Meet the Governors

Robert Stanier: The Reverend Robert Stanier became vicar of  St Andrew and St Mark, Surbiton in 2013, and has been the Chair of Governors since 2015.  Robert is also Chair of the Finance Committee and a member of the Headteacher's performance and Teachers' Pay Committee.  Before becoming ordained he worked in strategic consultancy. His previous post as an ordained minister was as the chaplain at Archbishop Tenison's School, Lambeth, a boys' secondary school, with girls in the 6th form. He has three children.   

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

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

Joy Aboim:  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. Joy is Vice Chair of Governors, the Link Governor for science , the LAC & PLAC Governor,  a Wellbeing Governor, and one of two safeguarding governors for the the school.

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 member 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, was formally nominated by the Full Governing Body and Achieving for Children for the position of Local Authority Governor in March 2025.  He is 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.