Our Governors
Meet our Governors
Brid Cronin - Co-Chair
I became a governor in 2022 as my two sons are pupils at Windmill and I wanted to support the school. I am a scientist by background and work for the University of Oxford in a role that focusses on strategy and planning for Medical Sciences. I aim to apply my skills to participate in the School's governance and ensure an excellent education and supportive environment for all our children.
Anne Cowan - Co-Chair
I recently moved back to Oxford after many years in Cambridgeshire. Having been a student here, a very long time ago, it has felt like coming home.
I have a large family and worked part time as a psychotherapist and as a carer. I have also done a lot of volunteering, initially for Save the Children and more recently as a school governor. I have been Chair of Governors at a small village school and am delighted to be part of the Board of Governors at Windmill.
Didem Akinduro
Hello, my name is Nsuhodidem Akinduro; I prefer to be called Didem. I had known Windmill Primary School since 2015 when my eldest child, now in Oxford High school GDST, joined the school.
I have a professional background in performance management, Health, Safety and well-being within the public sector.
The excellent community at the school, the teacher’s commitment to the pupils and other areas are some of the essential aspects that attracted me to becoming a governor. As a governor, I hope to help build on the school’s strengths and support the school in providing possible suggestions for the pupil’s education.
Rebecca Howard Burrell
I'm Becca Howard Burrell and have been a governor at Windmill school since 2017. I am the Deputy Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing support at Oxford Brookes University and prior to training to be a therapist, I taught English, Drama and Media Studies at secondary level in North London. My two youngest children are currently completing undergraduate studies and I have two step grandchildren in years 2 and 4 in primary school in Bristol. I come from a family of teachers and have always hugely valued the importance of primary education. I have particular areas of interest around mental health, SEND and growth mindset and really enjoy being part of such a vibrant, creative and supportive community at Windmill School
Nick Hunter
I have been involved with Windmill since 2011 when my eldest son joined the school. I've enjoyed getting involved in the life of the school wherever possible, producing the termly newsletter and chairing the WSA in the past.
My professional background is in educational publishing so I spend a lot of time working with schools and teachers and have a good background knowledge of curriculum needs and other pressures facing schools.
I think Windmill’s strengths lie in the vibrant school community and the many opportunities that children have in sport, music and other areas, as well as excellent teaching and learning. I hope that as a governor I can help to build on these strengths and support the school's staff in providing the best possible education for all pupils.
Roz Smith
I have been a Local Authority (LA) appointed governor for Windmill Primary School since 2009 after being approached by some parents who knew I was interested in education and the links with the local community. I am also a governor at Headington Quarry Nursery and at St Andrew’s Primary School and immensely proud that all have received Outstanding and Good reports from Ofsted inspections.
I enjoy helping at the school and taking an active part in the fund-raising events. Previously I have served on the Premises, Health, Safety, & Environment committee and have recently joined the Curriculum Committee. I am committed to making sure our school is fit for purpose for our pupils and staff and that staff are supported to ensure our pupils receive an outstanding learning environment.
In the past I have served as a parent governor at primary and secondary schools. I have two grown up sons, a step daughter, and twelve grandchildren. I am actively involved with many local community groups and serve as a Trustee for Headington Quarry Village Hall, Risinghurst Community and Headington Community Associations.
I live locally, with my husband Paul, just around the corner from the school so understand local parent’s concerns about safe home to school travel.
Charles Vincent
I am currently a researcher in fusion energy, trying to use the processes of the Sun to produce carbon free energy. In my spare time I am part of the “A Glass of Seawater” podcast team that produces a Fusion Energy outreach podcast. As part of my university I also visit schools to deliver talks on climate and energy.
Wanting to get involved in my local community I joined the Windmill Primary governing body in 2019. I am passionate about STEM education and the environment and I am looking forward to contributing to Windmills de-carbonisation and climate strategy.
Louise Marshall
Kai Zolleis
Beth Parrott
Lynn Knapp - Headteacher
Jackie Aspden - Staff Governor
Associate Governors
Caroline Shannon (School Business Manager)
Andy Howe (Deputy Headteacher)