Meet our Governors

Brid Cronin - Co-Chair

Anne Cowan - Co-Chair

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.

Kai Zolleis 

My name is Kai Zolleis, and I am pleased to introduce myself as a school governor at Windmill Primary School, a member of the Resources Committee, and Chair of the Windmill PTA.  

Windmill is a fantastic community, blessed with an exceptional headteacher, dedicated teachers, supportive staff, engaged parents and carers, wonderful neighbours, and most importantly, incredible pupils.  The pupils always impress with their creativity—whether in music, art & craft, sports, or their eagerness to take on new challenges.  

My professional background includes leadership positions in high technology, IT, environmental industries, manufacturing, and more, spanning Europe and the globe. I became a governor because I want to help ensure that all 631 children can one day look back fondly on their time at Windmill Primary as some of the most wonderful years of their lives.  

Louise Marshall

I have been a governor at Windmill since 2022, when my daughter was in year 2. I had loved becoming a part of the wonderful, supportive school community as a parent, and wanted to do more to support the school. I am a consultant in public health, currently working in local government, where my work focusses on reducing the unfair and avoidable differences that exist in people's health and opportunities. I am passionate about the role of primary education in helping ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive, and as a governor I have particular interests in equality, diversity and inclusion, and in the health and wellbeing of the pupils and staff. I am a member of the curriculum committee.

Beth Parrott

Lynn Knapp - Headteacher

Jackie Aspden - Staff Governor

Associate Governors

Caroline Shannon (School Business Manager)

Andy Howe (Deputy Headteacher)