Meet the Governors
Mrs Vicky Collins (Co-Chair of the Governing Board)
Role: Co-opted Governor
Year Appointed: 2023
Background: My professional background is in higher education, where I work as a teacher and leader of educational programmes.
Skills and Interests: I have played an integral role in projects focused on wellbeing in the curriculum, online learning, and improving student engagement. My specialism in English as an additional language and intercultural communication supports the growing diversity within the school community.
Why I Became a Governor: I hope to bring my experience in quality assurance and team leadership to the Federated Governing Board, supporting staff and helping pupils to thrive.
Committees/Responsibilities: Chair of the Headteacher Performance Management Panel
Mr Kevin Mortimer (Co-Chair of the Governing Board)
Role: Co-opted Governor
Year Appointed: 2020
Background: With a strong background in technology, I manage the teams responsible for operating the IT infrastructure at the University of Reading. I live in Burghfield Common with my wife and two sons.
Skills and Interests: I am passionate about ensuring teaching staff feel confident with technology and supporting them to improve the digital experience the children have.
Why I Became a Governor: I became a governor to support my local community and help address the shortfall in exposure to technology that I see at higher education level. I want to ensure every child has the opportunity to benefit from the skills and tools that will shape their future.
Committees/Responsibilities: Chair of the Finance, Resources and Premises Committee
Mrs Catherine Rose (Executive Headteacher – The Burghfield Common Federation)
Role: Ex-officio Governor
Year Appointed: 2024
Background: I have extensive experience in primary education. I served as Headteacher of Mrs Bland’s before supporting the formation of the Burghfield Common Federation and going on to be appointed Executive Headteacher.
Skills and Interests: Skilled in school improvement, staff development, and creating inclusive, nurturing learning environments. I am strongly committed to high standards, creative curriculum design, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Why I Became a Governor: To support the Federation in fostering an environment that puts children at the heart of its work and ensures every pupil is confident, supported, and ready for the next stage of their education.
Committees/Responsibilities: Executive Headteacher – The Burghfield Common Federation
Miss Rebecca Evans
Role: Co-opted Governor
Year Appointed: 2022
Background: I live in Burghfield Common with my partner and our three sons.
Skills and Interests: I’m committed to supporting both schools and staff while contributing positively to the work of the governing team.
Why I Became a Governor: I value the opportunity to work collaboratively with staff and fellow governors to help ensure both schools continue to provide an excellent education for all pupils.
Committees/Responsibilities: Finance, Resources and Premises Committee member, Executive Headteacher Performance Management Panel Member
Mrs Sarah Wilkins
Role: Co-opted Governor
Year Appointed: 2022
Background: I live in Burghfield Common with my husband and our two daughters. I have extensive experience working as a speech and language therapist. I have supported a wide range of schools and early years settings, including working with children who have English as an additional language.
Skills and Interests: As a governor with a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) focus, I bring professional expertise in communication needs, early language development, and inclusive practice. My experience across diverse educational environments enables me to support the schools’ ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of all pupils.
Why I Became a Governor: I hope to use my knowledge and experience to benefit the schools and to give back to the community in which we live. I am committed to supporting both schools in continuing to be the best they can be for every child.
Committees/Responsibilities: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Link Governor, Executive Headteacher Performance Management Panel Member
Miss Dani Harrison
Role: Co-opted Governor
Year Appointed: 2024
Background: I am a teacher and form tutor at The Willink School and am currently acting Head of Criminology.
Skills and Interests: I have professional experience in teaching, pastoral support, and curriculum leadership, along with a strong understanding of the local community and the families it serves.
Why I Became a Governor: I hope to use my skills and community insight to contribute positively to the work of the Governing Board.
Committees/Responsibilities: Safeguarding Link Governor
Mrs Vanessa Pirga
Role: Parent Governor
Year Appointed: 2025
Background: I live in Burghfield Common with my partner and three children. My skills centre around Business Management, now holding a position at a national level as a Dental Practice Advisor to the British Dental Association, whilst also owning our own practice.
Skills and Interests: I have experience and qualifications in teaching in the lifelong learning sector, giving me a strong foundation of how important education is and the impacts of a good quality education at primary age on later learning. Additionally, I am completing a Doctorate of Business Administration, with a focus on efficiency and holistic leadership.
Why I Became a Governor: I look forward to using my experience to help ensure high standards across both schools.
Committees/Responsibilities: Finance, Resources and Premises Committee member
Fay Thompson
Role: Co-opted Governor
Year Appointed: 2025
Background: With two children enrolled at the Federation, I already have a connection to the school and its community.
Skills and Interests: I work professionally as an accountant and bring strong financial expertise, analytical skills, and a detail‑focused approach. I have a particular interest in supporting effective governance and the sustainable development of the school.
Why I Became a Governor: I became a governor to give back to the school community and to support the school’s ongoing development. I am committed to helping ensure the best possible outcomes for all pupils.
Committees/Responsibilities: Finance, Resources and Premises Committee member
Mrs Sarah Williams (Head of School – Mrs Bland’s)
Role: Staff Governor
Year Appointed: 2017
Background: I have worked at the Infant School for many years, previously serving as Deputy Head before becoming Head of School.
Skills and Interests: My long-standing involvement with the school community has given me deep insight into the families, staff, and local context.
Why I Became a Governor: I have always valued my work with the Governing Board, and the move to a federated structure has strengthened my commitment to supporting effective governance. I am motivated to help ensure strong strategic direction and high standards across both schools.
Committees/Responsibilities: Head of School – Mrs Bland’s Infant and Nursery School
Mr Angad Soares-Mistry (Head of School – Garland Juniors)
Role: Co-opted Governor
Year Appointed: 2024
Background: I joined the Federation as Head of School at the Junior School in September 2024. I am an experienced teacher with a strong understanding of the school community.
Skills and Interests: I bring expertise in teaching, leadership, and school improvement. I am committed to fostering a positive learning environment and supporting the continued development of both schools within the Federation.
Why I Became a Governor: I value the opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of the schools and to work collaboratively with the Governing Board. Being part of the Federation allows me to support high standards and ensure the best outcomes for all pupils.
Committees/Responsibilities: Head of School – Garland Junior School
Associate Members
Associate Members support the work of the Governing Board by contributing additional expertise in specific areas. They may attend committee meetings, though they do not hold voting rights.
- Mrs Rosemary Sanders-Rose OBE
Background: Resident of Sulhamstead and Burghfield since 1971, Rosemary served 16 years on Newbury District Council, including the offices of Chairperson and then Leader. She also represented the division on Berkshire County Council. For 12 years, a member of the main board of Sovereign Housing Association, she also chaired the largest subsidiary board, which included West Berkshire.
Skills and Interests: A school Governor at Infant, Primary and Secondary level over some 40 years, she has been Chairperson of The Willink, Sulhamstead and Ufton Nervet Primary and Mrs Bland’s Infant School. Awarded an OBE in 1994 for political and public service.
- Mr Kevin Hughes
- Mrs Jenina Soares-Mistry