Mrs Louise Allen joined the Governing Body in July 2023 as a Co-opted Governor. Louise is now Chair of the Governing Board, after Chairing the Resources Committee last academic year. Louise has worked extensively in public policy and communications, including education policy issues. Louise has a passionate interest in finance, fundraising and governance matters.

Mrs Daria Ibrulj joined the Governing Body in November 2024, as a Co-opted Governor and Vice-Chair of Governors. Daria brings over a decade of experience in the financial sector, as a former investment banker and private equity investor, where she focused on various sectors including education and training. Daria now runs an Executive Coaching business, and she is passionate about supporting people and organisations to optimise their leadership, performance and culture. Through her business and her role as a Governor, Daria strives to embody the same values as The Russell School. Daria is currently a member of the Resources Committee and the link governor for Finance and Performance Management of the Headteacher.

Laura Brooks is the Headteacher at The Russell School. She has been in post since September 2023 and she is loving getting to know the children and families. She is honoured to be leading such a vibrant and inclusive school. Laura attends all Governing Body Committee Teams, sharing the school's development plan, and she welcomes the strategic input and oversight that governance offers.

Mr Tom Lloyd was first elected a parent governor of The Russell School by the parent body in 2015. Tom began a second term, having been re-elected by the parent body in January 2019, and is now a Co-opted Governor, re-elected by the Governing Body after his children moved on to secondary school. Tom brings with him a wealth of experience in the education sector, including 15 years (and counting) working as an Educational Psychologist for the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham. His particular areas of interest are in prioritising high academic standards and maintaining the friendly nature of the school as it expands into its brand new buildings. All members of the Governing Body are encouraged to participate in one or more of the established committees and Tom is currently serving on the School Improvement Committee. Tom is also the link governor for DEI, Wellbeing, IT Cyber Security and Filtering & Monitoring.

Mrs. Sophie McGeoch joined the Governing Board in November 2024 as a co-opted Governor. With 24 years of experience in education, Sophie has served primarily in primary schools across Lambeth, Wandsworth, and Richmond, including as Headteacher at a local primary school. She later transitioned to secondary education, first as Deputy Headteacher at a large state secondary in Kingston-upon-Thames, and now as Director of Safeguarding and Inclusion at St. Paul’s Girls’ School in Hammersmith. Her work is strongly informed by her Master’s in Attachment Theory, which shapes her approach to student support and school culture. She is delighted to join the Russell School team. Sophie is Co-Chair of the School Improvement Committee and the link governor for Curriculum and Standards, RSHE and Safeguarding and child protection.

Mrs Claire Smith was elected a parent governor of The Russell School by the parent body in March 2022. Claire will serve a minimum of four years of office. She is keen to be involved in shaping the school community around well-being and the curriculum. Claire is the Assistant Director of Children’s Commissioning for the London Borough of Hounslow and NWL/CCG. She has a wealth of knowledge and expertise around commissioning services, particularly for Looked After Children, Children and Young People with Mental Health, Autism and Learning Disabilities. Claire provides strategic leadership for the Children’s Commissioning Team while working in an integrated way with SEN, Education and Health colleagues. She shares our passion and values, ensuring better outcomes for our children. Claire sits on the Resources and School Improvement Committees and is the link governor for Children Looked After and Previously Looked After and Premises, Health & Safety and Performance Management of the Head Teacher.

Mr Coulter Patton was elected a Parent Governor of The Russell School by the parent body in December 2022. Coulter is a Director of a top London design agency. His role requires creativity, leadership skills and an understanding of business. He brings 30 years of experience in this industry to the Governing Body. Since moving to Ham 16 years ago, Coulter has learnt the value of community and believes a school has a central role in creating this. His history with The Russell School spans over 12 years and he is proud to support and help drive The Russell School’s commitment to a friendly, inclusive and supportive community. Coulter sits on the Resources Committee and is the link governor for Behaviour & Attendance.

Miss Beth Hemphill joined The Russell School as governance clerk in September 2024. She supports the strategic development of The Russell School Governing Body through her provision of clerking services as well as administrative support and procedural guidance. Beth also works as a governance clerk at another school in the Richmond Borough, as well as a learning support assistant in a local junior school.

Cate Dittrich joined the Governing Board in November 2024 as a Staff Governor and sits on the School Improvement Committee. Cate is a dedicated and passionate educator with seven years of teaching experience. For the past two years, she has had the pleasure of being part of the Russell School community as the Year 1 class teacher. Throughout her career, she has found great joy in fostering a positive and nurturing environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. She believes in the importance of creating engaging and inclusive learning experiences that helps children grow academically, socially, and emotionally. She has found being part of the Russell School has been incredibly rewarding, and she looks forward to continuing to contribute to the school’s vibrant community as the staff governor.

Mrs. Emma Furlong joined the Governing Board in November 2024 as a co-opted Governor. She is currently the Deputy Headteacher, SENCo, and Specialist Autism Resource Provision Lead at a maintained nursery school. Emma is dedicated to creating sustainable, positive change for our youngest children and is passionate about neurodiversity-affirming provision for those with Special Educational Needs. In addition to her leadership role, Emma facilitates the National Professional Qualification for Early Years Leaders, supporting the development of high-quality practice across the sector. As Co-Chair of the School Improvement Committee and the link governor for SEND and Early Years, she is committed to promoting education that inspires curiosity, wonder, and joy.

Anke joined the governing body as a co-opted governor in November 2024. She is keen to support the school with raising funds and engaging with the local community, where she has extensive relationships. In her professional life, she is Head of Regional Development and Engagement at VisitEngland and brings with her a wealth of experience in stakeholder engagement and communications. She also has two children in Year 1 and is passionate about extending the learning opportunities for Russell School pupils beyond the curriculum, whether that is outdoor learning, music or sports. Anke sits on the Resources committee and is the link governor for Pupil Premium and Sports Premium and Marketing & Communications.