Mrs Gemma Talbot

Governor Category: Headteacher
Responsibilities: Executive Headteacher
Committees: All
Term of Office: 25/09/2024 – 24/09/2025

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
• Chair of Staff Pay Committee
• Link Governor for Post-16 at Summerwood Campus
Committees:
• Finance & Resources, Staff Pay
• 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 & Transitions
• Link Governor for Early Years Curriculum at Littlewood Campus
• Link Governor for Lumos Curriculum at Linwood Campus
• Link Governor for Post 16 Skills Centre
Committees:
• Learning & Achievement
• Executive Headteachers Appraisal Panel
Term of office: 21/09/2025 – 20/09/2029

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.

Dr Festus Adedoyin

Governor category: Co-opted (Appointed by Board)
Responsibilities:
• Named Governor for Health & Safety and Cyber Security
• Link Governor for Post-16 at CHI
Committee: Finance & Resources
Term of office: 25/01/2023 – 24/01/2027

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
Responsibilties: Link Governor for Alma Curriculum at Linwood Campus
Committee: Learning & Achievement
Term of office: 27/09/2023 – 26/09/2027

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 now work as a Project Manager with the Professional Services Team.

Mrs Cathy Naude

Governor category: Parent (Elected)
Responsibilities:
• Named Governor for Safeguarding & Pupils with Medical Needs
• Named Governor for Attendance
Committee: Learning & Achievement
Term of office: 08/01/2024 – 07/01/2028

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 & Behaviour, Regulation & Engagement
• Link Governor for Vita Curriculum at Springwood Campus
Committee: Finance & Resources
Term of office: 08/01/2024 – 07/01/2028

I am a dad to five boys and our youngest currently attends Linwood Campus. I have been the Headteacher of five schools (two primary, one infant, one junior and one all-through) and am currently a Family Help Team Manager for the YMCA team across BCP.  I am passionate about inclusion in education and am very proud to support the ongoing work of our excellent Linwood schools.

Mr Matthew Boulding

Governor Category: Parent Governor
Responsibilities: Link Governor for Vita Curriculum at Woodford Campus
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
Responsibilities: Link Governor for Vita Curriculum at Linwood Campus
Committee: Learning & Achievement
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.

Dr Ruijie Wang

Governor category: Co-opted Governor
Responsibilities: Link Governor for Lumos Curriculum at Linwood Campus
Committee: Learning & Achievement
Term of office: 05/11/2025 – 04/11/2029

I’m a Senior Lecturer at School of Psychology, Bournemouth University. I currently lead a specialised Level 4 module for BSc Psychology in Education programme, and I teach on a range of modules related to cyberpsychology and human computer interaction. I am also a member of the University’s quality assurance and enhancement group. My research has been funded by charities and mainly applies to the areas of online gambling and online learning. Recently my research focused on transparency and explainability in technology and generative AI for users’ informed choices and the impact of emerging technologies on people’s learning and wellbeing. I have a broad interest in understanding diverse learning needs, promoting inclusion, and making evidence-based impact for the societal good.

Mrs Jess Brolan

Governor Category: Parent Governor
Committee: Finance & Resources
Term of Office: 19/01/2026 – 18/01/2030

My child attends Linwood School, and I have seen first-hand the positive difference the school makes to children and families. The dedication of staff and the supportive environment they create for pupils is something I value deeply.

I work as a Regional Director within health and social care and have a background in nursing. I am passionate about supporting children with additional needs and hope to contribute to the governing board by bringing both professional experience and a parent perspective.