Meet the Governors

Jim Whitaker 

Jim Whitaker joined as a governor in February 2024. He has lived locally since 1976 and has had two children and 2 grandchildren attend Heathwood School. Jim is the Chair of Governors. 

He was, when his children were at the school, an active member of the PTA and served as the chairperson for several years.

He has now retired from his own training company and now wants to give time back to the community, particularly Heathwood School.

From his knowledge of training, he is able to offer H & S training on several subjects to School Employees and liaise with other members of the governing body on Health and Safety matters in the school.

Paula Bangs

Paula is currently the Vice Chair of Governors. Prior to this, she had been a Community Governor, Parent Governor and Chair of Governors with a long standing association and interest in the wellbeing and direction of the School community. Paula is a joint director and owner of three local businesses, one of which has been established for over 30 years. Paula thoroughly enjoys her involvement with Heathwood, which she considers to be a vibrant, thriving and flourishing school and she is proud to be its Chair.

Paul Dicker 

Paul is the Deputy Head Teacher and a staff governor. 

Susanne Dove 

Susanne started teaching in 1987. She has more than 35 years of experience in education; teaching in London, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire and Central Bedfordshire. She has been a senior leader for more than 10 years, nearly 9 as Headteacher at Heathwood. She is currently retired.
 
Shamina Rushton-Cato 

Shamina joined as a parent governor in December 2024. 

Jackie Wright  

Jackie has been part of the school community since 2000, as a parent, a member of the PTA, a teacher and a senior leader.  She has been a teacher since 2008 at Heathwood and became the full time Headteacher in May 2023.  Jackie is a trained Maths Specialist Teacher and has recently gained her Senior Mental Health Lead qualification. Jackie is passionate about Heathwood and strives to lead the school to provide all children with a positive educational experience

Andrew Carroll 

Andrew is a parent governor and joined in July 2025

Governors Roles and Responsibilities 

Leavers in the last 12 months: