Academy Council Information

I have been part of the Cypress Community for over ten years, as both my daughters have attended Cypress Primary School. I became a parent governor in May 2014, Interim Chair in April 2016 and the official Chair of Governors in September 2016. When we officially joined Pegasus Academy Trust (PAT) in September 2017, I continued in the role as Chair for the Academy Council; which continues to have a strategic role with some slight variations on terms of delegation.

As a board we continue to ensure that leadership are held to account, through support and challenge, to provide quality teaching and learning that leads to positive outcomes. Our aim is to ensure that children’s welfare and education is such, that they make positive progress, have an enjoyable school experience and a curriculum that is accessible so children have the opportunity and foundations to pursue their dreams.

I have worked in education for over fifteen years, primarily with children and young people with additional learning needs and disabilities. I get to visit a wide range of schools and this gives me insight into what effective schools can look like and I hope this experience supports the school with moving forward.

It is a privilege and a pleasure to work with Cypress Community on this journey as we persevere to be the best that we can be.

My name is Richard Steele and I have been a parent governor since 2011.  All three of my children went to Cypress and my youngest, Theo, is currently in Year 5. I work as a Finance Director in the private sector and have enjoyed being able to share my financial and leadership experience to support Cypress.  Over the years I have been Chair of the Finance & Premises sub-committee and was Chair of Governors before Marsha.  Now that Cypress is part of the Pegasus Academy Trust I look forward to working with parents and staff to improve outcomes for children whilst ensuring that all that is great about Cypress and its community is preserved.

I was elected as a parent MAC in November 2021 shortly after my son, Andre, started at Little Cypress in the Nursery class. Andre is a big brother to baby Ruben.

I work as a Subject Leader of French in a local Secondary School and have been teaching in South London for nearly 10 years, after qualifying and starting my teaching career in Leicester.

We live locally as a family and I am committed to supporting Cypress School in any way that I can so that it is able to continue to offer a quality education to its students.

I was elected Parent Governor in May 2014.  I joined the Cypress community when my son started at Cypress school in 2010.

Since joining the governing board, I have had various roles and it is very rewarding being part of a dedicated group of governors/academy council members, who work tirelessly to make sure every child and their families have the best experience this school can offer.

I have over twenty years’ experience working with a diverse range of professionals from a variety of social and cultural backgrounds both in business and commerce; the public sector and the voluntary sector.

I currently work in the public sector for the Department of Education and Social Services. I understand the importance of preparing our children to thrive in a continuously challenging and changing world. As such, I will listen and try to understand your views and perspectives. I am enthusiastically committed to supporting the staff and parents in delivering a rich education that meets the needs of the pupils and the school.

I became a co-opted school governor at Cypress in July 2015.  I have worked within the public sector for over 25 years, with the last 12 years at senior leadership level providing strategic advice, support and challenge at board level within local government and the NHS.  I have also led and worked on initiatives which have contributed towards improving outcomes for children and young people within Croydon.  As a South Norwood resident I have been a mentor for over 20 years supporting young people in visualising and reaching their full potential.  I bring to the Academy Council both my professional and local experience along with a passion and commitment towards continually improving educational outcomes for children.

‘Labor for learning before you grow old; For learning is better than silver or gold. Silver and gold will vanish away, But a good education will never decay!’

I have been a co-opted governor at Cypress since December 2016, joining soon after my eldest, Jack, started at the school.  He is now in Year 5 and my younger son, Harry, is in Year 2. My daughter, Cora, is in Rainbows at Little Cypress.

I have lived in South Norwood for 10 years and I joined the Cypress governing board/academy Council in order to contribute to my local community and ensure that my children’s education, and that of other local children, is the best it can be.​

I work as Head of Strategic Communications at Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), driving the delivery of HMRC’s communications plans and supporting senior leaders across the organisation.

Outside of work, I am a member of a local choir and I enjoy spending time with family and exploring the many parks and woodlands around South Norwood, Croydon and Crystal Palace with the children. It’s great to see the regeneration taking place in South Norwood, and I especially enjoy trying out and supporting new local cafes, restaurants, and shops.