Our Governors

Pen Portraits  

Dr Cheynne Gibbs-Singh, Chair 

I joined the governing body at Buckingham Park in 2022 and took on the role of chair in September 2023. I had been really impressed with my daughter’s experience at Buckingham Park and wanted to contribute to the school community. I strongly align myself with the school’s vision of valuing and enabling all pupils and believe that every child should be supported to achieve academically, socially and emotionally.  I have a particular interest in arts education and diversity in the music curriculum. I have taught and led music in a number of schools. I also have an academic background in ethnomusicology and music education, including doctoral research on diversity in the post-16 music curriculum. I currently work freelance as a music education consultant, and I enjoy singing and playing several musical instruments, most notably performing steel pans with Sussex Steel. I am highly motivated to contribute to the development of our fantastic school and support the education of the wonderful children at Buckingham Park.  

John Gadd, Local Authority Governor 

I qualified as a teacher in 1984, working in three primary schools in Surrey. I first became a school governor in 1991, and have completed a Master’s degree focused on the working practices of highly successful governing bodies. From 1996-2022 I was a Headteacher in three West Sussex primary schools as well as working to support other schools locally and nationally and mentoring new Heads. Since ‘retiring’ from Headship I am enjoying being a Governor at two West Sussex primary schools, vice-President of the West Sussex branch of the National Association of Headteachers, consultant for the West Sussex Teaching School Hub, and hosting education leadership events. Having joined the Governing Body at Buckingham Park in September 2023 I am hugely excited about helping our great school continue to get better and better. 

Paul Hallam, Parent Governor  

With both my children attending the school I am keen to ensure that they, along with all other children at the school, continue to receive the best possible support and every opportunity to succeed.  Having spent 20 years in Financial Services, managing partnerships and training teams to work together I have acquired a number of transferable skills which I believe will benefit the school, helping to provide a more business-like focus and even greater success.  Being from Shoreham it has a special place in my heart and I am proud to be able to contribute to the local community. I want our school to be the best it can be and our children to enjoy their time there.  

Elin Williamson, Co-opted Governor

I joined the governing body in March 2024 as a co-opted governor, I have one child at the school and am an experienced working professional. My experience and training is strategy, leadership and management. I’m a qualified accountant, have led innovation teams and now work for a consultancy developing strategies. I have a passion for understanding different individuals and the need for inclusivity. I’m looking forward to contributing to help our school and feel that Buckingham Park Primary can inspire our children to learn and grow, helping them be their best selves now and in the future.

Nicky Doyle, Vice Chair and Co-opted Governor

While my children were pupils at Buckingham Park Primary, I became a volunteer at the school. Engaging with the children and staff, seeing the commitment and energy I could not say no when I was asked to become a Co-opted Governor. Professionally, I am a graphic information designer working in the not-for-profit sector, primarily creating exhibitions and educational materials for museums and galleries.  My practice focuses on the use of design to engage and communicate with the audience through the creation of both physical and digital resources.  I've created a wide variety of solutions for both formal (ESOL, SEN, KS1-4) and informal learning for clients such as the National Portrait Gallery, Wellcome Trust and the National Trust.  

Nick Brook, Co-opted Governor

I am Chief Executive Officer at the social mobility charity, Speakers for Schools, and Chair of the Department for Education's Strategic Tutoring Advisory Group, which advises Ministers on education 'catch-up' strategies in England.  Previously, I was Deputy General Secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, for seven years, during which time I chaired national commissions on primary assessment, improving school accountability and school improvement. My career spans thirty years in education and has included running my own educational consultancy and holding senior civil service positions, including at Ofsted, the Home Office and the Teacher Training Agency. I started my career as a Primary School Teacher, working in schools in Eastbourne. I have three children, two of which are currently at Buckingham Park.

Adam Walter, Co-opted Governor

I have 3 children at other local schools and moved to Shoreham in 2017, becoming a governor at Buckingham Park in November 2017.Before I became a governor I visited the school to have a look around and was really impressed with the school, especially how calm it was and the focus on learning.  The outdoor space is also fantastic. I have worked in Financial Services for nearly 20 years, specifically in change management and have a particular interest in finance and budgets. Outside of work I still try to play as much football and cricket as I can, as well as lots of time out on my bike over the South Downs.

Kelly Willson, Parent Governor 

I have two daughters at Buckingham Park, and since my youngest started school in 2023 I wanted to be able to contribute to the school community. I have worked for the past 15 years in the NHS, mainly in mental health services in clinical, research and strategic roles. Mental health, along with understanding how we can support emotional and social development through different settings are real interests of mine. I was really excited when I heard about the OPAL play programme adopted by Buckingham. My eldest daughter has been enjoying the freedom and choice the play brings, and has formed friendships with other children across different year groups. It feels like a really exciting time at Buckingham and I feel fortunate to be able to help the school provide the best it can for our children and teachers.