Charlotte joined the SAB in early 2025 becoming Chair later that year. 

She currently manages Widening Participation and Social Value at the University of the Built Environment (an online university with the head office based in central Reading). She got involved with the SAB when the University collaborated with the Governors for the Schools charity as part of their volunteering opportunities. She has loved being a part of our community and is very proud to be a member of the SAB team!

Since leaving University Charlotte has worked in politics and the University sector, primarily delivering outreach in schools. 

Claire began her teaching career in Surrey and worked across the Trust in a variety of roles and a variety of settings, as well as leading their Alternative Provision strategy before moving to Cranbury College and Maiden Erlegh Trust in 2023. Claire says it is a privilege to be the Executive Headteacher of Horizons Alternative Provision Academy, an establishment which gives students a second chance to achieve success.  She lives in Bracknell with her husband and she has four children, two who are grown-ups and two who are still small and keep her very busy!  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, enjoying the theatre and reading.  

Laura is Headteacher at Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre in Reading. She has worked in mainstream secondary schools across the country, from Burnley to London to the Isle of Sheppey. After working as Safeguarding Lead at the West London Free School, Laura took a break from education to work for the charity Jamie's Farm: an amazing organisation who work with students at risk of social, emotional or educational exclusion. It was this that sparked the interest in supporting vulnerable students in our community and led her to become a governor at Horizons Alternative Provision Academy. Laura is the SEND Link SAB Member at Horizons.

Julie enjoys working at Horizons Alternative Provision Academy because every day offers the chance to make a meaningful difference in young people’s lives. The supportive community, dedicated staff, and commitment to helping students thrive make it a genuinely rewarding place to be. 

Being a staff member on the SAB adds an extra layer of purpose for her - she finds it fascinating to help shape the strategic direction of the academy, support its long-term vision, and work collaboratively to ensure every student has the opportunities they deserve. Contributing to both the everyday experience and the bigger picture is what she says makes her role both interesting and fulfilling.

Si is an enterprise architect, specialising in helping organisations transform themselves and their way of working using technology alongside effective processes. A father of two, he is passionate about ensuring every child has the opportunity to have an education that sets them up for future success.

Jonathon joined the School Advisory Board to contribute to the local community, where he lives and works. He moved to Reading five years ago, to join the soon to be established Trade Remedies Authority (TRA). He currently works as a lead investigator, where he leads complex international trade investigations, analyses evidence and makes transparent, evidence-based recommendations to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. In his role, he has significant exposure to compliance, governance, performance and risk management.

Jonathon has a Bachelors degree in Politics, a Masters in International Relations and a Diploma in Accounting and Business. He is passionate about education, and keen to apply his professional skills and enthusiasm on the School Advisory Board, to support and enable quality education outcomes.

Helen is the Safeguarding Link Governor at Horizons Alternative Provision Academy and has held this role for over three years. With more than 13 years’ experience in children’s safeguarding, Helen is passionate about ensuring that every pupil feels safe, supported, and able to thrive. In her role, she works closely with the school’s leadership to monitor and strengthen safeguarding practices, helping to ensure that robust systems are in place to protect all pupils.

Helen regularly visits Horizons and has been pleased to see how its welcoming atmosphere has developed over the years, supporting pupils to feel safe, respected, and valued. She is committed to maintaining a culture where children feel heard, understood, and empowered to engage with their learning in a safe environment. As a parent of two children, Helen also brings a personal perspective to her role and an understanding of the importance of pupil wellbeing.

Outside of her work as a governor, Helen enjoys walking in the countryside, photography, and exploring new places.