Governors (ID 1276)

• Bev Bambrough
  DRET Appointed Governor (Chair)
  Bev Bambrough

  I have been involved with Booth Wood Academy since relocating to Loughborough in 2004, when my son joined Year 5. I became a Governor when my daughter joined Cherry class in 2010, so have seen many changes over the years.

  My experiences in life, and work, running our family Electrical Contracting Business and previously as a Director of a Trustee company, working in Financial Services, has given me the tools and ability to support the school, and question when required, as I have no educational experience.

  As anyone who is involved with the school will tell you, it’s a special educational place. The Booth Wood community, pupils, staff, parents, and the wider local area run through the core of everything that we as Governors do, in our role as members of the Academy Scrutiny Committee (ASC), supporting DRET in continuing to provide to the local community the outstanding education that they have come to expect.

  I am currently the Chair of Governors, along with responsibility this year (2025/26) for reviewing Safeguarding and the Year 4 Class Governor.

  As an outstanding school we continue to strive for improvement and I thoroughly enjoy being part of the team supporting Booth Wood Academy, its staff, pupils, and parents to achieve this.

• Parisha Patel
  Parent Governor (Vice Chair)
  Parisha Patel

  My 2 daughters attend the school and I wanted to contribute something to the school so when the opportunity arose to become a parent governor I applied. I am now embracing school life as a parent, and Governor.

  As a local business owner of a UK company, my role being Chief Consumer Officer, I felt that I could bring different skills to the position as I don't have any background in the education profession but as a “consumer” of the school I believed I could offer a different perspective. In my role as Chief Consumer officer I am responsible for anything the consumer sees, reads, feels, touches so this means that I am involved in product concept and development, production, e-commerce and customer services.

  I am a grassroots netballer and I enjoy walking and listening to podcasts and audio books. I love keep busy so you will always find me doing something!

  Following academisation, I'm looking forward to continuing being a part of the governing team at Booth Wood Academy, and being part of a team that works hard to have a positive impact on young people's education and and one which supports young people to find a bright and enriched future through education.

• Rewand Bouji-Smith
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Rewand Bouji-Smith

• Pam Hall
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Pam Hall

• Sarah Kirkham
  Parent Governor
  Sarah Kirkham

  I am proud to contribute, albeit in a small way, to the continued development of Booth Wood Academy. As a parent of children in both KS1 and KS2, I have a personal stake in the academy's success and a deep appreciation for the vital role it plays not only in educating its pupils but also in supporting the wider community.

  My enthusiasm for Booth Wood Academy is matched by my professional background in education. I am a teacher educator at Loughborough University and a former Head of Science, which gives me a sympathetic understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector. I believe strongly in the value of reflective practice and staying informed about educational developments, principles I've carried through multiple Ofsted inspections both as a teacher and in my current role.

  I am committed to supporting Booth Wood Academy in its pursuit of quality-first teaching and ensuring that every day counts for learners. It's clear to me that the Booth Wood Academy continually strives to uphold these values, and I'm honoured to be part of that journey.

• Paul Trahar
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Paul Trahar

• Alastair O'Connor
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Alastair O'Connor

  Alastair wanted to become a governor at Booth Wood Academy due to its outstanding reputation. Alastair is passionate about education, how students learn and management. Outside of that Alastair is passionate about sport and music within schools and society and the levelling up of students and society from those in a disadvantaged starting point.

  Away from work, Alastair loves travel and the Arts.

• Jane Spencer
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Jane Spencer

  Jane joined the Trust in March 2018 as Chief Finance Officer and joined Booth Wood's ASC in September 2025.

  As a member of the Trust's executive management team, Jane is responsible for ensuring effective financial management and control across the Trust. Jane also has responsibility, along with the rest of the executive team, for the development and delivery of the Trust's strategy, objectives and business plan.

  Jane is an experienced finance leader with a proven track record of delivering positive change in financial controllership and governance, as well as experience in more commercial finance roles. Jane trained initially as a Chartered Accountant whilst working in audit at Deloitte, before moving to Experian where she spent 11 years across a range of finance roles and ultimately as Financial Controller for Experian UK & Ireland.

  Prior to joining the Trust, Jane was a Trustee and Finance Committee Member of Greenwood Academies Trust. During her time at the Trust Jane has also served as a Governor at Charnwood College and at Loughborough College.

• Heather Sharpe
  Principal
  Heather Sharpe

• Lewis Sharp
  Staff Governor
  Lewis Sharp

  In March 2025 Lewis chose to put himself forward for the Staff Governor position to actively contribute to the development and success of the school. Lewis brings knowledge of curriculum leadership, data analysis, and classroom practice to ensure high standards and effective decision-making that benefit both pupils and staff.

  Lewis is passionate about the role of technology in education and how it can support children in developing their cultural capital, broadening their experiences, and enhancing their learning.Lewis is particularly interested in how digital tools can enrich the curriculum, making learning more accessible and engaging for all pupils. Alongside this, Lewis has a strong passion for art and creativity, valuing the way they allow children to express themselves, think critically, and develop problem-solving skills.

  Language development is another key interest for Lewis as he believes a strong foundation in communication is essential for academic success and personal growth. Lewis enjoys exploring ways to enhance vocabulary, oracy, and literacy skills to empower children with the confidence to articulate their ideas and engage with the world around them.

• Amanda Hall
  Staff Governor
  Amanda Hall

  Having worked at the school for 25 years, Amanda became a Staff Governor in April 2025.

  Outside of work, Amanda loves spending time with her family, taking her dog on long walks and being in the fresh air. Amanda enjoys watching football and was a season ticket holder at Leicester City for many years. Amanda's favourite place to visit is Bamburgh Beach.

• Jane Dawda
  Clerk
  Jane Dawda