Meet the Governors

Carole Bourne:  Carole served in a parish in East Molesey, Guildford Diocese, before she retired in 2012. She arrived in Surbiton at the beginning of 2014 and, as an ex primary school teacher, became a foundation governor at SASM two years later. Her doctoral research involved the way children learn about the world through television and the media. She is a Kingston street pastor and has worked in local night shelters, and on the West Bank as an Ecumenical Accompanier. She is currently President of the National Committee of the Women’s World Day of Prayer for England Wales and Northern Ireland. During the parish vacancy Carole has returned to SASM as an ex-officio governor until a new incumbent is appointed.

Joy Aboim:  Joy is the acting Chair of Governors, the Link Governor for safeguarding and the LAC & Previously LAC Governor. Joy was reappointed Diocesan Governor in March 2022 and is a member of St Andrew’s Church. Joy has over 20 years’ experience in the Tech/IT sector and is an active STEM (Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) ambassador and student mentor.   A life-time learner, Joy is passionate about education and considers it a great equaliser.  She is a keen runner and triathlete. 

Matt Gates:  After joining SASM in 2012, Matt has worked as a class teacher, phase leader, assistant headteacher and deputy headteacher before becoming the headteacher in January 2022.  Matt is a member of the Curriculum and Standards Committee, Finance Committee, Management and Resources Committee and the Faith Group Committee.  Matt has 2 children and is passionate about science and technology. 

Emily Woodward:   Emily is a staff governor and member of the Management and Resources Committee. 

Shafaly Kahn:  Shafaly was reappointed as a Foundation Governor in December 2021.  She has a MSc in Operational Research and statistics and worked for Market Research industry as a Statistician.  Her passion for mathematics lead her to offer to help with maths intervention classes in Maple Infants' School and SASM.  Shafaly is the  link governor for maths and DT and is also one of two Safeguarding Governors.  Shafaly is a member of the Curriculum & Standards Committee and the Faith Group Committee.  All three of Shafaly's children completed their schooling at SASM. 

Ruth May:  Ruth is a member of St Marks and St Andrews churches. She has 3 children who have all been to SASM and appreciate the Christian focus and fullness it has brought to each of their lives

Ruth has worked as a Speech & Language Therapist for over 20 years. Also involved in research, she is passionate about improving people’s lives and experiences.  Ruth loves to escape in the countryside, preferably on her bike or walking up mountains. 

Ruth was appointed as a Foundation Governor in October 2022 and is a SEND Governor and a member of the  Headteacher's performance and Teachers' Pay Committee . 

Ben Brinded:  Ben is a parent of 3 SASM children and passionately believes in the importance of education as a driver of personal and societal growth. Ben has 20 years experience in business, investment and finance across a wide range of sectors, and he enjoys playing the guitar and exploring the countryside by bike. 

Ben was elected a Parent Governor in October 2023 and is a Chair of the Finance Committee and Link Governor for geography and sustainability. 

Jess Cresswell:  Jess was elected a Parent Governor in October 2023 and is a Chair of the Curriculum and Standards Committee and Link Governor for art, music, languages & EAL. 

Huseyin Karanci: Huseyin is a civil engineer with a master’s degree in project management and more than 18 years experience in management consulting. He works as an expert witness in construction dispute cases. Huseyin was formally nominated by the Full Governing Body and Achieving for Children for appointment as a Local Authority Governor in March 2025. He also serves as a member of the Finance Committee. 

Joanne Church:  Joanne, was appointed a Foundation Governor in October 2025. She is a member of the Curriculum & Standards Committee and Link Governor for PSHE and RSE. 

Joseph Al-Khalili: Joseph was appointed a Foundation Governor in November 2025. He is a member of the Management & Resources Committee.