Our Board of Governors bring a breadth of commercial and consumer experience across a variety of areas. They help shape the future of the school and ensure the overarching strategy is achieved.

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a Governor, please contact the Clerk to the Governors using the contact details provided.

Chair of the Governors: Mrs Alison Atkinson.

The Chair of the Governors may be contacted via the Clerk to the Governors by email clerk@crosfields.com or via the school postal address: F.A.O The Clerk to Governors, Crosfields School, Shinfield Road, Reading, RG2 9BL.

Our School Governors are:

Mrs Alison Atkinson

With 30 years of experience in the engineering industry, spanning both public and private sectors, Alison has led businesses and projects globally in defence, nuclear, and mining. As a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, she is passionate about STEM and the career opportunities these subjects offer to the next generation. Her extensive experience includes serving on several advisory and FTSE Boards, where she has shaped and driven the strategic direction of companies. Alison brings this wealth of experience to Crosfields, helping to prepare pupils for the future.

Mr Mark Turner

Mark is the Head of a Prep School in Richmond-upon-Thames, King’s House School, which is for children from 3-13 years old. He is a member of IAPS and Chairs the London 1S District Heads’ group. He is the designated Safeguarding Governor for Crosfields, and as such works closely alongside the Safeguarding Team at the school. He is married with four children, and enjoys various sports, playing the piano, quizzes and crosswords.

Dr Abby Efua Hilson

Dr Abby is a senior lecturer (Accounting) at the Kent Business School and partner at a research consulting SME. She also serves as editor for two Elsevier Journals in social sciences. She is enthusiastic about sustainability and brings to the board experiences working in Canada, Ghana and the UK and also a commitment to empowering children to thrive upon recognition of their individual learning styles.

Mr Charlie Plumpton

Charlie is an experienced Director of Estates who has led and managed Estates teams in complex projects such as a new state-of-the-art theatre, Eco building, Art & Mathematics STEAM building, commercial kitchen and dining facilities to name a few. He is a member of the British Institute of Facilities Management (BFIM) and is passionate about investing people to achieve greatest organisational outcomes.

Mrs Deborah Battersby

Deborah is an Assistant Head at Davenies School overseeing Pastoral, Safeguarding and Pre-Prep. She was appointed to the board in September 2021 as EYFS Governor. She has two daughters and is an enthusiastic follower of rugby.

Mrs Elona Mortimer-Zhika

Elona is the Chief Executive Officer of IRIS Software Group, one of the largest privately held global software businesses. IRIS provides software to over 50% of England schools including software such as finance, HR, Payroll, MIS, engagement, SMS, Payments etc and connects over four million parents and guardians with their schools though their Parentmail and iSams applications.

Elona graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Accounting and Economics and is a Fellow Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of senior experience in Big 4 and various executive and board roles. Elona is passionate about diversity and mentoring those from under privileged and under-represented backgrounds.

Mr Ian Galvin

Ian has over 30 years’ experience in the investment and financial services sector working in the UK, Europe and Middle East. In his last role he was the Chief Operating Officer for a multi-asset private investment firm responsible for Risk Management, Investment Operations, Compliance, Finance, IT and HR. He is a Chartered Accountant (ACA) and CFA Charter Holder (Chartered Financial Analyst).

Mr Joe Sefton-Jenkins

Joe joined the board at the end of 2018 and currently chairs the Finance & Operations Committee. He has over 25 years’ experience of building software for the financial services industry and has two children currently at the school.

Dr Liz Dawes

Dr Liz is a clinical psychologist with over 11 years’ experience of working with children and young people with mental health and behavioural needs. She set up and runs Every Mind Child Psychology, a clinic for autistic children and their families to receive diagnosis and ongoing therapeutic support.

Dr Liz had recently joined Crosfields Board of Governors as the Wellbeing Governor. She is keen to ensure Crosfields provides the best mental health and wellbeing support for students and staff, throughout the entire school. Dr. Liz is also a Crosfields parent, with two girls already in the school and another to follow in a few years time.

Mr Mark Wardrop

An Oxford Chemistry graduate, Mark is Senior Deputy Head of City of London School and has 20 years’ experience of teaching, leadership and management in several leading girls, boys and co-educational schools. He joined the Board in 2020.

Mrs Michelle Lawerence

Michelle joined the Board of Governors in August 2023 and sits on the Finance & Operations Committee. With a long and varied career in senior Estates leadership roles across a variety of different educational establishments, Michelle hopes to bring this experience to support Crosfields in the best management and development of its estate. Michelle has one son in university and a variety of different pets at home.

Mrs Shashi Sachdeva

Shashi has been a Governor at Crosfields for many years. She graduated with a law degree and then read a Masters in Law. She qualified as a solicitor in 1998 and has been a practicing solicitor for over twenty years. She works in Berkshire where she also lives with her family. She has two sons, her youngest joined Crosfields in Nursery and is currently enjoying studying for his GCSEs at Crosfields.