Tom Sheldon is a Parent Governor appointed in 2021 and is dedicated to ensuring excellence in education at Ashurst, where both his boys are students. Tom’s background as an airline pilot, whilst not related to education, has many transferable skills which he aims to use within the remit governing body. He is a member both the Finance & Premises and Marketing & Publicity Committees and is particularly committed to upholding the Christian ethos of the school and   ensuring every student receives a solid moral grounding that they can use into later life.

Dan is a parent of two children at the school, currently in Mouse and Squirrel classes, and is passionate about helping to create a safe, supportive environment where all children can learn, thrive, and grow. He particularly values the sense of community that comes from being part of a small school, where parents have a meaningful voice and can play an active role in shaping their children’s learning experience. He values the school’s Christian ethos and the way it promotes kindness, compassion, and a caring environment in which every child is encouraged to flourish. 

Outside of school, Dan runs a charity supporting young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds and enjoys exploring the South Downs.

Nicola Gobat Krish was elected as a Parent Governor in February 2025. 

She has lived in the village for 13 years, in which time all 3 of her sons have attended Ashurst Primary School.

Her background, as Head of Art in a large secondary comprehensive school in Kent, has informed her commitment to supporting children's creative development and expression.

With a love of nature and travel, she is also keen to support children’s outside and offsite learning.

In this increasingly fast paced world, she believes it’s crucial to equip children with the skills and knowledge of how to take care of their own wellbeing.

Dr Benjamin Dabby, appointed as a Local Authority Governor in 2024, lives near Ashurst in West Sussex. He is the Head of History, Assistant Head of Sixth Form, and Early Career Teacher Induction Tutor at a London school. As a published historian, Benjamin also contributes book reviews to academic journals. With a strong background in secondary education, he is well-versed in the statutory obligations of schools. He believes that inspirational teaching, both at primary and secondary levels, has a lifelong impact on children's wellbeing, self-confidence, moral outlook, and intellectual growth.

Helen Garnett is a Foundation Governor and is the Chair of the Safeguarding and Online Safety Committee and a member of the Children and Learning Committee.  Helen is the Prevent lead, the SEND & Disadvantaged lead and governor for Christian Distinctiveness. 

Three of Helen’s children attended the school for 13 years, and as the neighbouring house to the school, she and her husband Mark have been able to offer Bumbles Garden to the school for the children to grow vegetables and enjoy gardening close to the school. Helen is co-founder of an early years platform that supports children in the first six years and is a passionate advocate for early intervention. 

Mark Garnett is a Foundation Governor and is a member of the Finance & Premises Committee and is nominated as the Governing Body Wellbeing Governor.  Mark's three children attended the school for 12 years, and his family have lived in the village for 20 years.  Apart from running his own business, he is Chair of Ashurst Flower show and has been a staunch performer at the Ashurst Panto.

Chris Preston was appointed as a foundation governor in November 2022.

He ran a successful garden machinery business that he set up in 2006.

Both his daughters attended Ashurst Primary School and are now doing well at Steyning Grammar School and Collyers Sixth Form College in Horsham.

He also enjoys DIY and does small repair and improvements around the school and premises. 

Olivia Gregg has been a Foundation governor since April 2023.  She has 2 daughters at Ashurst, and her son will join in September. She has spent her working career in Emerging Markets, in Equity Sales roles and as a Sales Trader, and prior to that, in Financial PR.  Olivia is Vice Chair of the Governing body and a member of the Marketing and Publicity sub-committee. Her curriculum areas are PE, Art and DT

I live in Partridge Green with my son, who is in Year 3 at Ashurst, and our much-loved toy poodle, Phyllis.

I became a Governor because I am passionate about helping children thrive in a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment. Professionally, I work in financial services, bringing experience in leadership, governance and relationship management.

Outside of work, I help run the Sparklers Under 5s group at St Mark's Church in Horsham on Sunday mornings and enjoy being actively involved in the local community. I also support initiatives that help women and families affected by domestic abuse. When I'm not working or volunteering, you'll usually find me tackling a DIY project, baking, or spending time outdoors with my family and dog.

As both a parent and governor, I am committed to supporting the school's Christian ethos and helping ensure that every child feels valued, encouraged and able to reach their full potential. I believe that education is about far more than academic achievement; it is about helping every pupil develop a love of learning, grow in confidence and character, and become a well-rounded, compassionate and productive member of society. I am proud to support a school that sits at the heart of the village community.

Katharine Amaldoss is an Associate Governor appointed by the Governing Body to provide advice and support to the Governing Body. Katharine was a Primary Headteacher for 20 years in West Sussex , firstly at a small village school and then a larger urban coastal primary. Following this she worked for West Sussex Local Authority as a Special Needs Officer between 2015-2018 and 2020-2022. Katharine is a member of the Safeguarding Committee and Children and Learning Committee, and Governor responsible for monitoring Special Educational Needs and Pupil Premium.