Mrs Gambier joined Woodlea as Headteacher in September 2022 having previously worked for six years at a local Outstanding school in Croydon, the last few as Deputy Head.  She started her teaching career in 1993 in Southwark where she worked in two schools, the latter as a senior leader before taking a break in 1999 to have her children.  Nina initially returned to teaching part time but as her children got older, returned to a full-time role taking on a senior leadership post in Croydon.

Jorge is enthusiastic and a dedicated member of Woodlea’s governing body,  and committed to fostering a positive learning environment. A seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in program management within the dynamic field of financial services, Jorge brings a strategic and analytical mindset to the role of a school governor.

Jorge believes in the transformative power of education and is dedicated to supporting the school's mission of providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for students. Jorge recognises the importance of a well-rounded education and is keen on contributing to the development of policies that promote academic excellence and holistic growth.

In his role as a school governor, Jorge looks forward to leveraging his professional expertise to support the school in achieving its goals and maintaining high standards of education.

Susie is excited to be a member of Woodlea's governing body.  Both Susie's children Woodlea Primary School.  Having grown up in Woldingham, she returned with her husband when her first child was born.  From her professional life as a city lawyer, she brings experience of corporate governance/compliance matters.  Susie believes that a positive experience at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 sets children up for lifelong learning. 

Gary currently serves as a Community Governor for Woodlea, having previously held the position of Parent Governor.  Within the Governor role, his focus extends to overseeing reading, phonics, and well-being.

He has two children enroled at the school, who positively love coming to school at Woodlea.  Professionally, he is a Deputy Head teacher at a different Surrey primary school, and his role there includes responsibility for safeguarding, assessment, curriculum and teaching and learning. His intention is to bring this experience to the Governing Body, to help to support and challenge in the meetings.

Living locally, Pete is interested in a positive learning environment for the children as well as the sense of community and inclusivity Woodlea can bring to Woldingham. 

Drawing on over fifteen years of experience working in the field of education and currently serving as a Chief Financial Officer at an assessment organisation, I am committed to ensuring financial resources are optimised to enhance the overall experience of the children. 

Nikki joined the governing team in 2021:

"I've two children - one at Woodlea, and the other a previous Woodlea student now in Year 7 at local high school. I'm keen to support the school in whatever way I can. Being a governor has educated me on a different part of school life, made me more aware of the challenges in education, and it's really rewarding to be part of a team committed to the success of the school. In my work life, I lead the People & Culture function for a tour operator, and have spent the majority of my career in retail, sales and marketing recruitment HR and management."

James joined Woodlea’s governing body in 2023.  He is Theology and Philosophy teacher at Whitgift School in Croydon, where he is also the Director of Learning and Innovation and a member of Senior Leadership.  In a previous career, he was a banking litigator in the City, before coming to his senses and retraining as a teacher in 2016.  From these careers, he hopes to bring both commercial experience and (perhaps more importantly) an absolute passion for high-quality teaching and learning.  He also currently has a child at Woodlea Primary School.

Kate joined the Woodlea governing body in 2023. Kate lives in Purley with her young son.  She is Chief Operating Officer for the Electoral Reform Society and is experienced in financial, operational and HR management.  She was previously Head of Operations at political think tank Demos, where she led a two-year programme of internal restructuring.  Kate has worked for local and national government, including the Charity Commission, where she worked alongside the Board and Directors to ensure high standards of governance.  Kate was on the Board of Wikimedia UK until 2019.  She is a Trustee of Humanists UK and is keen to apply her skills and experience to support the staff and local community at Woodlea.  

Fiona joined the governing body in September 2021 along with her job share co- worker Rachel Menham. Fiona has a long association with Woodlea, as both a parent and teacher, and has lived in the village for many years. She started her career teaching in Croydon before taking a break to have her children. While her children were at Woodlea, she worked as a supply teacher before, taking on a permanent job-share.

Her role as a staff governor allows her to bring a staff perspective to the board, as well as being involved in guiding Woodlea’s development so it continues to be a fulfilling and enjoyable place to be, to work, and to learn.