Meet the Governors
Meet the Governors
Our Chair of Governors is Mr Kieran Coburn and he can be contacted at kcoburn@tha.odbst.org or via the school office by leaving correspondence in a sealed envelope for his attention.
Our Published Admission Number (PAN) is: 240
Kieran Coburn, Chair, Operations Committee and Performance and Standards Committee. Safeguarding Governor. Mental Health and History.
I joined the board in March 2022 after being blown away by the ethos of Thomas Harding and the passion of everyone in the school for giving these children the best opportunities in life. I became chair in November 2022 to help drive the school onward along the path it is on. I grew up in Chesham and know what a wonderful place it is for a child to grow up. My background is as a freelance writer and campaign staffer, focusing on mental health and the environment and I know how to get things done so our school and can be as effective as possible for the sake of the children.
Phyl Flack, Vice Chairperson, Performance and Standards Committee. SEND/ PP and P.E.
I am a former teacher at Thomas Harding. I retired after more than fourteen years working part-time in all year groups across the school. I bring my thirty years of experience teaching in both KS1 and KS2, and of working in Inner London and Bucks, to the governing body. What I also bring is a deep affection for the school and community which I continue to support as a governor.
Zahra Hassan, (Parent Governor), Performance and Standards Committee, Maths, PSHE.
I have lived in Chesham for over 10 years. My two older daughters attended Thomas Harding, and my youngest daughter is currently in Year 5.
I have been a parent Governor for the last 4 years and have been elected to continue for a further 4. I appreciate the challenges that the school faces and am looking to build upon my experience in helping support and shape a successful school.
I am an active parent and have a diverse network of friends from different backgrounds. I firmly believe we are one family at Thomas Harding who all need to work together. I will continue to act as a conduit into the school for anyone who may be looking for representation.
Lily Jordan, (Skills Governor), Operations Committee, English, Art.
Chesham has been my home for 14 years and I love its genuine sense of community. I am a mum to three children, the eldest currently attending Thomas Harding and her younger siblings soon to follow. My strengths lie very much in art and design but I also have a practical streak that loves maths and science; these varied interests led me to choose architecture as my profession 25 years ago. I’m currently head of department at a London practice, having previously held positions in various parts of the world-- most recently as Design Director in a fast-growing restaurant company in New York City. When I'm not working or running after the children, I'm likely to be making something. I am a serial maker.
Growing up in Canada, I was very fortunate to be pupil in a state-funded education program that fostered academic excellence. This background cultivated a love of learning and exploration, and fuelled my aspirations into adult life. My hope now is to play an active part of the community that provides access to excellence for the next generation.
Mrs Ruddell (Headteacher)
I graduated from Reading University with a joint honours BAEd degree in Education Studies (Primary) and Music in 2013. I am in my 9th year of teaching and currently the Interim Head at Thomas Harding Junior School. I have been a staff governor previously and am excited to step into that role again this year. I am passionate about the need to expose children to a wealth of knowledge and experiences through a thoughtful and well designed curriculum, believing that every child should have an equal opportunity to a great education and support network. It is my responsibility, as a member of the governing body, to ensure that the school are offering those opportunities to our children.