St Nicholas Church of England Primary SchoolGovernors Profiles
Dr Stephen Ellison
Steve Ellison joined the Governing Body as a Parent Governor in 2000. He stayed with the school as an LDBS appointee after both children moved on, after a happy time at St Nicholas, to secondary school and then to university. As a Governor, he chaired the Standards committee for several years before becoming Chair of Governors in 2009. Steve is a qualified chemist, and has done and managed research, analytical and forensic chemistry, consultancy, and training, and done a stint as the laboratory computing manager. He is currently lead statistician at a large analytical chemistry organisation, and contributes to international standards for laboratory assessment and data analysis. Outside work, he is active in sports administration and coaching - his sport is Target Archery. In administration, he likes to see people properly consulted, and looks for consensus wherever possible. In education he wants to see everybody reach their potential, and believes St Nicholas is good at supporting that and always improving.
Rev Carole George
Rev Carole became a foundation governor when she was appointed as Incumbent of St Nicholas Church, Shepperton in September 2022. Carole was ordained in 2018 and served her curacy just up the road at St Mary’s Sunbury. Prior to ordination Carole spent many years working in the commercial insurance industry. She joined the governing body during the challenging times of the Covid pandemic and as restrictions lift she is looking forward to both being able to spend more time in school with the children and staff and also welcoming them to St Nicholas Church for curriculum visits and services to celebrate the major Christian festivals. Carole is a member of the admissions committee.
Lewis Reece
Lewis joined the governing body as a parent governor in 2022, with one child attending the school and one about to join. He is an analytical geoscientist, with 10 years energy industry experience specialising in structural geology and geomechanics. Lewis’s passion for science and engineering extends into his hobbies, from lunar photography to outdoor survival - having volunteered as a Scout leader for over 10 years.
Laura Howkins
Laura attended St Nicholas CE Primary School as a child, so was delighted to be given the opportunity to be a parent governor in 2023. She has 2 daughters in year 1 and 3. Laura works as a Partnership Assistant Principal for a Surrey-based multi-academy trust. She has worked in secondary education for over 16 years, with experience leading areas of a school such as Inclusion, Personal Development, Alternative Provision, Data/Exams and Pupil Premium. Laura also has experience mentoring teachers within an infant school.
Laura has a particular interest in the role wider enrichment opportunities play within education. She has a degree in Dance and enjoys going to see musicals at the theatre.
Colin Barnard
Born at Enfield North Middlesex in 1941, attended Suffolks infants and Juniors, then attended Tollington Grammer School, to 0 level . Trained in Shops and commodities with Loughborough college. Married in 1960 to Barbara, and Joined British Bakeries in the same year. After a successful career spanning 29 years, rising to General manager and sales director. During this period he and his wife raised three children. They were always involved with their education, serving on PTA committees, whilst at the same time Chairing a fund raising committee for a well known charity.
In 1989 they took on the challenge of starting their own Bakery business which they developed into a profitable organisation employing 47 staff. On retiring at 62 Years old, the business was handed on to his eldest son.
They moved to Shepperton in 2022, and joined St Nicholas Church congregation where colin has server two terms on the Parochial Church Council. Becoming involved in many local charities Colin was elected to the Spelthorne Borough Council, mainly concentrating on Economic Development. In 2019 he was elected Mayor of Spelthorne. He retired after serving for 8 years.
Mr Dom Shine
Mr Shine completed his teacher training at St Nicholas School and has been a teacher here since 2017. Before training to teach, he gained a degree in History, which developed his love of learning and his passion for inspiring curiosity in others.
Mr Shine is the Mathematics Lead at the school and a trained Primary Mastery Specialist through the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM). He also serves as a Local Leader in Mathematics Education (LLME), supporting other schools in developing high-quality Maths teaching. In addition, he holds a National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership (NPQSL), reflecting his commitment to continuous professional growth and school improvement.
As a teacher, Mr Shine is dedicated to creating engaging and supportive learning environments that help every child reach their full potential. Beyond the classroom, he is passionate about sport, holding coaching qualifications and valuing the role physical activity plays in developing confidence, teamwork, and resilience. As a Staff Governor, he is proud to contribute to the ongoing success and development of St Nicholas School.
Richard Lazell
Rich was appointed Governor by Surrey County Council in January 2021 to support the continued success of St Nicholas School.
With nearly 20 years working in commercial roles with fast growing, global organisations, Rich brings a corporate perspective to the School's Governing Board. Particular interests include personal development, leadership, technology and D.E.I (diversity, equality and inclusivity).
On a personal level, Rich has an interest in mental wellbeing and the concept of a ‘growth mindset’. In addition, Rich has a passion for physical health and as an endurance sports enthusiast he competes in running and triathlon events.
Finally, Rich is keen on sustainability and the role we play in protecting our environment.
Toby Wood
Toby is the Deputy Headteacher of a local secondary school, where he leads on Teaching and Learning and the Sixth Form. His areas of expertise include cognitive science, pedagogy and theology. He is father to three children, the eldest of whom is in Year 1 at St Nicholas. Toby is a passionate Christian and is dedicated to supporting the school’s Christian ethos and character in every aspect of school life. Through his work at school and in his personal life, Toby is passionate about seeing lives changed through vision setting and habit development. In his spare time he loves reading, playing guitar, making up stories for his children, and the great outdoors!
