Board of Trustees
As a charitable company limited by guarantee, the Marelow Education Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees (the Trust Board) which holds ultimate legal accountability and decision-making authority for all aspects of strategy and operational delivery across the Marlow Education Trust, ensuring fair and proportionate treatment of all schools.
The Trust Board oversees the overall management and performance of the Trust and delegates certain of its powers and functions to others: the Chief Executive Officer and Headteachers, who undertake day-to-day management, and the various Committees the Trust Board has established.
Chair of Trustees - Sarah Cooper
Sarah brings over 15 years of Governance experience in schools. Sarah's corporate background is in procurement and commercial management in large international companies, during which time she led outsourcing projects leading to the creation of shared service centres. Sarah set up The Children's Shoe Company based in Marlow in 2013 and has grown it to become a 'bricks and clicks' business. Sarah has three children, all of whom have been educated in Marlow schools. She is passionate about early years and primary school education to enable children to have the best start in life.
Sarah can be contacted on scooper@marlowet.org
Date of first appointment: September 2023
Trustee - John Fletcher
John is currently the Headteacher of Charters School in Ascot, a mixed secondary school of over 1700 pupils. John started his teaching career in 1996. He was a member of the Reserve Forces Intelligence Corps and has over the years been a school governor, Chair of the Secondary School group for the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and is presently a Member of the working group redesigning SEN provision in RBWM. He is the father of two children and in his spare time he is a a keen cook, runner and supporter of Brighton and Hove Albion (which has taught him a great deal of resilience!)
John can be contacted on jfletcher@marlowet.org
Date of first appointment: June 2024
Trustee - Alistair Handford
Alistair is the Chair of the Operations committee, and has a lifetime of experience in infrastructure construction and management, development and funding. including many years supporting School and MAT building projects. Alistair is a Director of the Marlow and District Schools Boathouse Trust.
Alistair can be contacted on ahandford@marlowet.org
Date of first appointment: October 2017
Trustee - John Hetherington
John is the Chair of the Risk & Audit Committee. John has a career in risk and resilience, having worked across both the public and private sectors and is currently a Director of Crisis Management for a major global pharmaceutical. John also completed a Short Service Commission in the British Army prior to moving to Marlow.
John has lived in Marlow since 2006 and is married with three children, educated at Great Marlow School. In his spare time he is actively engaged in the community, having been part of Marlow Round Table for over 10 years.
John can be contacted on jhetherington@marlowet.org
Date of first appointment: June 2024
Trustee - Tim James
Tim is the Chair of the Finance Committee. A Chartered Management Accountant, Tim’s career has spanned various financial, commercial, economics and training roles, predominantly in the energy sector both in the UK and internationally.
Most recently he was Managing Director of Pink Affinity Accountants, based in Marlow. He is now CFO of a London based AI technology company. Tim has also been an Independent Examiner for various charities and was Treasurer of the Wooburn Singers, a Beaconsfield based chamber choir, for seven years.
Outside the world of finance, Tim has a keen interest in music, singing with various choirs in the area. He also likes to run, cycle and fell walk. Tim is delighted to have the opportunity to join the Board and support the development of Trust.
Tim can be contacted on tJames@marlowet.org
Date of first appointment: June 2024
Trustee - Gary Regan
Gary’s background is in Special Needs Education. Prior to qualifying as a teacher, he worked in a psychiatric unit for children. Once qualified, he was a teacher and SENDCo in mainstream education, before moving into the special sector. He is now the Executive Principal of an Outstanding Multi-Academy Trust, having previously been the Head Teacher of each campus within the trust. Gary is also an OFSTED inspector. Gary has been a governor at a local primary school for four years and at Borlase for just under a year.
Gary can be contacted on gregan@marlowet.org
Date of first appointment: April 2024
Trustee - Jaikumar Thiagaraj
A dedicated husband and father, I bring a diverse background and wealth of experience to support the trust's mission. A seasoned programme management consultant, currently running a Salesforce consulting startup. Interested in the impact of technology/media/ai on students and school. I have made Marlow my home and I want to give back to the local community.
Born in India into a Hindu family and having studied in a Christian school, I respect all faiths and value systems. With a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, I have spent 23 years in the corporate world, solving complex problems for clients such at BT, Vodafone, HomeOffice and GSK with the use of technology. My journey from India to the UK in 2004 has enriched my perspective.
Outside of work, I enjoy sightseeing, cycling and road trips, guided by my life motto: “be happy
and help others to be happy.” I’m excited to contribute to Marlow Education Trust’s success, bringing my skills, values and commitment to creating a supportive educational environment.
Jai can be contacted on jthiagaraj@marlowet.org
Date of first appointment: June 2024