The Governing Body

Darren Nicholas has an impressive fifteen years of school leadership and nearly three decades of experience in global education, having worked in schools in the United Kingdom, USA, Japan and Italy. He graduated from the University of Exeter with an Honors degree in History and later gained a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Management. After working in Japan and different schools in the south of England he became Headteacher at an ethnically diverse school in the UK, where he drove strong academic achievement and gained an ‘outstanding’ rating for the school from the Office for Standards in Education. Most recently he has been Headmaster at the British International School of Boston and the International School of Milan, where he pushed academic standards and opportunities, increased the schools reputations and made links with some of the world’s best institutions and global companies, while ensuring every student loved coming to school each day. Darren has also given global presentations on twenty first century education and a TEDx talk on empowering others.

I have been a governor at Kenilworth School since 2018.  Having made Kenilworth home for me and my family since 2005, I wanted to put the skills I have acquired from a range of roles in the education sector and central government to good use in the local community.  At such a critical time for the school, I hope that the experience and expertise I have from 14 years working for the body now responsible for funding academies alongside an early career within the construction sector will complement the existing governing body.

I first became a Governor in October 2015, since then I have contributed to the decisions taken about the strategic development of the school, supported the staff and enjoyed being part of a thriving and challenging school.

I have lived in Kenilworth for more than twenty years and my three grown up children all attended Kenilworth School. Over the years, I enjoy participating in many local youth and community activities, particularly through Girl Guiding and Kenilworth Methodist Church. 

I currently run my own consultancy business making use of skills and experience gained during my career in the civil service.  Latterly, I worked for Ofqual, the qualifications regulator. 

Hello, my name is Alison Hall and I've been a governor at Kenilworth School since 2018. This is my first role as a school governor and I was really pleased to be given the opportunity last year. My daughter has recently completed her studies at the school, attending from year 7 through to sixth form and A levels. She had a fantastic education at Kenilworth, and part of the reason I applied to become a governor was as a way of giving something back to the school. I've worked in Human Resources for the last 18 years and hope to bring some of the skills I have gained in both private and public sector organisations to benefit the school.

My name is Sukie Banga and I have only recently been appointed as one of the Governors at Kenilworth School. I am delighted to be part of the local governing body and am excited to be able to provide my business expertise in ensuring the school continues to succeed at the very highest standard. I currently have two daughters who attend the school. 

My day job is running a management consultancy and training business in Coventry where I lead on various projects including organisational development, HR, corporate governance and stakeholder engagement. I have a background in clinical pharmacology starting my career in pharmaceuticals and then moving into business and HR. I have over twenty years’ experience of working in a healthcare environment mainly in the NHS supporting and developing people. I am passionate about education and aim to add value to the school using my skills and knowledge to achieve the best possible experiences for all the pupils, parents, staff and community that interact with the school.

I have worked at the school for 15 years as a Mathematics teacher and enjoyed almost every moment! I relish being part of our vibrant school community and will endeavour to use my role as a governor to protect and grow this aspect of our school. I am a strong advocate of education in creating opportunity for young people whatever their background.  I was pleased to be elected by my colleagues with a responsibility to add a staff perspective to the governing body.

My name is Kathryn Parsons and I am a co-opted Governor who also happens to work at the school.  I am a teacher of English and although I teach across all key stages I am based at the sixth form centre and am the school’s Higher Education Co-ordinator.  As well as my knowledge of the English curriculum and higher education provision I am passionate about the many benefits of comprehensive schooling and how it should enable every student to achieve as highly as they can in all aspects of school life.

I am excited that I have just been given the opportunity to work as a Green Co-ordinator with responsibility for the sixth form site.  This role will allow me to do what I like best: working with the student Eco Reps at sixth form, like minded staff throughout the rest of the school and have an impact on our sustainability both in the short and longer term.

My name is Nigel Orton and I was elected as Parent Governor in 2019. I have 2 children at Kenilworth School along with my Niece and Nephew. I also grew up in Kenilworth and attended both Kenilworth School and Sixth Form. At work I am the European Engineering Director for a multinational supply chain company. As well as being an engineer I have qualifications and extensive experience in Health and Safety and Operations Management. I have run apprenticeship schemes and have a passion for STEM, vocational training and preparing young people for the workplace.

As Parent Governor I look to represent the views of parents and seek to use my skills and experience to help play a key role in supporting the staff and pupils in building the exciting future of Kenilworth School.

I currently have a son at Kenilworth School and an older son who has just left, having attended from year 7 though to sixth form and A levels.

I have had a varied career, working within the arts, professional accounting and consultancy, and for the last seven years in higher education. I currently work at Coventry University in a quality assurance and enhancement role.

I hope to bring my skills, knowledge and experience to the role of parent governor in order to help continue creating a fantastic school and facility for the pupils, staff, parents and the local community.