Mrs Gemma Talbot

Governor Category: Headteacher
Responsibilities: Executive Headteacher
Committees: All
Term of Office: 25/09/2024 – 24/09/2025
Attendance at Full Governing Board and Committee meetings for 2023-24: 100%

I have been working in education since leaving education myself in 2000. I have been fortunate to work in a range of schools across the South of England. I have worked in various roles including teaching assistant, teacher and leadership roles. I have always had a passion for seeing other people be happy, achieve and thrive. I am thrilled to be the Executive Headteacher of Linwood School and to be a part of this diverse, amazing community.

Mrs Sue Lay

Governor Category: Co-opted (Appointed by Board)
Responsibilities: Chair of Governors
Committees: Finance & Resources and Executive Headteachers appraisal panel
Term of Office: 26/06/2024 – 25/06/2028

As a Non-Executive Director and strategic advisor, I bring experience from across financial services, healthcare technology and education. I currently serve on three boards and have held senior leadership roles in a range of sectors.

I’m passionate about inclusive governance and supporting schools through change. It’s a real privilege to be part of the Linwood community and to contribute to such an inspiring and purposeful school. I’m particularly focused on helping the school grow in a way that’s effective and sustainable, so it can continue to meet local SEND needs and give every student the best possible chance to thrive.

Mrs Sonia Colton

Governor category: Local Authority (Appointed by LA)
Responsibilities: Vice-Chair of Governors, Chair of the Learning & Achievement Committee, Named Governor for Careers / CEIAG and Transitions
Committees: Learning & Achievement and Executive Headteachers appraisal panel
Term of office: 22/09/2021 – 21/09/2025
Attendance at Full Governing Board and Committee meetings for 2023-24: 90.9%

As a local authority officer, I have worked closely with Linwood School up to my retirement in November 2014. As Principal Education Officer (SEND) with both Dorset County Council and Bournemouth Borough Council, I managed the SEND assessment process for individual children and young people aged 0 – 25 and determined their educational provision and placements in mainstream and specialist schools. Through my work alongside the Executive Headteachers at Linwood and the other local authority special schools, I had significant responsibility for ensuring that there was sufficient local SEND provision to meet the changing needs of children and young people with the most severe and complex needs. A teacher by profession and a member of the local community, I am committed to continuing my support for the outstanding work of Linwood School.

Mrs Lorna Booth

Governor Category: Parent (Elected)
Committees: Learning & Achievement
Term of Office: 11/10/2022 – 10/10/2026
Attendance at Full Governing Board and Committee meetings for 2023-24: 100%

I am a mother of three amazing children; two sons and a daughter. Both my sons attend Linwood School. I have been in the Child Care and Education industry for over 25 years and never have I met such a dedicated, caring and positive school as Linwood. Every individual is encouraged, cared for, nurtured and inspired to grow as an individual who reaches their full potential.

Dr Festus Adedoyin

Governor category: Co-opted (Appointed by Board)
Responsibilities: Named Governor for Health & Safety and Cyber Security
Committees: Finance & Resources
Term of office: 25/01/2023 – 24/01/2027
Attendance at Full Governing Board and Committee meetings for 2023-24: 87.5%

I am a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Computing and Informatics, Bournemouth University. I live locally to the school with my family. My current research interest is in understanding user behaviour towards digital interventions for managing healthcare delivery in underserved communities. I consult for the United Nations and am a member of the Editorial Board for several academic journals.

Mrs Tabitha Sherlock

Governor category: Staff Governor
Committees: Finance & Resources (finance part) and Learning & Achievement
Term of office: 27/09/2023 – 26/09/2027
Attendance at Full Governing Board and Committee meetings for 2023-24: 100%

Following my Business Management degree, I worked in Marketing and Projects before re-training as a teacher in 2007. I worked in mainstream primary, including three years in a preschool before moving into Special Needs Education. I joined Springwood Campus in 2019 as a class teacher. I have recently joined the school support teams and have taken on the role of Project Manager.

Mrs Cathy Naude

Governor category: Parent (Elected)
Responsibilities: Named Governor for Safeguarding, Attendance and Pupils with Medical Needs
Committees: Learning & Achievement
Term of office: 08/01/2024 – 07/01/2028
Attendance at Full Governing Board and Committee meetings for 2023-24: 100%

My son has been at Linwood School since 2015 accessing both Vita and Alma curriculums. I see how incredibly caring and kind the staff are with the students. They know all the students so well and encourage them to be the best they can be. I am very proud to be a parent at this wonderful school.

Mr Jeremy Payne

Governor category: Parent (Elected)
Responsibilities: Chair of the Finance & Resources and Executive Headteachers appraisal panel, Named Governor for Pupil Wellbeing and Behaviour, Regulation & Engagement
Committees: Finance & Resources
Term of office: 08/01/2024 – 07/01/2028
Attendance at Full Governing Board and Committee meetings for 2023-24: 75%

I am a dad to five boys and our youngest currently attends Linwood Campus in Year 8. I am the Executive Headteacher of a Federation of Junior and Infant schools in Chandlers Ford and am passionate about inclusion in education.

Mr Matthew Boulding

Governor Category: Parent Governor
Committee: Finance & Resources
Term of Office: 25/10/2024 – 24/10/2028

I am a parent of a child at Springwood Campus and feel privileged to serve as a Parent Governor. With over 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, and business development, including running my own business, I bring expertise in strategic leadership, performance improvement, and fundraising. I am passionate about building a strong sense of community and supporting initiatives that highlight student achievements. I am dedicated to ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Miss Olivia Glass

Governor category: Co-opted Governor
Committees: Finance & Resources
Term of office: 22/01/2025 – 21/01/2029

I am a PhD candidate currently working at the University of Southampton, looking into the neuroscience and chemistry of dementia. I live locally and am looking forward to supporting the governing board; it is an honour to be part of a team that works towards giving each and every student a positive experience in this amazing school.