Meet the Governors
Rhoda Hatton - Chair of Governors - Co-Opted Governor
Before retirement, Rhoda was working as a Communication and Compliance Officer at a local primary school. However, prior to this the majority of her working life was in the charity sector, where she co-ordinated the work of her department to support operational delivery at a national level through staff and volunteers.
Valuing education as she does, Rhoda joined THS governors in September 2020 and in addition to becoming Chair of Governors in 2025, she enjoys being part of the Resources committee and the Teaching and Learning Committee.
Both of Rhoda’s daughters were educated at Tanbridge House School and the family remain grateful for all the opportunities that Tanbridge gave to them.
Christopher Lee - Vice Chair of Governors, Chair of Teaching & Learning & Co-Opted Governor
Christopher is a former secondary headteacher in Surrey having retired in 2017, lives in Horsham and his adult daughters previously attended Tanbridge House School. Christopher was raised and educated in Yorkshire and, after taking a BSc degree in Geography at Leeds University, followed by a PGCE at Leeds began his teaching career in Bradford. He moved to Horsham in 1990, to take up a head of geography position in a West Sussex school. He gained a master's in educational management at Brighton University in 1997.
Christopher first became a headteacher in 2001 and served on numerous groups within Surrey Education Authority. He became an Ofsted Inspector in 2016 and soon became a lead inspector for secondary, as well as a lead inspector for Initial Teacher Training. Christopher continued to inspect up until 2020. On retiring from headship, Christopher set up his own educational consultancy company and worked with a broad range of schools across the southeast.
In the last couple of years, he worked with an educational charity conducting school reviews at both primary and secondary level. Finally, in December 2023 Christopher closed his company and finally retired. However, his passion and commitment to education has not diminished and he continues to support his local school.
Outside of education, he is a keen runner and rock climber, and continues to compete in running on road, track, and cross country. In addition, he enjoys travel and exploring new places.
Mark Sheridan - Headteacher
I am extremely proud to be the Headteacher of Tanbridge House School. Prior to this, I was Deputy Headteacher at Tanbridge for 9 years.
Building on strong foundations rooted in our core values of Care, Kindness and Achievement we have seen the Tanbridge Community go from strength to strength. I am very fortunate to be supported by an outstanding Senior Leadership Team who embody our school vision and values on a day to day basis.
We share the same goals for students and staff to be ambitious for themselves and be the “best that they can be”.
My background and passion beyond education has been firmly rooted in sports and reinforces my belief that all young people should have the opportunity and be encouraged to enrich their school experience beyond the taught curriculum, whether in sports, arts, creative or other academic outlets.
Tanbridge House school is an inspiring place to work where young people never fail to amaze me with what they can achieve.
Kelly Zerrouk - Co-Opted Governor - SEND Lead, Chair of Wellbeing
I attended Tanbridge House School from 1996 to 2001 and two of my four children were THS students from 2017 to 2023; my son is now also at THS in year 7. THS is a very different place now compared to how it was when I was a student, but one thing that remains unchanged is the kindness and devotion of the staff. I wouldn’t even consider sending my children anywhere else, and feel very blessed to have THS as our local school.
I was inspired to become a governor at the school by the passion I witnessed from staff, the genuine happiness I saw within the students and because I wanted to bring a new voice to the Governing Body for two quite personal reasons. Firstly, because my children are of dual heritage (Moroccan Muslim paternity); secondly because I have a lot of experience with mental health and neurodiversity. Two of my daughters are neurodivergent, as am I, and things have been tough at times. I am determined to be an active part of positive change; change that sees every child accessing the education they deserve, and every person facilitating to feel valued for the incredible work they do.
I currently work at LSE and as a programme manager and hope to start a PhD in the near future. I have previously worked as a teacher in further education, a learning and skills manager in the Prison Service and held various third sector roles. I completed my MA in Human Rights in October 2023 and my dissertation explored links between education, poverty and mental health within the state secondary education sector. I’m a big advocate for equitable outcomes and social justice for all, and it’s a privilege to be a governor in a school that cares about these things as much as I do.
Celia Hurren - Co-Opted Governor - Chair of Resources & Pay & Performance
Celia is a qualified accountant having trained with a large accountancy firm (where she had some experience of the education sector) prior to working in industry. This includes managing costs against budgets. Celia is a member of the Friends of Tanbridge House School. In her leisure time she enjoys walking her dog, swimming and spending time outdoors with her children.
Ronalda (Ronny) Harrison - Co-Opted Governor
I have been a governor at Tanbridge House School since 2003. I moved to Horsham with my husband in 1983. Our daughter was bought up here, and attended Tanbridge House School between 2002 - 2007.
I worked for a national financial institution for 30 years, finally retiring in 2009 from the Horsham branch. From 2010 I worked part-time, again in Horsham, for a national retailer, retiring again in 2018.
My interests (other than Tanbridge!) are watching musical theatre, usually with my daughter, and crafts - mainly quilting and cross-stitch.
John Oakey – Co-Opted Governor
John is a retired Process Engineer who previously worked for BOC and Linde Gas. He lives in South West Surrey. His degree is in Chemical Engineering from Exeter University. His working life was spent in the Industrial Gases Industry, where he was employed in a largely Technical Role and has a number of Patents in his name. He spent the first 20 years of his working life Designing and operating various Industrial gases Facilities. In the later part of his career the focus shifted to supporting the various Technical centres around the world through on line support and provide teaching assistance at sites within Europe, Africa and Asia. John volunteers at Petworth for the National Trust, focusing on Tour guiding and development. His interests are music in all forms, history and sport.
Kevin West - Co-Opted Governor
Kevin lives in Broadbridge Heath and is married with three children. All three of his children enjoyed their time and were successful at Tanbridge House School.
Kevin qualified as Chartered Quantity Surveyor, and has now retired after 40 years commercial management experience in both Construction and Facility Management, for a variety of government departments and “blue chip” companies. His roles included preparing and managing budgets, and helping to resolve and solution a wide spectrum of people issues.
Kevin enjoys the opportunity to utilise his wealth of experience to help the school to continue to improve and overcome the many challenges that it experiences, whilst trying to ensure that pupils at Tanbridge are happy to go to school and receiving a good education within the “Care, Kindness, Achievement” culture.
With three children, family life can be fairly hectic at times, but he does try and complete the 5km Parkrun most weekends. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys watching most sports and visiting National Trust properties.
Dr. Morgan Chambers – LA Governor
Morgan is a personal tutor, and teaches at UCL, School of Management. She retains her executive coaching and consulting company, The Business of Leadership, which she started in 2008. Morgan lives in West Sussex, is married and has three children. Originally from New Zealand, Morgan completed a Masters degree in Organisational and Industrial Psychology at Canterbury University.
Her first position after University was as Industrial Relations Advisor for NZ’s only oil refining company at the time of its major expansion. Subsequently, she gained extensive executive experience in Human Resources & Organisation Development in a range of industries and territories, including New Zealand, Canada, and Europe. Recently, between 2010 - 2014, she returned to full time academia to pursue her PhD in Corporate Strategy and Organisational Behaviour from Cranfield University, UK.
Outside of work Morgan is an avid sailor and skier and has a general passion for things outdoors. She plays the piano as often as she can and travels widely.
Beverley Winter - Co-Opted Governor
Having worked in a Senior Executive position for a FTSE 100 Company for over 30 years , I retired in 2008 .During my career , I was fortunate to work overseas for 12 years and obtained my MBA from Lancaster University in 1992 .I have extensive experience in Change Management, Industrial Relations and Customer Service in addition to serving as MD/ Chairman of 3 subsidiary companies.
Since my retirement, I have served as a Member of Council at the University of Sussex for 6 years as well as a Governor at Southwater Junior Academy for 4 years .
It is imperative that our Education system provides the best possible pathways for our children going forward and so important that we offer support where we can .
My hobbies include gardening, Pilates and walking. I currently have one grandson at Tanbridge House School.
Claudia Sharma - Parent Governor
My family and I moved to Horsham from South London in 2022, and we have quickly settled into the local community. I am married with three boys, my twins started Year 7 at Tanbridge House School, and my youngest, currently in Year 5, will no doubt be following in their footsteps before long.
I have worked in the education sector since 2016 and currently support the CEO of a multi-academy trust comprising 16 schools across the county. Through this role, I have gained valuable insight into the education system, governance, and the challenges and opportunities within schools. I am passionate about using this experience to contribute positively to Tanbridge House School, ensuring that every student has the best possible educational journey.
Outside of work, much of my time is spent on the sidelines of a football pitch, cheering on my boys every Saturday. As an Italian, I have a deep love of food and travel, and I am always planning our next family adventure. I am excited to bring my experience and enthusiasm to the role of parent governor and to support the school in delivering excellence for all its students.
Anne Ryan – Staff Governor
For the past twelve years Anne has been one of the staff representatives on the board of governors. She joined the MFL department of THS in 2012 having spent several years teaching in both the primary and secondary sectors. Prior to becoming a teacher she spent some years working for blue chip companies as a bilingual secretary/marketing assistant. Since joining THS she has progressed to become leader of year, a role which she thoroughly enjoys.
Being a governor and part of the teaching staff provides a 360° view on all aspects of life at THS which is both beneficial to her working life and personally fulfilling.
Anne has 3 children and enjoys paddle boarding and kayaking. She is desperately trying to improve her Padel skills!!!
Joanna Polley - Parent Governor
I have lived in Horsham all my life and live locally with my husband and our two children. I have a child at Tanbridge and a younger child in Primary school.
I became a Parent Governor because as a parent I wanted to have a voice on the Governing Body. The secondary school years are such an important time in a child’s development and I feel it's important that all students have a positive and supportive school experience. I am also passionate about pupil wellbeing and mental health.
I have over 20 years’ experience working within the NHS, including roles in governance, leadership, and wellbeing, and I hope to use this experience to support the school.
In my spare time I enjoy walking my Labrador, going to the gym, and singing as part of a local band or choir.
Ben Procter - Co-Opted Governor
Ben and his family have lived in Broadbridge heath for the last ten years and with 2 young children currently in primary school.
Ben has 20+ years' experience in Technology initially within education but largely within the financial services industry with a focus on strategy and governance.
Ben undertakes the role of Digital and IT governor, supporting the school to ensure the effective and secure use of Technology to support students in their learning.
During his spare time Ben enjoys playing sports such as golf, padel and cricket and spending time with his family.
