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Meet the Governors
Jenny Lewis
Executive Headteacher
Term of office from 1st September 2015
Lisa McCrindle - Chair of Governors
Co-opted Governor
Term of office from 1st June 2026 to 31st May 2029
First appointed on 25 August 2015
I am Policy Manager at the NSPCC and have spent my career working in the field of children and families policy including education, early years, family support and child protection and am passionate about ensuring that children are provided the best start in life.
I have a love of the outdoors enjoying sailing, skiing and walking which gives me the chance to explore great places at home and abroad.
Thornhill Primary is a fantastic school, and its strength comes from the pupils, parents, staff and community. I am proud and privileged to be able to contribute to its continued growth and development.
Tom Bell
Parent Governor
Term of office from 1st June 2026 to 31st May 2030
Jonathan Dickie
Co-opted Governor
Term of office from 1st June 2026 to 31st May 2029
First appointed on 25 August 2015
I was keen to volunteer as a governor and to offer my skills towards the school, as I have always had a keen interest in education and learning.
My professional background is as a Chartered Accountant and I have previous experience working as both auditor and strategy consultant (and prior to this as a forensic scientist). Away from work, I have a love of sports (both playing and following) and have a lifelong fascination of the world resulting in a never-ending list of places I’m desperate to visit. I have been very fortunate to end up at such a fantastic school with an outstanding ethos and values.
Amanda Mitchell
Parent Governor
Term of office from 1st June 2026 to 31st May 2030
As a parent with a child at Laycock Primary School, I have a strong personal connection to the school community. My daughter has been part of the school's deaf provision since nursery, and I have witnessed first-hand the difference that dedicated, specialist teaching makes to a child's development and wellbeing. That experience has given me a strong appreciation of what inclusive education looks like - and a commitment to preserving it.
I bring more than 20 years of experience as a Corporate Affairs and Communications leader in the financial services sector, with strong skills in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and communication - all directly transferrable to the role of parent governor. As Laycock embarks on its federation with Thornhill Primary School, I believe this is an exciting opportunity to bring together expertise, share resources and improve outcomes for children across both communities. I am particularly passionate about using this moment to strengthen SEN provision, ensuring that children with special educational needs receive the support they deserve. I also know from professional and personal experience that keeping families informed, engaged and confident throughout a period of change and transition is essential, and that is something I am committed to prioritising.
Alexandra Nelte
Parent Governor
Term of office from 1st June 2026 to 31st May 2028
I am a Thornhill parent to a Year 2 and Nursery child, as well as a current parent governor at Thornhill Primary. I bring continuity, experience, and deep commitment to supporting our schools as they come together in federation with Laycock Primary School.
Professionally, I am a lawyer with expertise in HR, recruitment, and talent leadership, and can contribute analytical thinking alongside insight into people, culture and organisational development.
As Equalities Link Governor, I believe a community thrives not despite its diversity, but because of it. I am passionate about ensuring every child feels seen, supported, and able to flourish - while celebrating each school's individuality and strengthening the shared values that unite us.
Having visited Laycock, I have seen first-hand the alignment between our schools and the opportunity this federation brings - not only to enhance education, but to deepen our children's sense of belonging in the wider community.
I am committed to helping ensure every child leaves our schools proud of who they are and secure in the belief that their future is limitless.
Janine Paver
Co-opted Governor
Term of office from 1st June 2026 to 31st May 2030
First appointed on 25 February 2020
I am a Thornhill School parent, with my first son having started in 2009 and my youngest son being a current pupil.
I work as a Solicitor with considerable experience in law and finance, and in providing voluntary advice to small charities.
Originally from New Zealand, I have travelled the world including an exciting Cape Town to London journey by public transport and walking.
Islington has been my home for the last 20 years and I have been inspired by the great improvements in local schools during that time.
Tanya Spencer
Co-opted Governor
Term of office from 1st June 2026 to 31st May 2030
First appointed on 17 July 2018
I am a Senior HR partner specialising in transformation and technology. I am passionate about education and wanted to use my HR skills to support the next generations. Equipping people of all ages with a lifelong learning mindset is something I support at work and is part of the Thornhill culture that attracted me.
Away from work i have a sweet elderly cat named Pudding. I studied couture millinery at LCF and enjoy making bespoke hats for special occasions.
Joseph Kelen
Term of office from 14th July 2026 to 13th July 2030
Asha Sanga
Staff Governor
Term of office from 1st June 2026 to 31st May 2028
