Governors (ID 1034)

• Mr Paul Serkis
  Chair of Governors - Appointed (to 26 April 2029)
  Mr Paul Serkis

  Background	I have worked in the construction industry for over 33 years. I have held various roles and delivered many projects ranging from schools, hospitals, commercial offices, residential and MOD. As Project Director, I am accountable for the team and the safe and high quality delivery of major >£200m projects on programme and on budget. I am Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS), Dip Law, BSc (Hons) QS, and MHFA trained.
  Contribution/ Passion	I have a passion for helping in the community where I can. My drive and enthusiasm ensures that being part of the Board provides the opportunity to share my knowledge and experiences which can assist the school in continuing and evolving to deliver the best. I help to provide a safe environment for pupils, staff and everyone involved at DCGS to thrive and benefit from all the school has to offer.
  About me	I have been married (to Sarah) for over 20 years and we have two boys who attend DCGS. We have lived in Amersham since 2003 and enjoy all that this great place has to offer. I am Vice Chair for Kings' Church Amersham FC, FA Level 1 coach, and Vice Chair for Amersham Town FC. I enjoy most sports, keep fit through running (marathons), gym training, playing 7 a-side football and squash. I like to keep busy and will help out with pretty much anything that time permits me to do. I lead by my actions, not by my thoughts!

• Mrs Alyson Coates
  Vice Chair - Co-opted (to 31 August 2026)
  Mrs Alyson Coates

  Background	Following a career in biotechnology, management consulting and healthcare investment banking I now have over 15 years experience of institutional governance as a Non Executive Director in the NHS, Higher Education and financial regulation.
  Contribution/ Passion	I have a keen interest in education and am particularly delighted to be able to contribute to a leading local school. I hope that my experience of governance in different sectors in the UK and recently in the USA will prove useful to DCGS.
  About me	My family have lived in Amersham for generations. I am an alumnus of DCHS and our son, now starting a PhD at MIT, benefitted from a Challoner's education.

• Dr Mark Pegg
  Vice Chair - Co-opted (to 22 February 2029)
  Dr Mark Pegg

  Background	I am self-employed and teach, consult and research into strategy, leadership and senior team development. I worked as a manager in coal mining and management consultancy before becoming a Director of a Business School and CEO of a leadership foundation for higher education with extensive client experience in Africa, Europe, Far East, Middle East and the UK. I am a Companion of the Chartered Management Institute and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel.
  Contribution / Passion	It is a privilege to work with such educational excellence, a school that helps students to fulfil their potential, not only to become the best they can be, but also good citizens who care about others. As I work in teaching myself, I am naturally interested in teaching and learning and it is always a pleasure to get involved in new thinking, new ideas and raising the bar, I like the restless desire to go on improving, to raise funds and invest in new facilities and the adaptability of Challoner's which has never been more needed than today.
  About me	I was born in Derby, attended a boys grammar school and then read History at Oxford, where my doctoral thesis was on the social history of broadcasting. I have written books on the history of broadcasting and coal mining. I love sport particularly football and coached Chesham Utd YFC teams. My latest volunteering project is to successfully fund and build the first public access full size artificial grass pitch in Chiltern District. I live in Little Chalfont, my son is an Old Challoner.

• Mr David Atkinson
  Headteacher (ex officio)
  Mr David Atkinson

  Background	I have been a teacher for 26 years, and have spent my entire career at Challoner's. My time at the school has encompassed a number of different roles, including Head of Geography, Director of Sixth Form and Deputy Head.
  Contribution/ Passion	I sit on the Governing Board in my role as Headteacher.
  About me	In addition to working at Challoner's I play a good deal of cricket for Amersham CC and the MCC. I recently served a term as Vice President and Trustee of the Royal Geographical Society.

• Mr Vaughan Atton
  Appointed (to 12 January 2029)
  Mr Vaughan Atton

  Background	Following my degree in Law (LL.B.), what began as a brief six-month stint in the financial services sector became a career now extending over two decades. Over those years I have balanced multiple roles, building and growing divisions from launching a business within a leading FX and payments organisation to spearheading global transformation initiatives. I enjoy aspects that demand both strategic insight and technical proficiency. My work has often involved navigating complex regulatory frameworks, sharpening my understanding of the industry's most intricate challenges. Driven by a commitment to excellence and continuous learning, I understand and respect the value and importance of a good education across the broadest perspective for everyone.
  Contribution/ Passion	Education was central to my childhood; my father was a secondary headteacher and my mother a SENDCO and chair of governors. I appreciate the important role schools play in everyone's life and the commitment needed to ensure they are successful. I was aware of Dr Challoner's strong reputation for academic rigour and excellence long before moving to the area. A visit to the school's 2024 Open Evening further impressed me, particularly the breadth of opportunities and experiences it offers and the calibre of both the students and staff I met. Like businesses, schools are continuously adapting to change, addressing challenges and seeking new opportunities to enrich and extend all that they can offer. I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to this school and the wider community it serves.
  About me	Originally from Devon, as a student I was drawn to the vibrant energy and opportunities of London. Over the years, I have worked across the capital, from Knightsbridge to Canary Wharf, via the City. My wife and I enjoyed living in East London for the best part of a decade, travelling as much as we were able to. When the time came to raise our family, we explored the home counties and decided Amersham was the ideal place to live. We now enjoy family life with three young sons. With a keen interest and curiosity for many things, I bring a well-rounded perspective from both my work and personal life that I hope will strengthen my service as a governor.

• Mr Tom Batty
  Appointed (to 12 January 2027)
  Mr Tom Batty

  Background	Educated in the United Kingdom and after a flirtation with financial services, I headed south to start teaching in New Zealand (Thames High School, St Patrick's College, Wellington) and Australia (Waverley College). After returning to the UK, I taught mathematics and served as a house master at Eton College (United Kingdom) before my appointment as the ninth principal of Scotch College, Melbourne (Australia) in 2008. I finished at Scotch in 2022, returned to the UK and took on the role of Executive Director of the International Boys' Schools Coalition.
  Contribution/ Passion	Of my 35 years in education, I have spent 32 in boys' schools. Across New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, as teacher and most recently principal, and through courses, conferences, trips, tours, and friendships in the United States, South Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America, I have observed different cultural and systemic approaches to the common thread of growing good men.
  About me	I am interested in the relationship between the micro and the macro, the judgement that rests between awareness and action, the interface between social and economic enterprise and parallels to mathematical pattern in the social world. I am married to Lee and we have two daughters, Poppy and Anna, both of whom, to differing degree, share my lifelong passion for Brentford Football Club.

• Ms Uschi Baumann
  Parent (to 6 September 2025)
  Ms Uschi Baumann

  Background	I run my own business as a Leadership Leadership and Transformational Neuroscience Coach. Prior to that, I enjoyed a successful corporate career, mostly in Consulting and Pharmaceutical Leadership positions where I worked in large organisational transformation programmes, process improvement initiatives as well as operational and project management.
  Contribution / Passion	At the heart of what I stand for is to see the good in everything and everyone, supported by a healthy portion of practicality, common sense and appropriate compromise. I have a passion for learning and making a difference where I get involved. I am structured and organised but also curious and open minded - qualities that I bring into the Governor role to benefit school and students. My two sons are attending Dr Challoner's and since they joined the school, I have been an active member of the school community as a class rep for both of their forms.
  About me	Born and raised in the South of Germany, I studied International Business and Languages, lived and worked in various countries across Europe before settling in the UK over 20 years ago when I met my husband of Indian origin. We moved to Amersham in 2011 and we continue to enjoy a multi-cultural family and social life where sporting activities also play a major part.

• Mrs Del Cooke
  Co-opted (to 31 August 2026)
  Mrs Del Cooke

  Background	I have a BSc in Maths with Statistics, PGCE, NPQH and an MBA in Educational Management. In August 2021, I retired after 40 years of teaching, including 14 years as a Headteacher, half in a Surrey independent school and the most recent 7 years at a top-performing state grammar school.
  Contribution/ Passion	I am passionate about the education and wellbeing of young people. It is a privilege to be able to use my experience to contribute as an Associate Governor on the Learning and Teaching Committee in such an excellent school which strives to do its very best for its students.
  About me	I am married with 3 sons and a grandson and we all love competitive games. I love music and have taught myself to play the bassoon, as well as being an avid reader. I am enjoying having time to volunteer, both in the education sector and as a mental health crisis text service responder.

• Mrs Isobel Darby
  Co-opted (to 8 June 2028)
  Mrs Isobel Darby

  Background	I trained as an accountant with a London firm and now practice locally. I am also a local councillor and was leader of Chiltern District Council for 6 years until it became Buckinghamshire unitary authority.
  Contribution/ Passion	I am passionate about giving our young people the best possible opportunities during their educational journey and I am proud to serve the Challoners community.
  About me	I have lived in Chalfont St Peter nearly all my life and my three adult children attended local state schools including Challoner's. My interests are focussed on the community and I believe in enabling people to help themselves wherever possible. I enjoy gardening and spending time with my family in my spare time.

• Mrs Alison Davis
  Appointed (to 22 February 2029)
  Mrs Alison Davis

  Background	I graduated with a degree in Chemistry back in the mid-80s and went into an R&D role at Glaxo after leaving University, but within a few years, I moved into IT. I have been in Chief Information Officer roles for over 20 years, but have always worked in science-based organisations, including multi-national pharmaceutical companies, but also the Francis Crick Institute and the Natural History Museum. Currently I am the global Chief Information Officer for GE Healthcare Pharmaceutical Diagnostics. In 2018, I was awarded UK Women in IT's CIO of the Year.
  Contribution/ Passion	I am passionate about STEM subjects and about education. I am lucky enough to come from an academic family - my paternal grandparents were both teachers and my Dad was a University lecturer in Biochemistry, so I was brought up in an environment that valued learning in general and science in particular. As I am getting towards the latter stages of my career, I am keen to give something back and make a contribution to those who are about to embark on theirs. At a practical level, I have also been able to offer the school my input to some of its IT initiatives.
  About me	My family moved to Little Chalfont when I was 3 and I grew up in the area. From University onwards, I've lived in other locations, including 5 years in the outskirts of Paris when my kids were little. From Paris, we moved back to Amersham in 2006. I am a rugby season ticket holder and enjoy watching both men's and women's matches, as well as travelling to European fixtures. I have a son, who is a former Challoner's pupil, a grown up daughter, a daft dog and I enjoy spending time with all of them.

• Dr Baljinder Dhanda MBE
  Co-opted (to 20 December 2025)
  Dr Baljinder Dhanda MBE

  Background	I work as a cyber security expert at PA Consulting, specialising in the defence and national security sectors. I have had a broad career having held CEO, senior sales, delivery and consulting roles in business ranging from start-ups to global blue-chips. This includes running a business out of Bletchley Park delivering online education in cyber security. I am a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Information Security and I was awarded a MBE in the 2022 New Years Honours list for services to cyber security.
  Contribution/ Passion	I'm passionate about the value of education and supporting young people into STEM related careers, whether that be through university, apprenticeships or other routes. I'm hoping my experience in management, technology, sales and online education can support the school across a range of issues.
  About me	I studied for a degree in electronics and engineering and then a PhD in Ionospheric Physics at Leicester University. I live in Amersham and have two older sons that have successfully passed through the school and have a son in Year 10 as well as nephews in Year 11 and 8. The school has been part of my family's life for many years, so I'm delighted to volunteer my time and energy to support it.

• Mr Scott Gallagher
  Elected (to 9 December 2028)
  Mr Scott Gallagher

  Background	Born in Winnipeg, Canada, I moved to England in 2006. I have an undergraduate degree in International Development Economics and an MBA from Warwick Business School. My career has been focused on the lottery industry, primarily with an international technology supplier. I am now proud to work for the National Lottery, where I am responsible for the health and growth of all our game brands. My experience spans strategic planning, product development, marketing, financial management, and fostering international collaboration, enriched by extensive international travel.
  Contribution/ Passion	As a parent of a Year 9 student at Dr. Challoner's, I am passionate about supporting educational excellence and ensuring opportunities for young people to reach their potential. I bring skills in governance, strategic leadership, and stakeholder engagement, and I am committed to helping the school continue to thrive.
  About me	I live in Amersham with my wife, who is from Colombia, and our two children. Outside of work, I enjoy cycling, painting, and traveling, though much of my time seems to be spent shuttling the kids to their many clubs and sports. I feel incredibly fortunate to contribute to a school that champions academic excellence while nurturing the character and well-being of its students.

• Mr Leon Glenister
  Appointed (to 31 October 2027)
  Mr Leon Glenister

  Background	I am a barrister specialising in public, human rights, planning and environmental law, practising from Landmark Chambers. I also teach Administrative and Public Law at the University of Cambridge. I am an ex-Challoner, leaving in 2006, after which I studied at Cambridge for my law undergraduate and masters degrees. I was called to the Bar in 2011.
  Contribution/ Passion	I enjoy being able to give something back to an institution which gave me so much. I bring experience in education law, acting for all sides (including students, parents, schools, universities and DfE); I also act in cases involving, and am otherwise passionate about, equality and inclusion.
  About me	I am of mixed heritage, with a Malaysian-Chinese mother and British father. I grew up in Chesham, attended DCGS from 1999-2006, and was the second ever House Captain of Foxell! After graduating I lived in various areas of London, landing in East London where I have been for 8 years. I enjoy football and my wife and I also have season tickets for the basketball.

• Dr Khalil Hassanally
  Appointed (to 1 September 2029)
  Dr Khalil Hassanally

• Mr Jonathan Pearson
  Co-opted (to 27 February 2028)
  Mr Jonathan Pearson

  Background	I currently work in the finance team for a large multinational having formerly spent many years as an investment banker undertaking mergers and acquisitions within the telecoms and media sectors. In my current role, I manage the budget, performance monitor but also help establish new companies and I am chairman of two Electric Vehicle Charging companies.
  Contribution/ Passion	Both of my parents were teachers and instilled in me the desire to learn and be curious for the pleasure of learning. My background in finance has enabled me to forge a career helping find solutions to problems, skills I hope to bring to DCGS. Pupils at Challoners are privileged to receive a fantastic, rounded education but as a governor, I will always strive to help the school push boundaries and excellence as much as possible.
  About me	Born in Yorkshire, since graduating with a BSc in Economics from Warwick I lived in London for 10 years before moving to Amersham (in sight of the school!). I am married to Pippa and we have three children, one of whom attends DCGS. I love most sports but sadly now restrict my playing to tennis, sailing and golf although I have a passion for football and coach a team at Chorleywood.

• Mrs Jo Royce
  Appointed (to 12 January 2029)
  Mrs Jo Royce

  Background	I have worked for the last 30 years in the creative industries - from running a digital creative agency for 11 years (through acquisition to become part of Dentsu group), to leading People Operations across N Europe at Google, leading marketing capability and learning globally at Unilever. I am a leadership and Agile coach, facilitator and start-up mentor. My under- graduate degree is in Human Geography (from Sussex University). I gained a Masters from Bayes Business school many years later in Innovation, Creativity and Leadership. My professional expertise include business strategy, learning and development, marketing and digital transformation.
  Contribution/ Passion	rowing up with parents who were both teachers - my dad in TEFL and my mum in state secondary (head of History and Sixth Form; Oxford University as head of PGCE training and programmes) - I have always been empathetic to the pressures and expectations placed upon schools and teachers. As a parent myself (Y12 DCGS and Y10 CGS), previously a Young Enterprise Board Member and volunteer, and now an Enterprise Advisor (Chalfonts Community College), I am acutely aware of the ever- increasing demands placed upon schools, as well as on the students themselves, amidst rapidly evolving worlds regarding work, tech, culture and communication. In my current work (with non-profit Brixton Finishing School), I work with schools, careers services and creative industry partners to inspire more emergent talent from state secondary and under- represented communities to consider careers in the creative industries.
  About me	Having grown up in Oxford, studied in Brighton and worked for much of my career in London, I have lived in Amersham for the last 12 years - with my husband Seb (a creative director and sustainability consultant), our son and daughter - and dog Buddy. I'm a big fan of regular pilates sessions, zumba classes, long dog walks in the Chilterns, food treats at Pluma and Koyo, and way too frequent trips to Nena and Sycamore cafe. I'm also a keen lifelong learner - currently studying sustainability, Spanish and AI.

• Mr Tom Shinner
  Appointed (to 3 November 2028)
  Mr Tom Shinner

  Background	I started my career as a management consultant, working in the London and Middle East offices of McKinsey & Company, before becoming a Civil Servant, serving on the board of two departments including as Director of Strategy at the Department for Education.
  Contribution/ Passion	I'm interested in the power of education to change lives, having taught history at Challoner's for two years, worked on education policy at the DfE and, in 2010, having helped found a new secondary school in south London.
  About me	I live in London and work as Chief Operating Officer at Entrepreneur First (www.joinef.com), which helps aspiring founders form technology startups in Bangalore, Berlin, Paris, London, Singapore and Toronto. I'm also a trustee of Unlocked Graduates (www.unlockedgrads.org.uk), a leadership development programme, and I serve on the board of the Downing Street Innovation Fellowship (https://no10innovationfellows.campaign.gov.uk).

• Mrs Lilla Venning
  Appointed (to 23 October 2028)
  Mrs Lilla Venning

  Background	I have retired after a career in education which included five years teaching in schools in Hampshire and Cambridgeshire, followed by 27 years at Aylesbury Grammar School. During my time at AGS I held a number of different roles, including History teacher, Head of Year 12, Assistant Headteacher and finally Deputy Headteacher/Designated Safeguarding Lead for 15 years.
  Contribution/ Passion	The greatest portion of my career has been spent in an all boys grammar school, similar to DCGS. My passion and interest, aside from my subject, has been pastoral care and safeguarding. Nurturing and encouraging children to get involved, develop character and resilience, build relationships and their own passions has been at the heart of my teaching career.
  About me	Born in Trinidad of a British father and Danish mother, I was raised in a range of African countries and educated in both Kenya and the UK. I moved on to London University to complete my degree in History and then completed my PGCE at the Institute of London. I am married and have two grown up children, and a grandchild. I enjoy travelling to see friends and family around the world and spending time in Denmark. I have played hockey most of my life and still occasionally take to the pitch, and I also enjoy gardening, keeping active and walking our dogs.

• Mr Colm Walsh
  Appointed (to 12 January 2029)
  Mr Colm Walsh

  Background	I am a Managing Director at ICG plc, a member of the FTSE 100. I run a large investment trust which invests in private companies. I previously worked in various roles for Standard Chartered, Deloitte and the private equity firms Terra Firma and Graphite Capital. I graduated in Economics from the London School of Economics, spent a year as Lecteur at HEC Paris and subsequently qualified as a Chartered Accountant and a CFA Charterholder.
  Contribution/ Passion	I have been a governor at an independent school for the last 5 years which gave me experience of school governance. It demonstrated the importance of understanding all the different components of what makes a school work well. I currently have one son at DCGS in Year 8 with another joining in 2025/26. This has given me insight into the DCGS ethos, the quality of the education and the breadth of opportunities which the school offers. I am passionate about doing what I can to support this incredible institution.
  About me	I am originally from Ireland and moved to the UK when I was younger. I now live with my family in Seer Green. I love watching sports with a keen interest in rugby (Leinster/Ireland) and football (I am a Wycombe Wanderers season ticket holder). In my spare time, I love travelling and am a keen cook.

• Will Lomax, Keya Rajdev, Max Thomas
  Student Observers
  Will Lomax, Keya Rajdev, Max Thomas

• Mrs Caroline Cobb
  Clerk to the Governors
  Mrs Caroline Cobb