School Governors
Explore
To contact any of our Governors, please direct your email to [email protected]
Mr. Charles Soden-Bird (Chair of Governors)
Charles Soden-Bird is a solicitor in private practice specialising in property related disputes. He has been a governor since 2017 and became Chair of the Board in August 2022. He comments: ‘It has at times been hard work, but I have been glad to contribute in whatever way I can to support such a wonderful school. Playing some part in the education of the Canbury children is a privilege.” He is a keen tennis player and horse rider.
Mr. Will Keat (Curriculum, Education and Standard)
Will Keat has been a governor at Canbury since 2022. With 20 years experience in education, specifically in the secondary independent sector, Will has held a variety of roles, both academic and pastoral, and has experience of both the day and boarding sectors. A senior leader in his current school, he has a particular focus on staff development and examinations.
Dr Elyse Waites (Safeguarding and Pastoral)
Elyse Waites has more than 15 years experience of working in the pastoral side of education. She has a particular interest in building resilience and supporting the emotional development of young people alongside their academic studies. A current Deputy Head at a South East London independent school, she joined the governing body in 2022 and says she particularly enjoys meeting the Canbury students.
Mr. Rupert Marks (Finance & General Purposes)
Rupert Marks began his career trading in the global energy and commodity markets. In the past decade, he has focused on working in the non-for-proft sector and is now Chief Operating Officer for a medical charity, as well as being a trustee for other charitable organisations, including Blind in Business who help people who are blind or have partial sight, into work. He has been a governor at Canbury since September 2021 and also sits on the finance committee. His son Luca was a student at Canbury and enjoyed many happy years there. Rupert lives locally and says he feels a very special bond to the school and is delighted to support it in any way he can.
Mrs. Celia Patterson (Health and Safety & SEND)
Celia Patterson has been a governor since May 2022. Her career path started in television production and she currently runs her own holiday letting business in the South West. She was a joint founder of the charity Skybadger, supporting children with disabilities. Both Celia’s sons, Oscar and Felix, were students at Canbury. Her focus is Special Educational Needs.