We have a very well established and experienced Governing Body at Walnut Tree Walk. The role of the governing body is to provide strategic management, and to act as a "critical friend", supporting the work of the headteacher, Senior Leadership Team and other staff. Our current governing body is made up of the following people:
Martin Bailey
Chair of Governors
Martin has been a co-opted governor since 2019. Martin lives in Kennington close to the school and works in local government.
Maddy Mills
Parent Governor
Maddy joined the governing body in September 2025 as one of our parent governors. Maddy runs a charity that she founded called Family Volunteering Club.
Anna Semmens
Anna has been a governor since 2017 and is our Local Authority governor. Anna was previously a governor at a Lambeth secondary school before
joining us. Anna works at the Royal College of Nursing.
Alison Powell
Vice Chair
Alison became a parent governor in 2020. Alison works in higher education at the London School of Economics.
Lilla Rebellato
Lilla is one of our parent governors. Lilla’s son, Ethan, is in Year 5. Lilla is an experienced secondary school English and Drama teacher.
Lawrence Lewis-Ackah
Lawrence joined the governing body in 2023. Lawrence works in the technology sector and also volunteers at Alford House youth club.
Catherine Thompson
Catherine is the elected staff member of the governing body. Catherine has been a governor since 2017. Catherine is the Year 4 teacher as well as the SENDCo in the school.
David Whitaker
Co-Opted Governor
David joined the governing body in 2025 as a co-opted governor. David works as an economist and is also a trustee for the local Stockwell Partnership charity.
Louise Whitley
Associate Governor
Louise was elected as a parent governor in the summer of 2021, and at the end of her term in 2025 remains as an Associate Member. Louise has two children who attend the school (Juno in Year 1 and Zara in Y5). Louise works at the House of Commons and is also a trustee at the Lollard Street Adventure Playground
As the headteacher, Andrew Chaplin forms part of the governing body too. Sue and Connor, as Senior Leaders, can also attend meetings.
The Governing Body meets at least once every term for a full meeting. There are also sub-committees which look at particular issues such as curriculum, finance, and performance management and they meet more regularly.
All governors are informed about what happens at sub committee meetings. There are several categories of governor, appointed by different groups that have an interest in the school.
These are Community governors, the Local Authority, Parents, and Staff. All governors have equal status, however they are appointed. If you are interested in becoming a Governor of the school please speak to an existing Governor or to the Headteacher.
Click to view Instrument of Government
Click to view School Governor Declaration of Interest
Click to view Governor Meeting Attendance
Name | Position |
|---|---|
Andrew Chaplin | Head Teacher |
Anna Semmens | Local Authority Governor |
Martin Bailey | Chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor |
Alison Powell | Vice Chair |
Lawrence Lewis-Ackah | Co-opted Governor |
Maddy Mills | Parent Governor |
Lilla Rebellato | Parent Governor |
Louise Whitley | Associate Governor |
Catherine Thompson | Staff Governor |
Committee | Governor |
|---|---|
Curriculum, Standards and Inclusion | Catherine Thompson Alison Powell Anna Semmens Lawrence Lewis-Ackah |
Finance, Resources and Pay | Martin Bailey Louise Whitley |
