in 2017).

Living in the East Grinstead/ Felbridge area with my family, we have two children who have passed through Imberhorne School, one currently at the school and another two aiming to join Imberhorne in the future. Therefore, I have a vested interest in doing what I can as a Governor to support the school, the teaching staff and – most of all – the pupils now and in the future.

I have a strong belief that, as a country, we need to train more engineers, architects and skilled workers, as well as more doctors, nurses and soldiers. All of which require a good understanding of maths, science and English. Yet, I am also passionate about music and history, and am learning Spanish and adore archaeology documentaries – so am keen to see a balanced curriculum maintained.

Deborah Allen 

I am very proud to be a ‘traditional’ family GP in East Grinstead. I have been working and living in this town for over 20 years and feel that we have an excellent community.  I have been a Sixth Form mentor for many years, supporting university and vocational work applications. As a GP I am exposed to the full spectrum of issues which impact on our children and their families, from the social, financial and cultural to the medical and psychological issues that are becoming increasingly prevalent and problematic. I feel that for the overwhelming majority of children school is the best place for them to be educated and want to support Imberhorne in making this the best, most robust and  accessible environment for them.