School Standards Board (SSB)

Our Schools Standards Board (SSB), meets once per half term. The SSB provides the local governance function for our schools which fits within the overall governance structure of GLF Schools. Further information about governance at GLF Schools can be found here.

Declaration of Business Interests and Attendance at Meetings

The three core functions of governance are:

Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
Holding leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the performance management, including wellbeing of staff.
Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

It is therefore important that our SSB comprises the right people with the right skills to make appropriate and informed decisions for a school, taking into account the views of children and students, staff, parents and the local community.

Further information about governance at GLF schools can be found here

The members of our School Standards Board are listed below:

School Standards Board

Name	Role	Office Ends
Jonathan Nicholas	Chair of the SSB - Appointed by GLF Board	15.07.24
Gary Bixley	Community SSB Member - Appointed by GLF Board	23.11.24
Chloe Schendel-Wilson	Community Member - Appointed by GLF Board	15.07.24
Pascal van Loon	Parent SSB Member - Appointed by Parent Body	11.02.25
James Royle	Parent SSB Mmeber - Appointed by Parent Body	13.03.26
Suresh Shan	Community SSB Member - Appointed by GLF Board	23.11.24
Ash Austin	Community SSB Member - Appointed by GLF Board	19.09.26
In Attendance
Matt Duffield	Executive Headteacher
Jo Garrod	Head of School
Tom Hayter	Deputy Headteacher
Heidi Thompkins	Deputy Headteacher
GLF Colleagues	Central GLF colleagues will attend meetings as per agenda requirements

The SSB is made up of individuals with a diverse set of skills and expertise which we effectively deploy in order to support the Executive Headteacher and Head of School in the formulation of strategic plans and policies for the short, medium and long term future of the school

Jonathan Nicholas - Chair		Hi, I am Jonathan Nicholas, a former Glyn student and Procurement Leader skilled in Sourcing, Outsourcing, Risk and Commercial Management. I am husband to Joanna, a father to three boys: Josh at the Brit School, Jacques at Blossom House, and James who has just joined Glyn. I am an experienced School Governor with over 15 years supporting Nonsuch Primary School, Sutton Education Trust and recently joined Glyn's School Standards Board.
Gary Bixley		Gary began his working career in the automotive industry as an apprentice, graduating from Guildford College in 1983. Throughout his career, Gary gained promotions and career advancement through a determined and focused path, developing leadership, management and business acumen experiences and skills, and extensive senior management and director experience through employed, self-employed and consultancy status roles, engaging with stakeholders at all levels to gain a deep understanding of change requirements.
Chloe Schendel-Wilson		As a previous student and Head Girl of Rosebery School, I became an SSB Member at Glyn School as a way of giving back what was given to me throughout my time in education. Having trained as a scientist, I went to work in politics for five years after graduating as an advisor to local and national Politicians. I recently started my own business, the UK's first ever think tank focused on policy solutions to improve the lives of disabled people. I am looking forward to being able to contribute what I can to the students and staff at Glyn School in my capacity as an SSB Member.
Pascal van Loon		I am a Chartered Chemical Engineer working in business development for an industrial gases company in Surrey. As STEM Ambassador (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), I have visited many local schools to provide science demonstrations and attend career fairs. I mentor graduates in our company, as well as A Level students for the Social Mobility Foundation. Since 2015, I have been a Governor at a local Primary school, and I am using this experience as a Parent Governor at Glyn School. From September 2021, both my sons will be attending Glyn School, so I will be connected to the school for quite a few years to come.
James Royle		I live in Epsom and have worked in finance for over 20 years, with experience in risk management, change management, corporate banking and leadership. Outside of work I am a qualified football coach and have coached local youth football for many years, I enjoy seeing young people learn new skills and fulfil their potential as individuals and part of a team. I am keen to support Glyn School and the development of the pupil, staff and wider community.
Suresh Shan		I am the Chief Finance Officer for a Multi Academy Trust and have many years’ experience working within both the Academies and Maintained sectors. In my current role, I am working across Key Stages 1-5 and am responsible for leading and directing the Financial Strategy, Budget Management and Audit and Risk Management. Schools continue to face challenging times, and I am delighted to support the staff at Glyn School so that they can continue to deliver effective Learning and Teaching to all pupils and students.
Ash Austin		Bio to follow