Governor Profiles
This page focuses on providing a little introduction to the people that form the school's governing body.
Twin Oaks Primary School is proud to have the governors that we do making decisions and overseeing the running of the school.
Samantha Hoyer
Profession:
I have worked in education for the last 24 years starting as a Learning Support Assistant for a child with SEND, qualifying as a Teacher in 2001 and am currently working as a Headteacher at a multi-site SEND School in Croydon for a Trust.
Background:
I have always been in education and thoroughly enjoy teaching and making a difference in the lives of the children and young people I work with. Initially working in primary schools as a teacher and in senior leadership positions as Headteacher, my interest in SEND blossomed from seeing an increase in special needs of the children in the schools I led and managed. This ignited my interest in SEND and having qualified as a SENCO, I transitioned to the SEND sector to take on SEND Headships and have not looked back. I enjoy the different dynamics that this sector brings, as it is so complex and varied, but highly rewarding as there are so many external partners that I work with on a regular basis to meet the special needs of the children and young people through the academic and therapeutic curricula.
About:
My interest in being a Governor has originated from my desire to give back and make a difference in society. I have had the pleasure of working with some highly skilled governors and trustees as Headteacher and continue to. I feel that I can provide this level of support and challenge as the Chair of Governors at Twin Oaks from a Headteacher’s perspective but also add value to the Governing Body by utilising my skills and experiences as the SEND Link Governor. It brings back positive memories every time I attend a meeting or a visit at Twin Oaks Primary School and am proud to serve on the Governing Body to support the school leadership team in making a positive and notable difference in the lives of the children and families in the school community.
Claire Holdcroft
Profession: Teacher - with lead responsibility for Art, Music & DT at Twin Oaks
Background: A teacher with over 30 years' experience working in Primary, FE, HE and Secondary education as a client centred counsellor offering careers guidance in London and subsequently, I have spent the past 14 years working as a primary school teacher in London (10 at Twin Oaks Primary School)
About: I am dedicated to ensuring that all children make good progress regardless of their social background or special educational needs. In my governing role I intend to act as a supportive, critical friend to the school in order that we produce the best outcomes for our children.
Aisie Dumbuya
Profession
Senior Sister/Charge Nurse, Angiography/Cardiac Catheter Laboratories.
Background
I have been an Angiography nurse for 20+ years.
I believe my experience in my career as a nurse lead also comes with valuable skills that will be useful in my role as a parent governor.
About
My son has attended this school for the past 5 years. During this time, I have nothing but praise for the school. The Ofsted report of “Good” in 2022 is a reflection of the fantastic work that is done!
I want to contribute and give something of value back to the school as I consider Twin Oaks Primary School an integral part of our community.
I bring a strong skill set of event planning and can help with fund raising ideas.
I absolutely love the fact that the Teachers bring out the best in the children and I want to be a part of raising the Ofsted standards to an “Excellent”!
Chris Tuffey
Banker
London born, state educated, then moved into financial services spending many years overseas. I have a keen interest in sports, health and wellness, being a qualified rugby coach and recognise the positive impact that physical activity has on the mind.
About:
I have been a governor of Twin Oaks Primary School, and its predecessor school Sir Francis Drake on the same site, since 2008. I am a Lewisham resident and believe that education is one of the most important services that a community can provide for its children to ensure a safe, happy and successful future. I am strong advocate of the importance of numeracy and confidence with numbers to enable social and economic mobility. Acting as the Maths Link Governor, allows me to support and ensure that the school is doing everything it can to enable our pupils to achieve these goals. Additionally, given a near 40-year career in finance, being on the Resource Committee enables me to help ensure that our financial and teaching resources are allocated to areas that ensure strong outcomes for all of our pupils.
Gavin Kennedy
Interim Executive Director for People and Organisational Effectiveness at the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
In this role I am responsible for ensuring the NMC runs well, with quality people and processes focused on continuous improvement. Prior to joining the NMC, I have worked for several other regulators and the Civil Service across a range of corporate roles.
I have been a governor at the school for about five years and am currently the Chair of the Resources Committee. This committee is responsible for overseeing the school's finances, people, and premises and ensure that the school's policies, etc support good outcomes for pupils and staff. I enjoy working with other members of the governing body to support the headteacher and her team do the best job for the amazing pupils at Twin Oaks.
Katherine Willerton
Profession:
Lawyer and Senior Civil Servant in the Government Legal Department
Background:
I grew up in the North, loved school and reading and was the first in my family to go to university. I moved down to London 20 years ago to train as barrister and have lived in Deptford for the last 9 years.
About:
My eldest son started in Reception in September 2025 and I applied to become a governor the same month, as soon as the vacancy was advertised! I am really excited to have the opportunity to join the Governing Body and to bring my fresh perspective as the parent of a new student of the school.
I am passionate about the value of education, social mobility and the role schools have in helping to shape young lives. I aim to help Twin Oaks go from strength to strength and want to do my bit to help make Twin Oaks a brilliant place to learn and work, where everyone is valued and all succeed.
Gareth Price
Profession:
I am a Chartered Surveyor and Real Estate leader working in a large energy company.
Background:
My career has progressed from construction through facilities operational roles into strategy and leadership, giving me a broad perspective on how to manage complex organisations and environments. I bring significant experience in finance, resources, strategic planning, and health and safety — all of which I hope will support the school in maintaining a safe, effective and inspiring learning environment.
About:
I previously served as a governor for six years at another Lewisham primary school and am delighted to continue contributing to education in the borough. I live locally and greatly enjoy being part of what makes Lewisham a fantastic place to raise families.
Russell Benjamin
I am a Deputy Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead of a 2-form entry primary school in the borough of Greenwich.
I have worked in teaching since 2007 and am passionate about giving every child the best possible start to their education. With teaching experience across both KS1 and KS2, I currently lead on whole school assessment, curriculum development, and is the Key Stage 2 phase leader. I am also the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Over the years, I have led a range of subjects and shared best practice in maths mastery across 25 schools. I have also delivered training and workshops to multiple schools across several boroughs, supporting improvements in writing through the Bob Cox Opening Doors strategy. I hold a degree in Psychology and French, which continues to inform my inclusive and reflective approach to teaching and leadership.
I previously served as a governor for eight years at my current school.
Morgan Bradshaw
Profession:
Safeguarding Education Officer for the Local authority.
Background:
Over the past decade, I have worked in safeguarding roles across Early years, Primary , Secondary and post 16 education. Through this, I have developed a strong understanding of child protection , early intervention and how important it is for all children and their families to receive the right support at the right time.
About:
Lewisham has always been home to me - I grew up here, was educated here and now my own child attends this school. I feel personally invested in the success of our school community and the well-being of our families.
I am a strong advocate for safeguarding being at the heart of the school - not just a policy but as part of the everyday culture that everyone contributes to.
As the Safeguarding and Attendance Governor, I am committed to working closely with our school leaders to keep safeguarding a priority and contribute to an environment where every child feels safe, supported and given the best opportunities to thrive.