Governor Profiles

Alison Bernard

Originally from Malta, I relocated to the UK in 2023 with my husband and two children, now residing in Tunbridge Wells. I hold a law degree, having specialized in financial services, and bring over 15 years of experience in corporate governance, compliance, and international taxation. My career began with one of the Big Four firms in Malta, where I worked extensively in corporate and international tax law. I have also held key roles as a company secretary, compliance officer, and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) for several insurance companies. 

Currently, I continue to oversee corporate governance for a Maltese company on a remote basis, a role I’ve successfully performed for over a decade. My deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and governance is complemented by a strong commitment to fostering organizational excellence. 

Inspired by my mother’s lifelong dedication to education, I have recently embraced teaching assistant roles, which I find immensely rewarding. I am eager to contribute my professional expertise, particularly in corporate governance and compliance, to the education sector, merging my legal background with my passion for supporting schools and advancing educational standards. 

Abigail Connop

I’m Abbey and my child has recently joined Pembury school. I’ve been very impressed by the care, consideration and learning received to date. I feel extremely passionate about the success of children’s education, which is why I applied to be a parent governor. I want the school to continue to be the success that it is and make significant progress in areas where it needs improving. I want to be the ‘friend’ for the school which connects the parents and school together, raising key points that are important to those who are attending daily. I have experience working with financial reports, budgets and data analysis, being a Senior Business Analyst. I engage with many people in my job, so I am used to speaking with a variety of people and love working in a team. I am very keen to support the school and retain its excellent reputation for academic success and happy, friendly children. I really enjoy giving back to the places I care about deeply bringing passion, care, and financial knowledge with me.

Chrissie Conway

I have considerable experience of running organisations and managing the impact of change and communication. I am an experienced teacher and senior leader. I am also at the stage of my life where meaning and satisfaction comes from helping others rather than focusing solely on my own career or life progress. In my current role as Assistant Head of Walthamstow Hall, I work closely with the Governors of my own school, sitting on several committees including Curriculum and Staffing, Health and Safety and Staff Welfare, so I have a clear understanding of what is required of a governor. I value the opportunity to work in a local school to contribute to the growth and development of the place where I live.

Dr Philip Drew – Chair

My wife and I have lived in Tunbridge Wells for over 20 years. We have three adult sons. Before I retired, I had a long career working in a Big 4 professional services firm in financial audit and international business development. I am a life member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and completed my doctorate  at  Cranfield University in 2015. In addition to my responsibilities at Pembury Primary School, I have for many years been Chair of Governors at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys. and been closely involved in that school’s improvement programme and expansion. I believe passionately that education is our best chance for a better future and am proud to be promoting constructive relationships with School Leaders and positive challenge to their thinking. I am committed to sharing my professional and governance experience for the benefit of everyone at Pembury Primary School and the wider community.

Amy Harley

I moved to Pembury from Tunbridge Wells with my young family, and having grown up visiting the village where my dad was raised, it quickly felt like home. Now with one of my daughters happily attending the school, I am keen to give back to a community that means a great deal to us. With over 20 years’ experience in marketing and business development within professional services, I bring strong communication skills, thoughtful decision‑making, and a collaborative approach, which I hope to use to support the school’s leadership, contribute to future planning, and help ensure all children continue to receive an excellent education. 

Abigail Harvey- Vice Chair

Having worked in education for 17 years I have a genuine drive and passion to help improve the life chances of all children through access to high quality education.  Being a parent governor for the local village primary allows me to give something back to the Pembury community in which we live with our two children.  My current job requires me to be aware of up to date evidence and research within the field of education, invaluable knowledge for this role, along with key leadership experience I have gained through my career thus far. I am fully committed to supporting the school’s continuous improvement and being part of the journey to providing first class teaching, facilities and opportunities to all the children that attend the school now and in the future. The role of parent governor provides an essential platform for parents’ perspectives to be heard and valued.

Mike Harvey- Vice Chair

I moved to Hadlow, where my wife was the local Anglican Curate, in September 2017. I have six grown up children, one of whom is in her last year at university. Before retiring a few years ago, I was a Chartered Surveyor specialising originally in property investment and finance and, latterly, advising companies on maximising their property assets and reducing their operational costs. I became a co-opted Governor in March 2018 and bring my knowledge and experience to bear on the school’s finances and associated matters.  I hope to be able to use my knowledge and experience as one half of the finances and resources monitoring pair.

Richard Housley

I am a solicitor and partner in the Property Dispute Resolution team at Cripps law firm in Tunbridge Wells, and currently manage a team of 15.  I advise on a wide range of property disputes, assisting clients including private individuals, charities, local government bodies, developers and private investment funds.  My responsibilities include dealing with the day to day management of the team, including people issues, recruitment, financial management including monitoring new business and compliance with internal targets, feeding in to settling team budgets and developing the growth strategy for the team and developing new business.  I am keen to use  the skills I have developed in the legal sector to contribute to the running and direction of the school. I have two children at Pembury School, and my wife and I have lived in Pembury for nearly a decade after moving from Tunbridge Wells where we had lived for a further 10 years. My wife, father and mother in law are / have been teachers at both primary and secondary schools and this has prompted a very long standing interest in education on my part.  

Gill Palmer

Gill has experience of working in schools and is particularly interested in Early Years.

Miles Muttitt

I am currently Head of Business and Economics and EPQ Coordinator at Kent College, Pembury. Education has always been a passion of mine, having worked in education in different capacities for the last 15 years. I firmly believe that quality education is the cornerstone of a thriving community. I am eager to contribute my skills and expertise to support the growth and success of students in my community. Having witnessed first-hand the transformative power of education, I am motivated to ensure that every student has access to an excellent learning environment. By serving in a governance role, I aim to make a positive impact by helping shape the strategic direction of the school, promoting inclusive practices, and fostering a supportive and enriching educational experience for all students. I believe in the importance of collaborative decision-making, and I am confident in my ability to work effectively with other stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

Alex St Clair

I joined Pembury School in 2019 and now teach year 5. I have a particular interest in the development of educational policy, how this relates to theory and research, and the impact it has on classroom practice. I completed my teacher training in Scotland and this has allowed me the opportunity to be reflective of curriculum approaches and meeting the needs of pupils in different ways. I am keen to develop my understanding the governance of Pembury School and use my experience of different school contexts to support the strategic development of the school.

Hannah Walters – Headteacher

I joined Pembury in September 2019 and as Headteacher I am part of the governing body. I work with the governors to consider the strategic aspects of school life.