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Governing Body
Amanda Sutton - Chair of the Governors
I joined the CSGS Governing Body as a Parent Governor in 2008 and became Chair in September 2016. I am a member of the Curriculum and Assessment, Finance, Estates Management and Personnel Committees. In addition to this, I am the Link Governor for Special Educational Needs, Pupil Premium and Attendance. As Chair of the Parents' Association for several years I established a good working relationship with staff, parents and pupils. Before taking time off to raise my 4 children, 2 of whom were students at Chis & Sid, I worked as a Money Broker. In the last few years I have had several roles in the voluntary sector and currently sit as a Magistrate. My aim as Chair of Governors is to ensure that all children at Chis & Sid have access to an outstanding education.
Dawn Bennett
I joined the CSGS Governing Body in September 2019 with a purpose and passion to make a positive difference to the lives of all our students. I’m a member of the HR, Estates, Finance and Change committees, with a special interest in Mental Health and Wellbeing. I’m Chair of both the very successful CSGS Parents’ Association and the CSGS Netball Association, which allows me to work with school staff and parents from all year groups to get things done. I’ve also been Chair for Colfes Parents’ and Friends’ Association for 7 years. Prior to having 2 children, both who’ve been students at Chis & Sid, I had a successful career in The City, working in Insurance for Willis Faber Dumas. Having grown up locally I've always wanted to give back and follow my passion for supporting the local community. I’ve fundraised for the Phoenix Centre in Bromley and facilitated for Bromley and Croydon Women’s Aid, running their Keys to Freedom course. I volunteer as a Covid Vaccinator, based at Downham in Bromley, which includes their Outreach programme. I’m an advocate of lifelong learning and love a challenge and new experiences.
Nick Butterworth
I was elected a Parent Governor in 2019 and became an Appointed Governor in 2023. My 7 years as a pupil here were instrumental in my getting into Cambridge for an engineering degree and then a PhD in mathematical modelling. Subsequently I spent 32 years in the City, at the Bank of England and JP Morgan Asset Management, the last seven years as an Investment Director. My son, brother, sister and father are also former pupils; my niece and nephew are in the sixth form.
I took early retirement from The City in 2019 and now tutor GCSE and A-level mathematics part time and occasionally “guest lecture” at Greenwich University. In my spare time I volunteer with “Friends of the Shuttle” improving the environment of this little, local river and I am also a keen “Park Runner”, looking to improve my PBs at various locations and add new ones to my list.
My school interests include Finance, the Curriculum, running the program of “Governor Learning Walks” across all subjects (with the Senior Deputy Headteacher) and supporting the exam process as an invigilator.
Jason Gardiner
I am a CSGS "old boy" and was fortunate enough to attend back in the 1970s, just after the school became mixed (and the wearing of caps became optional). I spent 35 years in financial services, mostly in the City of London, with companies such as Schroders, Aviva and Royal London. My experience included a number of director and head of compliance positions as well as working for regulatory bodies. I have recently moved into part-time consultancy work which means I have more time to devote to other interests like belatedly studying for a degree with the Open University and now taking a governor role with the school. I am married with two children, one of whom is currently with Chis and Sid. My outside interests include golf, cycling and supporting Charlton Athletic (through thick and thin). Whilst I am not an “education expert” I believe my experience stands me in good stead to contribute positively to the school’s continued success.
Tony Jenkins
I joined the CSGS Governing Body in January 2019 and hope to make a positive contribution through a blend of my skills and experience coupled with my enthusiasm for education. I taught mathematics at three different schools in the Borough of Bexley and I have a particular interest in the role that technology can play within education.
The challenge of preparing young people for their future in a rapidly changing world fascinates me. My eldest daughter currently attends the school and she has recently been joined by her brother. When not working or spending time with family I am a keen, albeit mediocre, tennis player.
david higgins
I joined the CSGS Governing body in November 2024, shortly after my son became a year 7 pupil at the school. My career has spanned 25 years, working for technology companies including Accenture and Trainline.com. I now focus an increasing amount of my time investing in tech companies inventing scientific solutions to address climate change. The opportunity to contribute to the ongoing success and development of CSGS while it adapts to an ever changing social, cultural and educational landscape is a challenge I relish. While not coming from an educational background, my experience allows me to offer a fresh perspective to contribute to the school.
In my spare time I am an avid rugby fan, volunteering at Blackheath rugby club, and in the summer months I enjoy cycling.
alexander robinson
I am excited to rejoin the CSGS community as a Governor, just six years after completing my studies in Year 13. Since leaving, I have studied Civil Engineering and Computer Science at the Universities of Bath and Bristol.
During my time at Bath, I served for three years as a Trustee of the Students’ Union, culminating in a sabbatical year as Students’ Union President, Chair of the SU Board, and a member of the University’s governing body.
I now work for the engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald, where I am part of a team managing public-sector construction projects within education, including school refurbishment and the construction of new schools.
As the youngest Governor, I hope to offer a fresh perspective—particularly on issues relating to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), as well as environmental sustainability. I was incredibly well supported throughout my own education here, and I look forward to helping ensure that CSGS continues to provide an excellent learning environment for all.
Parent Trustees
NICOLA dewar
I joined GSGS as a Governor in October 2023. I have a son in year 9 and a daughter in year 7. I have worked for over 25 years in the arts - currently as one of the directors of the Crafts Council where my areas of responsibility include education, participation and youth voice, research, advocacy, sector support and business development. I am also the chair of Intoart, a collective of artists who have learning disabilities and the President of the World Crafts Council Europe. I believe that creativity is important for everyone and essential for young people; both for their well-being and resilience and as a rewarding career.
Michael Stradling
I was elected as a Parent Governor in November 2017. My son is in Year 9. I was educated at a comprehensive school on the Isle of Wight and went from there to Pembroke College, Cambridge to read Philosophy. I then studied law and qualified as a barrister. I am a member of Grays’s Inn and was called to the Bar in 1998. I currently practise from 3, Temple Gardens, London and sit on the pupillage committee at my chambers. I have taught some advocacy courses to undergraduates at the University of Hertfordshire and usually end up as one of the judges at the National Criminal Advocacy Competition that is held there each summer.
Gemma Bailey
I graduated from the University of Birmingham with a degree in Ancient and Medieval History and went on to complete an MA in Heritage Management which led me to work with collections in museums in Birmingham and London. I subsequently worked in Financial Markets for 5 years in the City of London before deciding to return to my historical roots and completing teacher training at the UCL Institute of Education. I work as a Head of Sixth Form and a Head of History and Politics at a local independent school. I have three sons, one in Year 10 and one in Year 9 at Chis and Sid and then my third will be joining Year 7 in September.
I am keen to get involved in a variety of aspects of school development in my role and I believe that my experience within the education sector and my passion for shaping the school where my children are thriving will help to ensure the continued success of the school
Kirsten Shirke
I have recently been elected as Parent Trustee in May 2025. I'm a former pupil of CSGS, having left in 1997 to study Medicine at King’s College London. I've worked as a GP in the East End of London, for the last 22 years. I am also a psychotherapist and a doctor with a special interest in addictions.
As a parent of four, I've experienced a range of secondary education approaches. My eldest attended Sedgehill School in Lewisham and went on to study Mathematics at Cambridge University. Having completed a PhD in pure maths, he now works as a postdoctoral researcher in the field of Fractal Geometry in Finland. My second child attended Eltham Hill School and is currently studying International Development at the University of Portsmouth. She has an autism diagnosis, which has given me insight into the challenges and strengths of neurodiverse students, and an understanding into how school environments can support all students in achieving their full potential academically and socially. My youngest children, twin boys in Year 7, attend different schools, one at CSGS and one at Coopers School in Chislehurst, which has further broadened my perspective on secondary education, and my awareness of how students can be supported to thrive in different educational environments.
Previously, I served as a parent governor at Sedgehill, and in my professional life, I teach and mentor doctors, medical students, and postgraduate psychotherapy students at different stages in their careers. Beyond my clinical and academic roles, I am a keen marathon runner, and am currently doing my best to keep up with my 11 year old son's passion for running.
Seeing my son thrive at CSGS, particularly enjoying the sporting opportunities available, has been a joy. I am passionate about equality of opportunity and diversity in education and society. With my broad experience as a clinician, educator, and parent, I hope to contribute meaningfully as a Trustee, ensuring CSGS continues to provide an inclusive and enriching environment for all students.
Staff Trustees
Faye Lopez
I have just started my fifth academic year at CSGS as a German teacher and Head of Learning. I was elected as a Staff Governor in July 2022.
Before I began teaching in the UK, I completed a degree in French and German at the University of Sussex, after which I taught Business English and English as a Foreign Language for 5 years in Freiburg, Germany. While in Germany I completed a Master's Degree in 'Bildungswissenschaften', pursuing my interest in Educational Psychology.
More recently, I managed an English language school in Guatemala, training teachers and teaching students of all ages. Outside of work I enjoy learning languages, travelling and I play football for a women’s team in London.
Lucy Bunn
I have a degree in Clinical Psychology and outside of education, I have qualified as a Level 2 netball coach, Level 3 personal trainer and have recently gained accreditation studying for an introduction to counselling course.
I joined CSGS as a teacher of Physical Education & Geography in 2015 and became a Head of Learning in 2018. I am proud to be an Old Sedcopian having studied at the schools sixth form.
Since arriving at CSGS I have been fortunate enough to train as a first aider, mental health first aider and Duke of Edinburgh Assessor. I currently head up the schools successful Netball programme and secretary the girl’s fixtures within the Bexley Borough. As part of the Netball Parents Association, I continue to work closely with Chair, Dawn Bennett to fundraise on behalf of girls sport.
I was elected as a Staff Governor in July 2023 and look forward to working closely with the board of governors moving forward.