Governor Profiles

Gareth Bates – Chair of Governors

Co-opted governor

I joined the Governing Body in 2018 as a co-opted governor in order to
share my expertise in education and to support the hardworking and
committed people who work at Purwell School.

I gained my PhD in Chemistry in 2008 and trained to be a secondary Science teacher soon after. I have over 10 years’ experience in the classroom as a teacher and 3 years’ experience as a Head of Department.
In 2017 I joined the University of Bedfordshire and am currently a
Senior Lecturer in Teacher Education.

I am a member of the School Improvement Committee and I am the link governor for English and assessment.

Gavin Bonthron

I have been a governor at Purwell School since March 2023, driven by a strong desire to actively contribute to the school community. My aim is to support Mr Cano and the staff in creating the best possible educational environment for the children.

As the link governor for Music, Science, Spanish and PE, I am closely involved in these key areas of the schools curriculum.

In addition to my role as a governor, I am also a parent with two children attending Purwell School, giving me a personal stake in its success.

Professionally, I bring over 20 years managerial experience in digital product development, analytics and experimentation, offering a different perspective that complements my role as governor”.

Melda Squires

My name is Melda. I’m a mum of two and I work as a legal advisor for the College of Policing. I’m one of the parent governors at Purwell and I’m really passionate about playing my part to help make Purwell the great school I’ve seen it to be. I’m able to bring my work specialisms and experience in regulatory compliance and Equality law to the governing body by supporting legal compliance across a number of areas.

Dorta Hoxha

Truc Doan

Richard Cano

Headteacher

I joined Purwell School in 2000 as the Deputy Head and taught year 6 for six years. In 2006, I became the Headteacher and have enjoyed the continuous challenge that the role brings.

Purwell is a wonderful school to work in and I feel very fortunate to be a part of the journey of progress that the team is all working hard to continue.

Agnieszka Abbott

Co-opted Governor

I joined the Purwell Governing Body in early 2022. I wanted to support the school with its development and help school staff to achieve best outcomes for children.

Having now, two children at the school, becoming a governor is a fantastic opportunity to understand the educational environment and the challenges it presents.

I am a qualified procurement professional, with over 15 years of experience working in management consulting. I am hoping to use my expertise and insight to the benefit of the school & Governing Body team. I am part of the Resources Committee and the link governor for PE, Maths and Science.