Perseid School

Meet the Governors

Tom Alexander, Chair of Governors 

Tom Alexander has been a governor at Perseid since 2007 and Chair of Governors since 2015. With a background in local government, focusing on Adult Social Care and Corporate Services, Tom chose to become a governor to give back to his local community and challenge himself by working in the education sector.

 With a vision of providing every child and family at Perseid School with a great and unique learning experience, Tom prides himself on the teamwork and effectiveness of the governors and senior leadership.

 “It is inspiring to see the pupils develop their sense of character and skills whilst they are with us at Perseid School”.

David Erridge, Vice Chair

David joined the Governing Board in May 2013 after retiring from his position as Head of Human Resources for the London Borough of Wandsworth and the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for Wandsworth, a statutory position responsible for the management of allegations concerning safeguarding made against staff or volunteers.

David is currently Vice Chair of Governors, Chair of the Resources Committee and the Designated Governor for Safeguarding. His role includes to regularly attend meetings to discuss safeguarding issues and the Special Schools’ representative on the Merton Schools Forum. 

 “I chose to be a Governor because I want to contribute my knowledge and skills to help the young learners at Perseid succeed in a safe environment”.

Zafar Hasnain

Zafar has worked with the governing board since 1997, serving on the Resources and Pay Committee, and Full Governing Board. With a background in finance and risk management, Zafar chose to become a governor after expressing an interest when his daughter joined the school – and never left!

Believing that his length of service working as a governor for Perseid School provides a unique insight; his vision for the future of Perseid lies with continuing to place the pupils at the centre of all that the school does, and expanding the current healthcare provision for all.

I look forward to continuing my role as a governor to Perseid School and contributing to the governing body; as we contribute to making a difference to the well-being and direction of the school.

Caroline Smith

Caroline has worked with the Perseid Governing Board as a parent, governor, alongside the Resources and Pay Committee and currently chairs the Outcomes Committee.

She was motivated to join the governing board as her daughter attends Perseid School, and has a background in education, works as a Senior Lecture at University of Westminster and is a Senior Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology and the Higher Education Academy.

Her favourite aspect of the role as a governor links to her relationship with Perseid as a parent. Caroline loves to hear about the individual achievements of pupils and staff, and on the other side - of the different communication and behavioural management strategies that are incorporated into the classroom to support pupil learning and breathe the school vision of Blazing a Trail in learning.

The work that Perseid School does for its pupils is truly inspiring, and I joined the committee to contribute and support its vision. I look forward to working alongside the network of dedicated staff and amazing pupils to continue helping pupils meet and exceed targets, and ensure it continues to be a happy school, where staff, parents and pupils are made to feel welcome.

Paul Cutter

Paul Cutter has worked with Perseid as a governor and a member of the Resources Committee since 2013.

As a parent and a governor, Paul gets to see the workings of school from two different perspectives.

His vision is to ensure Perseid School continues to offer an outstanding education to pupils, whilst sharing best practise with schools locally and internationally. For Paul, the most interest aspect of his role at Perseid is the opportunity to see the impact the school has on the development of pupils, in particular how children with very different needs can be helped to reach their full potential by employing different educational techniques.

As a parent of a Perseid School alumni pupil, I have benefitted from their hard work and commitment to the pupils. I want to give back to the Perseid community and help them to achieve their goals.

Samira Gani

Samira has worked at Perseid School as a class teacher at the Lower School campus since 2018, and recently joined the Governors committee in November 2022 as part of the Outcomes Committee.

Passionate about working within the education sector and teaching, Samira qualified as an NQT at Perseid School, with areas of responsibility including Lower Drama and as a Lower School MOVE Senior Practitioner. Samira chose to become a Governor as she is committed to driving learning forward, and wanted to be able to voice opinions, suggestions and share the successes of the school, with the ultimate goal of positively impacting Perseid’s future development. By joining the Governing Board, Samira will be able to listen and support colleagues, whilst enhancing the pupil experience for those that the school serves.

Whilst in my role as Governor, I hope to learn more about the school as a whole, developing her knowledge of Lower and Upper School to benefit my practice. I also believe that I will be able to make valuable contributions to discussions regarding the strategic direction of the school, offering a perspective based on a first-hand experience.

Sharon Peters

Sharon has worked at Perseid School in a variety of roles for 17 years and now serves on the Governor’s Resources Committee.

Having worked in all key stages and as a TA3, Sharon believes she can contribute greatly to her role as a Support Staff Governor.

Her vision that all pupils reach their utmost potential is supported by Sharon’s commitment to the school and her desire to help the school continue its outstanding provision to pupils.

The knowledge that I gain through my work with the Governors will enable me to support the students and colleagues at Perseid, ensuring that we become the best school we can, by working as a whole team.

Committed to
inspiring their
potential