Governor Profiles
Katie Ayres - Headteacher
I graduated from The University of Reading in 2003, with a 2:1 Honours Degree in Education (QTS) and Music. I began my teaching career at a primary school in Reading, where we gained two outstanding Ofsted inspections. During this time I became an Advanced Skills Teacher (AST) where I supported local primary schools in improving the quality of teaching and learning.
In 2008 I gained my first Deputy Headteacher post at a large multicultural school in Slough and then later on in my career joined a primary school in Tilehurst as Deputy Headteacher. I have taught in all year groups, passed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and I am a Specialist Leader of Education (SLE). I feel very privileged to be the Headteacher at Downsway Primary School.
Madeline Fyans - Chair of Governors
After studying German and Russian at St Hugh’s College, Oxford, I trained as a teacher and worked for more than thirty years in the state sector. Prior to my retirement, I was Head of Department at a girls’ comprehensive school in Maidenhead. On the governing board, I am currently responsible for Safeguarding, PPG and SEND. I have also recently been appointed Chair of Governors. This is now my fourth term of office and I remain fervently committed to the belief that every child should have access to the best possible education we can give them.
Petra Robinson - Clerk to Governors
Petra
has been working in educational sector for more than 15 years, starting as a Project Administrator and later becoming an ESOL teacher and Berkshire Programme Coordinator for the WEA. Currently she is working as a Centre Administrator & Data Analyst for Reading Community Learning Centre which offers courses to adults whose English is not their first language.
Petra completed her degree in Modern Languages in 2011 and is hoping to do her Masters in Multilingualism. She is very passionate about education and believes in the following motto:
‘Education is a continual process, it's like a bicycle... if you don't pedal you don't go forward.' by George Weah
Petra is focused, highly experienced in school administration with great attention to details who is excited to offer her skills to the Governing Board of Downsway Primary School.
Paul Dixon - Parent Governor
I was elected a Parent Governor in November 2021.
I graduated from the University of Glamorgan with an Honours degree in Electronic Engineering. I have been a Systems and Requirements Engineer for the past 20 years, working for some of the UKs largest companies. I am currently a champion for implementing new capabilities and processes within the business, alongside being one of the lead engineers on a significant UK project. I am a Chartered Engineer, and also provide mentoring and guidance to fellow engineers.
My two sons both attend Downsway so I have a very keen interest in ensuring the school continues to provide the absolute best to its pupils, such that they develop the foundations to flourish in life. I am looking forward to contributing to the success of the school.
Matthew Norris - Parent Governor
"I was elected a Parent Governor in October 2022
I graduated from Reading College with a diploma in Engineering and a BTEC Certificate in Public Services. I am a certified PRINCE2 Project Manager and have worked as a Technical Project Manager for the majority of my career. I currently work as a Product Owner, with overall responsibility for Microsoft Office at a European Bank. My duties include ensuring the availability and stability of the Office product including the governance and compliance with financial regulatory requirements.
My daughter attends Downsway and I have a strong interest in her education and contributing in any way I can to the school. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to work a Parent Governor."
Thomas Marino - Co-opted Governor
I graduated from the University of East Anglia in 2015 with a degree in French and Spanish and I have since worked in both local and national politics. I have done this as a member of our local MP, the Rt Hon Alok Sharma’s Parliamentary office, as a Tilehurst Parish Councillor since 2018 and as a West Berkshire Councillor since 2019. In May 2022, I was appointed to the Council’s Executive as its Member for Internal Governance and Strategic Partnerships.
I have lived in the area around Downsway for 25 years and I am delighted to now be a part of the Governing Board of the school, ensuring that our children have the best possible education that we can offer them.
Lesley Charlesworth - Co-opted Governor
I graduated from The University of Leeds in 1980 with a BSc in Microbiology and Pharmacology then worked briefly in medical research before moving to live in Brazil. Returning to the UK, I worked in local toddler groups and as a trampoline coach while my children attended Downsway. When they moved to secondary school I worked as a teaching assistant at Downsway. This gave me the chance to experience the challenges and rewards of working within children’s education and encouraged me to become a teacher.
After achieving my PGCE, I was delighted to be offered a teaching post back at Downsway. Since then, I have been privileged to work in several local schools finally stepping down from my post as a Head of School in December 2021 to take up semi-retirement.
I am delighted to become a co-opted governor at Downsway, it seems right after my long association with the school and my experience within education, that I have the chance to contribute to its continuing success.
Usmaan Siddique - Co-opted Governor
I was elected as a Co-opted Governor at Downsway Primary School in June 2023.
I graduated from the University of Southampton in 2022 with a degree in BSc Accounting & Finance with an Industrial Placement Year. I completed my Placement at Deloitte in Audit & Assurance before re-joining the firm on the Graduate Programme. I work with some of the world's largest businesses to ensure that their financial statements are accurate and comply with the law and regulations.
I have always been passionate about education and as such, I am excited to be a part of the Governing Body and look forward to not only enhancing my skillset but, also, gaining invaluable experience.