Governor information

Our Governing Body

Jenni Crask
Chair of Governors, Parent Governor

My husband and I moved to Dorking from Kingston in 2012 and were delighted to find such a hidden secular gem as Powell when our eldest daughter started school in 2018. We now have 3 girls happily learning at Powell. I have a very long history in education and supporting SEND children and qualified as a primary school teacher from the University of Surrey in 2005. After working in years 3-6 for 13 years, I decided to take time out to be with my children. I am a very regular classroom helper at Powell, which gives me a wonderful insight into the fantastic learning environment the staff at Powell work so hard to achieve. I hope that my relationships with parents and staff, alongside my passion for quality education being available to everyone, will make me an asset to the governing body as a parent governor.

Roger Lowe
Co-Chair of Governors, Foundation/ Co-opted Governor

I’m Roger Lowe and I first got to know Powell Corderoy when both our children attended the school. If I explain that they are both now in the mid-30s then you can see that was some time ago!

They both enjoyed their time there and it seems to me that the same aspects of Powell which benefitted them are still key features of the education the school today. They particularly loved the outdoors curriculum – hunting for frogs in the wild area being a highlight! (might need a rigorous risk assessment these days). 

My own career was predominantly in post-16 and adult education and training, with my last proper full-time job before starting my own business being as Vice Principal at Kingston College. My focus was on resources and strategy although I always managed to maintain a
teaching role as an escape route from spreadsheets! 

Latterly, I worked on leadership development and governance. I have served on several governing bodies, most recently at Glebelands school in Cranleigh. I have also chaired a Governing Body at a pupil referral unit in South London.

I think strong governance is crucial to school effectiveness and I am looking forward to learning more about Powell Corderoy and finding a way to contribute.

Andy Whitehouse
Vice Chair of Governors, Foundation/ Co-opted Governor

Originally from Solihull, I have lived in Dorking since 2000. I am a retired  actuary having previously worked at Friends Life in Dorking and London. I am chair of governors at Dorking and Chertsey Nursery Schools and Mole Valley Family Centre, and also a governor at Dovers Green school in Reigate. I believe I bring general business skills to the team, having had significant experience in finance and managing budgets as well as general management and project management skills. I feel I can use these skills in a different environment, and also to learn new skills whilst, I hope, contributing to local communities.

Richard Darke
Headteacher, Staff Governor

I joined Powell Corderoy in 2015 and have loved being part of the community since then.  The beautiful setting is one of the great things about the school, but it is the lovely children, supportive parents, dedicated staff and hardworking governing body that make Powell such a fantastic place to work.  When I'm not at school, I might be spotted in Epsom with my wife and two young children, or on a football or cricket pitch. 

 Rachel Burgess
 Parent Governor

My son started at Powell Corderoy in 2020. From the beginning the school showed itself to be welcoming, caring, cooperative, and forward-looking, and very soon we felt part of the school community. 

Being a governor allows me to continue this journey of getting to know the school, with insights into its inner workings, its challenges and ambitions. 

My background in biodiversity and graphic design/copywriting will enable me to champion the school's environmental goals and contribute towards problem solving and visual and written communication in particular. 

I am very keen that children are heard and nurtured in their place of learning, and that their experience is positive, enlightening and inspiring, with memories that will last a lifetime. I hope as a governor I can help the school, its staff and pupils to thrive in this way.

Kay Murphy
Parent Governor

I have been part of the Powell Corderoy community for around 35 years. My 4 siblings and I all went to Powell, and my mum (Mrs Bull) worked at Powell for 25 years and we worked out based on her children and grandchildren, she has attended 35 Summer Festivals!  My 2 daughters were then lucky enough to go to Powell.  My eldest left in 2021 and my youngest leaves this year (2025).  I work in Technology as a Program Manager and I am looking forward to continuing my relationship with this fantastic school.

Paul Head
Co-opted Governor

I live close to the school in Dorking, and have a son at The Priory and a daughter at Ashcombe. I’m a keen cyclist and walker, and enjoy travel, music and DIY. I have 25 years of experience in supply chain management in consumer goods. I bring skills in team development, managing projects and budgets, contracts, and developing strategy. I also bring an interest in STEM topics, the outdoors in general, and areas like facilities and health and safety. I care about the quality of local education, and believe that every child should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential, and will work to see the school and the students thrive.

Nick Wright
Co-opted Governor

We moved to Dorking from Kingston in 2023 and quickly felt at home, thanks to the wonderful Powell Corderoy community. I’ve spent 20+ years working in marketing, helping businesses make smart investments. Passionate about running, sports, and learning, I founded Carrot.run—an inclusive game making running more accessible. You’ll often find me at parkrun or exploring Surrey’s amazing trails

Zane Kanderian
Co-opted Governor

I have lived in Dorking for 18 years and have four children at school in the town. I have worked in international development for most of my career and supported governance in education in some of the world’s most difficult environments. I am keen to reflect on the good practice in my own home town of Dorking with Powell Corduroy, a beautiful little school in a town with many advantages.

Statutory information