Robin Pembrooke, Chair of the Governors

As the chair of the governors, I focus on the strategic direction for the school, while providing oversight of the school’s finances and use of resources. 

I joined Merton Abbey in 2024 as a co-opted governor with experience of leading organisations through growth and change.    I am a Lecturer at Kingston University and have worked for the government and BBC on how to best implement digital technology in public services and the workplace.

I enjoy long distance hiking and outdoor work like scything and hedgelaying.

Bianca Sanasi, Vice-Chair of the Governors

I’m one of our Parent Governors with one child who has completed their time at the school, and one who is in nursery. I have a wealth of knowledge of the school and local community. I have a degree in European Theatre Arts which has aided me with public speaking and presentations.  I enjoy dancing, going to the theatre and spending days out with my family.

As the Safeguarding Link governor, I sit on the Children, Families and Community subcommittee. This means I help ensure there are policies and procedures in place for appropriate action to be taken in a timely manner to safeguard and promote children's welfare.

Mamie Barden, Clerk to the Governing Board 

Being a constructive part of my children’s education has been one of the best bits! Two of my children attended Merton Abbey before moving on to secondary school, and my youngest child is currently a pupil at the school.

As a governor, I am able to gain more insight into their education, while also contributing to the oversight and strategic direction of the school.  Additionally, it is an excellent way to build relationships with the teachers and school staff, which makes me feel part of the Merton Abbey family.

I run my own business, teaching yoga and meditation, as well as reading tarot cards for private clients, parties and events. Also, I volunteer as a Director at the Rutlish Foundation – a local charity promoting educational achievement in Merton. In my spare time, I am (slowly!) learning piano.

I was born and raised in Texas, USA. I love cooking dishes that remind me of my youth.  In London, I still celebrate American Thanksgiving each year by cooking a big turkey feast for family and friends!

Natasha Laker, Parent Governor

I am one of the Parent Governors and the SEND link governor.  I sit on the Children, Families, and Community Committee, working alongside other governors and the school's senior leadership team to contribute to the values of providing high-standard and achievable education for our children and families at Merton Abbey. As a governor, I have the best interests of the students and the school at heart, balancing support for the staff with ensuring effective oversight and challenging the school to continue improving.

As my son attends Merton Abbey, I want to help build the best educational opportunities for him and his peers. Being a parent governor allows me to have oversight and contribute to their education. Merton Abbey thrives on community and supporting its children, and I am grateful to be a part of this as a parent governor. I look forward to seeing Merton Abbey continue to thrive in its positive ways of supporting and educating the next generation. I am passionate about having the chance to contribute to the school's success, help shape policies, and ensure students receive the best possible education. It will be rewarding to see the positive changes and growth that come from the decisions made in collaboration with the rest of the board. I am a member of Friends of Merton Abbey as a parent volunteer to promote fun and activities for the children to enjoy.

I have lived in Merton my whole life, attending Merton Abbey previously and a Merton High School. I have worked for Merton Council since 2014 in their Children's, Lifelong, and Learning Department as an Education, Health, and Care Coordinator. I have a particular interest in children's education, specifically in the area of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. I thoroughly enjoy my work and making a difference.

As mentioned above my son attends Merton Abbey, which, as you can imagine, he keeps me busy and, on my toes, outside of work and other commitments. I have a passion for cooking and baking and enjoy spending time with my family and attending music concerts.

Marpessa Tholel, Parent Governor

I am the English and Curriculum Link Governor and I chair the Teaching and Learning Committee.  As a parent school governor, I can be more involved in my children's primary education. I have the opportunity to regularly monitor the school's efforts to create a thriving learning environment for children in this community.

I am a stay at home mum since the birth of my second child, studying to obtain an International Diploma in Business Analysis.  I am pastoring the new-found Pentecostal Church Well of Salvation.

As a Dutch native, I have always loved the English language. I studied it at uni, not knowing I would actually end up living in the UK.
 

Sandy Cowling, Local Authority Governor

I have been a governor in several schools and have been Chair of Governors at Merton Abbey for the past few years.  I am now retired, but spent my whole working life in education, so I greatly enjoy using my knowledge to support staff, parents and pupils at Merton Abbey.  I am particularly interested in seeing the ways in which staff organise their teaching to develop the talents and overcome the difficulties of all children. I visit school regularly, so that I can keep up-to-date with Merton Abbey's activities, projects and needs. I also keep in touch with our local councillors and other members of the Local Authority.

In my spare time I enjoy walking, swimming and gardening and spending time with my husband and now adult children, all of whom attended state schools in Merton.

Amedea Kelly-Taglianini, Co-opted Governor

Having grown up in the Merton borough myself, I consider it a real privilege to be a governor at Merton Abbey. I'm a former corporate finance lawyer who is now pursuing postgraduate studies, currently at the LSE. As a member of the Children, Families & Community Committee, I have a particular interest in supporting the school community's physical and mental wellbeing. A passionate sportswoman, I can often be found on my bike or doing laps in the local swimming pool.
 

Elizabeth Robertson, Co-opted Governor

I am a corporate and technology lawyer in London.  I love my career and am passionate that everyone should have the opportunities to pursue careers that inspire them.  I am a co-opted governor and member of the Teaching and Learning Committee and I love coming into the school and watching the children thrive academically and socially, and I am a member of the Teaching and Learning Committee.  I grew up in the US, but have lived in the UK for many years. My children are grown up now, and in my spare time I enjoy playing flute, needle crafts and flower arranging.
 

Nasir Butt, Co-opted Governor

I sit on the Resources Committee which looks at the school's finances, and premises including health & Safety, staff wellbeing, and data protection. My particular focus within the committee is on staff well being, engaging with school staff and leadership to ensure, well being measures are in place for all staff.

As a local resident for many years, being a school governor gives me the opportunity to give back to my local community. I work as a Technology Consultant, helping enterprise organisations modernise their technology. I also volunteer for Humanity First, a multi-sector, international NGO, working on humanitarian development projects and providing disaster relief in countries around the world.

I used to work for Staples for many years, which is about a 2-minute walk from the school. The B&Q has replaced my old place of work.

Neil Trewin, Co-opted Governor

I am the Chair of the Resources Committee and a member of the Pay Committee, so have a focus on financial planning, the school infrastructure, and matters related to staff pay.  Additionally, I am the link governor for GDPR, so providing some oversight on the implementation of policies in this area. 

The governors and staff at Merton Abbey come from a variety of backgrounds and professions;  it is great to see different perspectives on a common goal of ensuring the best for the pupils and staff at Merton Abbey.

I have two young children so spend lots of time looking after them, but when I do get some free time, I really enjoy open water swimming, entering long-distance events, and often swim at Tooting Bec Lido in the cold water. 
 

Lisa Kerr, Associate Governor

I am a Design Educator with 15 years’ experience in Secondary and Higher Education across London.  My career has progressed from a DT Teacher to the Head of Department onto Course Director for the UWL Foundation Degree in Fashion & Textiles.   I am knowledgeable of the school and department improvement plans and working experience of implementing them.   I have weathered 6 Ofsted inspections during my working life.

I am passionate about sustainability, and I run the “Recycle Club” once a week after school.  I encouraged the school/FOMA to join the “Scrap store” for recycled resources and cost-effective projects.   I hope to implement other sustainable ideas into workshops, curriculum, whole school initiatives if desired.

My two children were educated in Merton, and I have lived in the area for over 38 years.  My three granddaughters attend the school, and they have inspired me to become a Governor. I like nothing better than trialling sustainable ideas with them to see the merits of the idea.

My passions are all things creative: Fashion, Jewellery, Furniture, Interiors, Architecture, Exhibitions, Family Feasts & Fun.

Michael Bradley, Head Teacher

As head teacher, Michael sits on the board of governors.  You can hear more from Michael [here]

Mark Oglesby, Staff Governor

Mark sits as the staff representative on the full group board, and on the Teaching and Learning committee. 

Mark is Merton Abbey's Year 2 teacher.