Governor Profiles

 

 

Jo Barker-Platt (Chair of Governors)

Jo and her family moved to Cranbrook in 2021 and her daughters joined Cranbrook Primary School. Jo was Chair of Governors at her children's previous school and had really enjoyed the role and the opportunity to give back, so when the chance arose to join the Governing Body at Cranbrook, Jo was delighted to be involved.

Jo has worked in the Education Sector for over 8 years now and is currently HR Director for a Multi Academy Trust, consisting of 11 schools in North Kent.

She is passionate about ensuring all children have access to education and opportunities to allow them to fulfil their potential. Jo is looking forward to working with the school as it embarks on its next exciting chapter.

John Furminger

John has lived in Cranbrook since 1974. He taught economics at Cranbrook School where he was also responsible for university applications as well as helping with sport and serving as an elected Teacher Governor, retiring five years ago.

His wife also works with young people while both his daughters enjoyed their days at Cranbrook CE Primary before going on to Angley School (now High Weald), Cranbrook School and university.

John has been on the governing body for four years, chairing the Resources committee and acting as vice-chair. He is committed to the cause of state education in the town.

 

Andrew Gasson

Andrew grew up in Cranbrook and attended both Cranbrook Primary School and Cranbrook School. Following university, he began a career in education working first at Abingdon School and then Cheltenham College, where he held various positions including Head of Geography, Senior Tutor and Assistant Head. Having retired in 2017, he moved back to Cranbrook and, in addition to becoming a school governor, he has joined St Dunstan’s PCC, is a member of the Cranbrook Literature Festival committee and is one of the leaders of the local well-being walks. In terms of leisure interests, Andrew enjoys travel and is a committed supporter of Kent County Cricket and Gillingham FC.

  

Matt Lock (Associate Governor)

Matt has worked in local government for almost 20 years, initially training as a Chartered Internal Auditor and later as a Chartered Public Finance Accountant, and currently working for the City of London Corporation.

Matt is keen to help the school to make best use of its resources and to support the Board of Governors in discharging its responsibility for ensuring effective financial management and has joined the Resources Committee as an Associate Member.

 

Georgia Read Cutting

Currently working as both a Teen Life Coach and Adult First Aid Instructor, Georgia has a background as a Hospital Dentist specialising in Paediatrics and Oral Surgery in the UK, having also worked on Hong Kong and Belgium. She is a Mother to three children who attended Primary School in Belgium before joining Cranbrook School when the family moved back to the UK in 2011.Georgia has always been passionate about empowering children and teenagers to overcome blocks and achieve their dreams and recognises that an important part of this lies in supporting their parents and teachers .

She was a Rainbow/ Brownie / Guide Leader for many years and helped set up the D of E programme at Cranbrook School where she continues to and loves being an Expedition Assessor.