TGA Governors

Rodney Smith, Vice Chair of Governors

Rodney has been in teaching for 26 years, teaching from Year 2 to Year 13 with time off for a one year MA in Education Management and Administration. He has served for 13 years as a deputy head and for 10 years as a schools’ inspector. Rodney is particularly interested in how pupils learn. Rodney has lived and worked in the Tunbridge Wells area for 15 years and has worked alongside an academy in Ashford where he helped Year 11 pupils to prepare personal statements. He looks forward to supporting good teaching and the enrichment of the pupils’ learning experiences at Temple Grove Academy. He was appointed Vice-Chair of Governors in December 2016.

Caroline Preston Bell

Caroline is Assistant Director of Studies and Foundation Stage Coordinator at a large preparatory school in Tunbridge Wells and was appointed Chair of Governors in December 2016. Teaching full-time in a reception class Caroline works closely with the Head to monitor and develop the curriculum from 3-13yrs including arranging termly INSET programmes. As a parent governor at St James Junior School in Tunbridge Wells (2002-2005), Caroline chaired the Curriculum sub-committee and was instrumental in the restructuring of the governing body. Her teaching experience includes Primary, Prep and Infant schools in Kent and East Sussex teaching from Foundation to Year 6. She previously worked as an Assessment Advisory Teacher for East Sussex (‘93-‘96) and Project Officer for Assessment in Kent (‘92-‘93).

The Chair of Governors can be contacted at cog@templegroveacademy.com.

Fiona Hayes

Fiona works as internal communications manager for the consultancy arm of a large City based accountancy firm.  She has a degree in Chemistry and a Masters in Corporate Communication.   She has over 10 years’ experience working in this field, both in the private and public sectors.   Fiona lives in Tunbridge Wells.

Helen Byard, Staff Governor

Jamie is a Fund Manager and has worked in finance for 11 years. He graduated from Durham University with a degree in Economics and is a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Charterholder. He has lived in Tunbridge Wells for 4 years with his young family.

Sara is a qualified Food and Nutrition Manager . She has lived in Tunbridge Wells for 6 years and she has been associated with the school for 4 years as a parent. She finds the school’s approach to learning and the desire to improve very refreshing and wants to be a part of this journey.