Our Governance
As a school which is committed to delivering the very best outcomes for students, having expert and robust governance structures in place which provide appropriate challenge and accountability is essential. It is important to us that we have a Governing Body and Trustees which comprise of people from all walks of life, each with their own valuable experiences and personal insights which can be shared to help shape our school into the high-achieving place that it is today.
Our Governing Body is currently made up of the following:
Two Parent Trustees
(Elected by parents)
Seven Appointed
Trustees
Three Co-opted
Trustees
One
Headteacher
Details about our trust can be found at: BETHS GRAMMAR SCHOOL overview – Find and update company information – GOV.UK
Our Board of Trustees
Mr Brock, Chair of Trustees, can be contacted at cog@beths.bexley.sch.uk
Clerk to the Trustees clerktotrustees@beths.bexley.sch.uk
Our Trustee Board Members:
Jonathan Brock
Term of Office from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2026
About Me
I am a senior leader in the UK water industry, based in Hertfordshire, with responsibility for large operational teams delivering critical water production and distribution services. Experienced in leading complex operations, ensuring high standards of performance, safety, and regulatory compliance.
I recently graduated with a Master of Business Administration (MBA), providing a strong foundation in strategic leadership and organisational governance. Alongside my professional role, I am an active swimming coach, demonstrating a commitment to developing young people, fostering discipline, and supporting achievement outside the classroom and am also progressing through a private pilot license course (PPL).
As Chair of Trustees, I combine professional leadership expertise with a clear focus on accountability, continuous improvement, and the long-term success and wellbeing of all pupils.
Why did I choose to become a trustee at Beths?
As a former student at Beths, I wanted to return and give back to the community which helped me develop and achieve the success that I enjoy today. I have also valued the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the education sector and to contribute to the strategic direction of the school.
I am passionate about ensuring every pupil is given the same opportunities to succeed, supported by strong leadership, high standards, and a culture of continuous improvement. As a trustee, I am committed to both supporting and constructively challenging the school to deliver the best possible outcomes for all students, while ensuring robust governance, effective use of resources, and a clear long-term vision.
Justin Zarb
Term of Office from 13th February 2023 to 12th February 2027
About Me
I am a Parent Trustee at Beths Grammar School. He works professionally as a Principal Program Manager at Microsoft, where I lead large‑scale, cross‑functional programmes focused on clarity, execution, and long‑term impact.
I bring experience in governance, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, and is particularly interested in supporting the school’s long‑term vision, community collaboration, and continuous improvement. As both a governor and a parent, I am committed to ensuring that pupils are supported in an environment that values high standards, inclusion, and personal development.
Outside of school governance, I am actively involved in youth sport and community leadership, including long‑standing roles in rugby coaching and volunteering, which strongly shapes my approach to teamwork, development, and accountability.
Why did I choose to become a trustee at Beths?
I chose to become a governor at Beths Grammar School because I believe strongly in supporting the school community and helping ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and personally. As a parent and someone with experience in technology, leadership, and organisational governance, I wanted to contribute my skills to support the school’s strategic direction, challenge constructively where needed, and help maintain the high standards Beths is known for.
Being a governor allows me to give back to the school community while working alongside staff, students, and fellow governors to support the continued success and development of the school.
Lorraine Halford
Term of Office 21st July 2025 to 20th July 2029
About Me
Originally from Dublin, Ireland, I’ve lived in London since 2003. I have two boys, the eldest of whom joined Beths Grammar School in 2024. My interest in music and current affairs initially led to a career in publishing at Irish music magazine Hot Press and The Guardian and Observer newspapers before switching careers into the charity sector primarily focused on education and youth work and now to LSE.
Why did I choose to become a trustee at Beths?
A vacancy arose for a parent trustee as my son ended his first year in the school. With many years ahead of him I obviously have a vested interest in ensuring the school is thriving. My background at Teach First in delivering initial teacher training and working closely with head teachers as well as my experience in process, governance and operations meant I felt I had plenty to offer the Trustee team. My husband had been a governor at my children’s first primary school, so it was now my turn.
Asra Khalid
Term of Office from 1st January 2026 to 31st December 2029
About Me
I live in Greenwich with my husband and two sons, one of whom attends Beths. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and taking long walks around Charlton and Blackheath. Professionally, I am an AI Lead at Lloyds Banking Group with a background in data science and machine learning. In my role, I advocate for diversity and inclusion, recognising and valuing the different strengths individuals bring to a team. I bring the same perspective to education, supporting an environment where all students are encouraged and given the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Why did I choose to become a trustee at Beths?
To support diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, helping ensure every student feels valued and able to reach their potential. Beths students come from diverse backgrounds, and I believe this should be reflected in the governing body and trustee board.
To offer a balanced perspective on AI, raising awareness of both its opportunities and risks, and encouraging its responsible, thoughtful use for the young minds at Beths.
Chris Brauer
Term of Office from 8th June 2023 to 7th June 2027
About Me
I am a leading expert in artificial intelligence, innovation, and organisational transformation. I serve as Chief AI Officer at FSP and as Director of Innovation at Goldsmiths, University of London, where I work at the intersection of academia, industry, and emerging technology.
I advise senior leaders across the public and private sectors on the responsible deployment of AI and the challenges of large-scale organisational change. I bring a strong commitment to education, combining academic insight with real-world experience to support the school’s strategic development.
As a trustee, I am particularly interested in how schools can equip students with the skills, judgement, and adaptability needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and AI-enabled world.
Why did I choose to become a trustee at Beths?
I chose to become a trustee because I believe schools play a critical role in preparing young people for a world that is changing faster than our institutions. I was particularly drawn to Beth’s commitment to academic excellence alongside personal development.
This role allows me to give something back, while helping ensure the school continues to evolve in thoughtful and responsible ways.
Dinesh Gautam
Term of Office from 1st January 2026 to 31st December 2029
About Me
I am a former student of Beth’s Grammar School and am proud to support the school as a trustee. I am a real estate finance professional currently working in the Real Estate Debt team at Federated Hermes, where I focus on the origination, structuring, and execution of real estate loans.
Prior to this, I worked at Bank J. Safra Sarasin, specialising in underwriting and executing senior debt transactions secured against commercial real estate for high-net-worth clients and UK corporates. Then, I began my career at BNP Paribas.
I graduated with an MSc in Real Estate Economics from the London School of Economics and a degree in Mathematics from the University of Greenwich. I am passionate about giving back to the school community and supporting students to achieve their full potential.
Why did I choose to become a trustee at Beths?
As a former student of Beth’s Grammar School, I have a strong personal connection to the school and the values it instilled in me. My time here played a key role in shaping both my academic and professional journey, and becoming a trustee is a meaningful way for me to give back.
I am keen to support the school in maintaining its high standards of education while also helping to ensure students are well prepared for opportunities beyond the classroom. I hope to contribute my professional experience where relevant, while working collaboratively with fellow trustees and staff to support the school’s continued success and development.
Adam Robins
Term of Office from 1st September 2022 to 31st August 2026
About Me
I grew up in Sidcup and attended Beths from 2003-2009. I currently live in Bromley and have recently become a parent myself, and have an active interest in education and the local community.
Why did I choose to become a trustee at Beths?
My time at Beths gave me the foundation to go on to achieve success at university and then in my career, and acting as a trustee allows me to give something back to an institution that played a major part in my life.
Ben Hamilton
Term of Office from 8th June 2023 to 7th June 2027
About Me
I am a retired Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of experience in investment banking. I began my career auditing a wide range of businesses and charities before moving to a Swiss investment bank, where I led global Risk & Control teams and managed relations with the UK regulator.
Since retiring, I have focused on giving back to the community. I volunteer at a local animal shelter, maintain an active lifestyle, and recently completed a full-distance Ironman. I also enjoy travelling and have visited over 80 countries.
Why did I choose to become a trustee at Beths?
Having watched my son grow and develop at Beths, I became a trustee to help ensure that current and future pupils continue to receive the best possible education.
Catherine Guest
Term of Office from 27th February 2017 to 31st December 2028
About Me
My early career was in educational publishing – creating and marketing resources for schools. I then gained a PGCE in primary education before working for a number of charities active in education. For several years I led teacher development at the National Literacy Trust, devising and delivering professional development for teachers to improve their students’ literacy across a range of curriculum areas.
Why did I choose to become a trustee at Beths?
When I first became a trustee it was as a parent governor keen to support the school’s work – my son was then in year 8. After he left Beths, I continued as an appointed trustee and vice chair as my experience in education added value to the board.
Maria Pack
Term of Office from 25th September 2014 to 24th September 2026
About Me
Following a PhD in chemistry, I began my career teaching chemistry at Beths Grammar School, where I developed a strong foundation in classroom practice and a passion for engaging students in science. I then joined the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Education team, working at the heart of school chemical education to provide training and support for teachers. This role deepened my commitment to improving the quality of science teaching and learning. After starting a family, I transitioned into working as an independent education consultant, collaborating with a range of professional bodies including the Association for Science Education and CLEAPSS. Throughout my career, I have been driven by a belief in meaningful and effective science education for all learners. I am currently involved in a research programme with King’s College London, delivering professional learning to support impactful science teaching in primary schools.
Why did I choose to become a trustee at Beths?
I have served as a trustee for over 20 years, having first been invited to join by the then headteacher; governance is such a vital part of education, and supporting Beths in this way is a privilege.
Mike Pack
Term of Office from 10th March 2014 to 10th March 2030
About Me
I grew up and was educated in Suffolk before beginning my lifelong career in education. I joined Beths on 1st September 1968 as a newly qualified teacher of Physics and Chemistry and devoted my entire professional life to the school until I retired in 2007.
Alongside my classroom teaching, I nurtured a strong passion for music and played a central role in the school’s extracurricular music life, inspiring countless students through performances and ensembles.
In the early years of my career, I developed a keen interest in electronics, joining the Engineering Department and teaching the subject up to A level. Over the decades, I also took on a wide range of responsibilities, including careers and higher education guidance, UCAS applications, and timetabling.
In the 90s, I joined the leadership team and subsequently became a Deputy Head in 1999. In this role, I made a lasting mark on the school’s growth, taking a lead in several major expansion programmes such as the Millennium Building, the Computer Science Suite, and the new Science Faculty building.
After my retirement, I joined the Board of Trustees and I remain active in this role today. For many years I could also be found driving the school coach, taking students on trips and supporting music enrichment in school.
- Richard Blyghton (Ex Officio) – Term of Office 1 May 2017 – Present
- Emma Cale – (Co-opted Trustee) 5 December 2024 to 4 December 2026
- Clerk to the Trustees – Louise Donovan
Trust Members
Our Trust Members ensure the Trust meets charitable objectives, appoints Trustees, agrees on Articles of Association and appoints Auditors.
- Jonathan Brock – Term of Office since 21 September 2022
- Chris Hares – Term of Office since 1 January 2018
- Julie Bowen – In office since 1 January 2018
- Raymond Ramsay – ceased to be a Trustee Board member on the 1st January 2026, became a Trust Member on the 1st January 2026
- Andrew Love – In office since 5 September 2022
Historic Members
- Bamidele Ojomo – Stepped Down May 2025
- Stephen Mulvaney – Retired 1st January 2026
Register of Business Interests
Attendance 2025-26
Trustee Board
Chair is in bold italics.
Trustee 23/09/25 | Trustee 04/12/25 | Trustee 03/03/26 | Trustee 07/07/26 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mr R.J.Blyghton | Present | Present | Present | ||
Mr C Brauer | Absent | Present | Absent | ||
Mr J Brock | Present | Present | Absent | ||
Ms E Cale | Present | Present | Present | ||
Mrs C. Guest | Present | Present | Present | ||
Ms L Halford | Present | Present | Present | ||
Mr B Hamilton | Present | Present | Present | ||
Dr M Pack | Present | Present | Present | ||
Ms M Pack | Absent | Present | Present | ||
Mr R Ramsay | Present | Absent | Resigned Jan 26 | Resigned Jan 26 | |
Mr A Robins | Absent | Present | Present | ||
Mr J Zarb | Present | Present | Present |
Student Meetings
Chair is in bold italics.
Students 06/11/25 | Students 22/01/26 | Students 12/05/26 | |
|---|---|---|---|
Mr R.J.Blyghton | Absent | Absent | |
Mr C Brauer | Present | Present | |
Mr J Brock | Present | Absent | |
Ms E Cale | Present | Absent | |
Mrs C. Guest | Present | Present | |
Ms L Halford | Present | Present | |
Dr M. Pack | Present | Present | |
Finance Meetings
Chair is in bold italics.
Finance 07/11/25 | Finance 21/04/26 | Finance 1/06/26 | |
|---|---|---|---|
Mr R.J.Blyghton | Present | ||
Mr J Brock | Absent | ||
Ms C Guest | Absent | ||
Mr B Hamilton | Present | ||
Mr M. Pack | Present | ||
Mr R. Ramsay | Absent | Resigned Jan 26 | Resigned Jan 26 |
Mr A Robins | Absent |
HR Meetings
Chair is in bold italics.
HR 18/11/25 | HR 05/02/26 | HR 04/06/26 | |
|---|---|---|---|
Mr R.J.Blyghton | Present | Absent | |
Mr J Brock | Present | Present | |
Ms C Guest | Present | Present | |
Mr M. Pack | Absent | Absent | |
Mr R. Ramsay | Present | Absent | |
Mr J Zarb | Present | Absent |
