Phil Knox-Roberts - Co-opted Governor 

My name is Phil Knox-Roberts, the Chair of Governors.

I joined the board in late 2019 as a parent governor before being co-opted a year later.

My background is in the music industry; formerly General Manager and marketing director at Warner Bros before setting up a number of my own businesses. I am somewhat of an all-rounder but my main experience is in marketing, planning and management. I have sat on boards of businesses and trade bodies and chaired various committees across the business and I am keen to bring some of that experience to the school.

Jennifer Woodham - Co-opted Governor 

My name is Jennifer Woodham and I am the vice-chair of the Governors. I joined as a co-opted governor in 2022. I have one child at the school currently, with a second hoping to start in September. I'm really keen to contribute to the continuing success of the school. In my professional life, I work for a healthcare regulator. I manage a team of investigators looking into fitness to practise matters. In my free time, I like to run.

Katherine Green - Co-opted Governor

I joined the governing board at St. Michael’s as a Co-opted governor in June 2023 and I now chair the Curriculum and Learning committee. Before joining St. Michaels, I spent 7 years as a governor at my own children’s primary school in West Berkshire and over the years have been involved in various aspects of governance. I think the governance role is an important one and find it a really rewarding experience that involves learning new skills and giving something back to the community at the same time.

I work for a local not-for-profit organisation that specialises in connecting people with the nature on their doorstep. I am a big advocate for outdoor learning and love to see how this is done in school.

In my spare time I like to go for walks, runs and anything else that involves spending time outdoors.

Thomas Soothill - Co-opted Governor

Hi, My name is Thomas Soothill, I became a Governor during 2025, I have taken on the responsibility of Vice Chair of the finance committee, part of the Full Governors Board. My son has been at St Michaels since 2023 and has flourished under the nurture and guidance given at the school. Currently I am serving in the RAF as Aircrew has equipped me with a broad range of skills that I will bring in to my role as a Governor at St Michaels.

Ranjan Kumar - Co-opted Governor

I am a seasoned technocrat who assumed the role of co-opt Governor after joining the Local Governing Body in July 2025.I hold an MBA from Liverpool John Moores University (LMU) and currently in the final year of my Global Doctorate in Business Administration at the Swiss School of Business and Management (SSBM Geneva).My career began in 2004 as a Research Trainee at the C-DOT New Delhi and later led mission-critical eGovernance projects for the Indian Navy until April 2011. I am currently based in Reading and served around 14 years across multiple geography for international assignment (USA, UK, Germany, Belgium). Actively contribute to the STEM Ambassador, my passion for community development led me to become a Governor at primary and secondary school at Reading, where I am dedicated to fostering collaboration between businesses and local schools to help them to achieve their goals.

Daniel Smith - Parent Governor

I have been a Parent Governor since June 2024. I am also the Vice Chair for the Finance and Premises committee, part of the full Governing Board. My son goes to St Michaels and is thriving under the guidance of the teaching faculty and the facilities we are currently able to provide. I am a member of the Royal Air Force  with over 25 years served, this has given me opportunities and experiences that I can bring to this role to enhance and further the great work being done to ensure the future of the School.

Gemma Stagg - Parent Governor

I have been a parent governor since 2021, I decided to become a governor as I have two children currently at  St Michael’s and I’m passionate about the schools progress and the children’s education during their time  here . I am also the health and safety governor. In my personal life I am a hairdresser with over 25 years experience.

Simon Leary - Parent Governor

I joined as a parent governor in July 2025. I have one child at the school and another joining in September 2025. My son has had a very positive experience since joining St Michael's in 2019 and I've been very impressed with the standard of the school and its staff. I would like to help the school to continue to thrive and grow. In my professional life I work as a Reliability Engineering Manager for a large Media and Entertainment company.

Tanya Houghton - Staff Governor

My name is Tanya Houghton and I became a staff Governor 2 years ago. I have been teaching since 2002 and have a real passion for school development and the wellbeing of all in Education. I have two children at St Michael's and in my spare time I enjoy singing with a local Choir and help to run a children's youth club within my community.