Meet the Governors

   Dr Seb Falk - Chair of Governors and Chair of Teaching & Learning Committee

I was born on Mill Road and have lived in the area for the last decade.  I worked in the Civil Service before becoming a secondary school teacher, working in schools in Warwickshire and Canada. Now I’m a historian and teach students at Cambridge University.  I am a Local Authority governor. As well as being Chair of Governors, I chair the Teaching & Learning Committee, and am the link governor for History, Geography and PSHE.  In my spare time I am a keen runner, singer and sailor. I have two children in the school, but even before having kids I was inspired by the strong role that St Philip’s plays in the local community. I want to do whatever I can to help the staff and pupils maintain and build on its success.

Andrew Maclellan - Vice Chair of Governors & Chair of Finance and Resources Committee

 I recently retired after over 40 years working in engineering business, starting in the motor industry but the last 25 years in renewable energy.  In that time I have gained a great deal of experience in management, finance and contracts – plus dealing with government.  I am married with 3 adult daughters, and 3 grandchildren.  I have had long links with St Philip’s Church and St Philip’s School, having been a trustee of the church schools since soon after moving to Cambridge in 1979 and, many years ago, previously served as a governor here.  The challenges and demands faced by schools have never been greater, but it is a privilege to be able to work with the other governors and the school staff and to serve the school community again.

Nicola Wickett  - Staff Governor

I bring an honest and hard-working approach to my work and this is the same attitude I would bring to this important role. I would look to work with parents, teachers, the Head and other Governors to help drive the continued improvement needed to provide our children with the best chance of success.  I would hope to make a difference in the school life by offering my experience as a parent as well as a staff member. I have had a number of varied roles in education and believe that I have learnt from all of them and am able to bring a balanced and carefully thought approach to a staff governor role.

I would listen impartially to concerns/feelings on all matters raised and present a balanced view of issues, therefore maintaining an approachable and reliable stance. I am an enthusiastic, well-motivated individual and would relish the opportunity to making a difference to the education of the children at St Philip’s.

Ruth Barry - Foundation Governor

I have lived in Romsey Town for the past 20 years, with only a short time away in Cherry Hinton for my Ministerial Training.  I have three children, all of whom have been at St Philip’s from Pre-school; my youngest is now in year 5.  Before becoming Vicar of St Philip’s Church on Mill Road I was Children & Youth Coordinator there, and as such worked very closely with the school helping support children’s spiritual explorations.  Both these perspectives have enabled me to see the care, compassion and deep desire for flourishing which the school has for all pupils.  I want to do all I can to support this desire and ensure pupils, staff and parents continue to thrive at St Philip’s. 

Alan Syrop - Foundation Governor

 I have retired from a 40 year career, fulfilling a wide variety of engineering roles, both technical and managerial, which spanned the design of food processing machinery to surgical devices and the development of manufacturing systems.

Now, I can be involved in the community as well as St Philip's Church, where I am also a Warden – it's good to be a School governor and support the long-term links between the two, using practical skills where I can and helping nurture the next generation of Romsey people.

Will Harriss - Parent Governor 

I’ve lived in Cambridge since 2010, and know this corner of the city well. I’ve got two children at the school. By day I’m a fundraiser, currently leading the fundraising for a music education charity, that seeks to make sure every child has access to an outstanding music and creative education, for all the benefits that it brings. That’s really why I stood to be a parent governor – I hope my experience of music and creative education, coupled with a real passion to ensure every child can unlock their own potential, can add something positive to the school as we all emerge out of the pandemic. St Philip’s Primary is a key part of our community, and I’m looking forward to playing a part in helping it to thrive into the future.

 Caroline Hunt - Foundation Governor

I have lived in Cambridge for over 25 years and currently have 3 children at the school. Before starting our family I taught for 13 years as a primary teacher, including 8 years at St Philip’s. I am now back as a part time member of staff. I am part of St Barnabas Church on Mill Road and have been appointed as a Foundation Governor. I have a heart for the school community and want to see it continue to thrive, enabling the children of Romsey to have the best all-round education possible.

 Felicity Higginson - Foundation Governor

I have lived in Cambridge for 33 years, and in St Philip’s catchment area for four. I have been an Early Years Teacher for over 20 years in the state-maintained Nursery Schools in Cambridge. I have links with the three local Anglican churches as a member of congregation, and with the other Church Schools of Cambridge as a Governor, Parent and Trustee over the years. 

 Mari Saarelainen - Parent Governor

Biography coming soon!