Cllr Dr Dave Toulson

Chair of Governors

Co-opted Governor

The first time I came to Gosford Park was as a pupil in the Nursery. Gosford Park was where I first found my passion for learning and exploring the world. It is a great honour to be back here as a governor. I want to play my part to make sure that the school continues to inspire pupils to reach their potential. I am inspired by the school’s vision of ‘One community, many cultures: growing and learning together’. This reflects my background and values, shaped in large part by having been a pupil at the school.

Due in large part to the solid foundation I received at Gosford Park, I was able to go on to be the first person in my family to go to University, where I studied History and Sociology. Later I completed a PhD at Warwick University, where I also taught History for seven years.  

I currently work as a Researcher for a Member of Parliament and am interested in public policy and social mobility. I know that education and the knowledge it brings can transform lives for the better. I am looking forward to supporting the schools dedicated staff to help inspire a new generation.

• Inclusion

• Pupil Premium

• SEN/EAL & Vulnerable Pupils

• Performance & Standards Committee

Appointed by: Governing Board

Term of office: from 7 Dec 2022 to 6 Dec 2026
First appointed on: 7 Dec 2022

Declaration of interests: (none)

Richard Smalley

Vice Chair Governor

Local Authority Governor

David Brewis

Co-opted Governor

I joined the governing board at Gosford Park in October 2021 and I love spending as much time in school as possible. I have 3 children in the school which has given me the opportunity to meet lots of other children and parents too. Knowing how important these years are both in the life of our children and for the life of families as well, I am very motivated to make school life a positive experience for everyone.

I love our vision of being ‘One community, many cultures; growing and learning together’. As we continue to grow into that vision, I believe it will give our children the freedom to develop to their fullest potential here at Gosford Park.

As for myself, I have lived here in Coventry since 2009, now with my wife and kids. I work in the Automotive Technology industry. I tend to bring a curious nature to most conversations. If you see me on the playground, please come and say hello! It’ll be great to meet you.

Neil Rider

Co-opted Governor

I have lived in Coventry all my life and returned to the Governing Board in 2021 after a 20 year gap. My working life began at Alfred Herberts before a 37 year career as a Civil Servant. I was also briefly (and many years ago) a City Councillor. I am delighted to be part of this exciting and developing Governor team and I expect to learn a lot in helping to deliver the vision of ‘One community, many cultures: growing and learning together’. We have great children and a wonderful staff and I want to make my contribution to support their excellent work. I step down from my current employment as the Head of Learning at the FDA Trade Union in April 2023 and I am looking forward to being able to extend my contribution.

Appointed by: Governing Board

Term of office from: 26 Jan 2022 to 25 Jan 2026
First appointed on: 26 Jan 2022

Declaration of interests: (none)

Jon Gardner

Co-opted Governor

I am excited to be part of the team at Gosford Park, helping the children to have the best possible experience as they grow and learn together. I hear so many positive things about our students, and it’s encouraging to know that so much potential is being unlocked every day. I strongly believe that an effective team of governors makes a positive contribution by supporting and enabling the school’s staff, so that the learning environment, and the teaching and support, are the best they can be.

I have worked nearby for Coventry University since 2012, and I’m thrilled to be able to bring my professional knowledge and understanding in contributing to the local community in this way. The school’s vision of being ‘One community, many cultures; growing and learning together’ resonates with my experience, my values and my work-life. I will do all I can to help make Gosford Park somewhere the whole school community is proud of, with the children’s learning and wellbeing first and foremost.

Appointed by: Governing Board

Term of office from: 17 May 2023 to 16 May 2027
First appointed on: 17 May 2023

Declaration of interests: (none)

Alison Neale

Co-opted Governor

Headteacher – Tiverton Primary School 

Hi I am delighted to be part of the  Gosford Park governing body. I have experience of being a headteacher in Coventry and Warwickshire , working in and leading SEND schools and previous to that I was a happy primary mainstream teacher in an inner city Birmingham primary school.

I have visited Gosford Park school and was impressed by the ethos and pupil centred approach to the care and education of their pupils. I know how important governance is and aim to support the school community and her team in any way I can. I think I am hard working and loyal to my commitments.

When I am not working, I enjoy regular visits to the countryside and seaside in Kent. I am passionate about live music, I admire creativity in others and I am a very light touch, fair weather gardener!

Appointed by: Governing Board

Term of office from: 17 Jul 2024 to 16 Jul 2028
First appointed on: 17 Jul 2024

Declaration of interests: (none)

Philip Aston

Parent Governor

Appointed by: Governing Board

Term of office from: 14 Jun 2023 to 13 Jun 2027
First appointed on: 14 Jun 2023

Declaration of interests: Confirmed on 12th September 2023 by Philip Aston