Introducing our Governors

At Aston Rowant, we have a committed board of governors with a wealth of expertise, who work tirelessly to support and challenge the school to fulfil the vision. The attachments below contain information about the work of our Board and how it is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.  

Who’s who on the Board of Governors

 

Tom Sowerby (Chair of Governors)

Foundation Governor

I have lived in Aston Rowant since 2009 and been a Governor at Aston Rowant since 2013. I run a training company delivering health and safety and wellbeing courses for schools and businesses nationally. Outside of work I am kept busy with our two young daughters and enjoy horse riding, sailing and cycling in my spare time. I am also involved with a charity giving disabled and disadvantaged children and adults access to the River Thames.  I first joined the governing body to take a more active role in the school community as a neighbour.  I enjoy helping support and drive the school forwards. Seeing the positive impact on the children as they progress through their primary education is very rewarding. It's also a real pleasure to work with such a dedicated and committed group of staff and fellow governors.

 

Helen France

Head Teacher

As Head Teacher, I am an ex-officio member of the Board of Governors. I studied business at university and my first career was as a Regional HR Manager working in retail. Whilst I took a career break to have my family I did some HR consultancy work, headed the youth and family ministry in my local church, was Chair of Governors at a local church school, ran parenting courses for the local authority and completed a Diploma in Biblical Theology. When my youngest child started school I completed my PGCE, with my first teaching practice at Aston Rowant School! My business background, church work, 17 years as a governor and my work with children and families gives me a broad range of skills which I delighted to bring to the role of Head Teacher and member of the Governing Body.

 

Alexi Olsen

Staff Governor

I am the teacher in Hedgehog Class (Reception) on a Monday, Tuesday and alternate Wednesday afternoons as well as being the lead teacher for Mathematics along with Art and Design. I am also the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

 

Gill Tyler (Vice-Chair)

Foundation Governor

I have worked in primary education, both as a teacher and headteacher for over 25 years, so when my husband and I retired to Watlington, I wanted to use my experience to support a local school. On visiting Aston Rowant School, I was excited to see that it was very similar in size to the school that I had previously led, with mixed classes for Years 1/2, 3/4, 5/6. This experience enables me to fully understand the wonderful opportunities that such a small school offers, as well as being realistic about the logistical challenges posed.

The fact that Aston Rowant School is a Church of England school is very important to me. I have always worked in church schools, believing the secure foundations of learning laid within the context of the Christian ethos ensures the very best start for a child. I am enjoying working alongside fellow governors in my role as a diocesan foundation governor.

 

Zoe Batt

Local Authority Governor

I am a co-opted governor on the board for Aston Rowant and I attended Aston Rowant as a pupil between 1994 and 2001. After buying my first home in Chinnor, I was keen to give back to the local community and support the school that gave me such a great start in my education. I studied Product Design at university and now work for Ella’s Kitchen. I suspect some of you may have used their pouches and snacks when weaning your children. I develop their snacks range, working in the marketing team. With my background in marketing, the board have asked me to head up the communications pillar of our strategy. As part of this I would love to get some feedback from you all so I can see where it would be best to focus our plans over the next few years.

 

Abi Tindall

Parent Governor

I live in Aston Rowant with my three young children and husband. In my professional life I have specialised in teaching Early Years and Key Stage 1 for ten years. In my spare time I love to attend salsa dancing classes, seeing friends and enjoying the great outdoors. I was lucky enough to be elected as a parent governor in July 2024 and am looking forward to having a more active role in this wonderful school, especially strengthening the communication links between parents and staff with a focus on teaching and learning.

 

Rev'd Jacky Barr

Foundation Governor (ex-officio)

I'm Rev'd Jacky and its my great privilege to serve as Rector in the United Parish, and as a governor at Aston Rowant Primary school. I have been in the United Parish for 8 years and one of my highlights of the week is always coming into school and sharing Bible stories with the children, you may get to hear about these sessions, called "Open the Book", especially when your child has acted out the storey alongside us!  

Being a Church of England priest is quite a new career for me- previous roles have included research scientist, cardiac rehabilitation gym instructor and yoga teacher. For most of my three daughter's childhoods we were a single parent family, so I do have a good sense of the challenges that are involved. I consider being a single parent as the extreme sport version of parenting! My daughters are in their early twenties now and all doing well, as they establish their own lives and careers. 

Its a great joy to be a governor, and part of the community,  at such a thriving and flourishing school as Aston Rowant. 

 

Ben Wilson

Parent Governor

I have been a member of the school community since my daughter joined in 2023. In 2025, I took on the role of governor. As the Supply Chain Director for a large food manufacturer, I lead a team of over 30 people and manage a budget in the tens of millions. This experience provides me with a range of skills and expertise that I am eager to bring to the governing board and school. In my free time, I enjoy home improvement projects. My focus as a governor will be on Health & Safety and premises. I am passionate about making the school the best that it can be.

 

Caroline Isabelle

Foundation Governor

I live in Aston Rowant.  I have three children.  Two of which go to Lord Williams School and our third started Aston Rowant in 2025.  I am a nurse.  I own a business teaching first aid, mental health first aid and providing medical event cover.  I also work part time as the School Matron in one of the local grammar schools. As one of the school governors I will be concentrating on SEN and music.  I am eager to continue to develop the school to ensure the children are given the best opportunities in their learning journey.

 

Matt Parker

Foundation Governor

I live in sight of the school with my wife, three young daughters and our dog Dilly and feel very lucky to be part of such a strong and welcoming community. During the week I run a busy creative lighting design consultancy with projects around the world which has given me plenty of experience of the challenges with leading an organisation – from finance and compliance to people and values. At home, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, keeping fit, and taking on new projects; whether that’s DIY, cars, business or supporting the community. I became a governor to play a more active role in village life and I’m excited to bring my practical experience and enthusiasm to support the school as Finance Governor alongside such a dedicated board.

You can contact us to discuss any aspect of governance at any time through the school office or by email to: 

chair@aston-rowant.oxon.sch.uk We look forward to hearing from you.