To provide a strong local sense of management and strategy, Rowan Preparatory School has a Local Governing Body (LGB) with its own Chair and Governors drawn from across the local community. Active governors are listed below. For details of governors currently on sabbatical please refer to LGB chair.
Jo joined the LGB in 2012 after nine years as a parent of two Rowan girls. She became Chair in 2017. Jo was educated at Trinity Hall, Cambridge University where she studied History, and went on to become a partner at PwC in London, specialising in corporation tax advisory services.
Having experienced her daughters’ very happy journey through Rowan she is delighted to have the excuse to spend lots of time in school. Jo particularly enjoys attending Open Days where she can watch the girls acting as proud ambassadors for the school.
David is a former Rowan parent and joined the LGB in 2019. He grew up in Claygate and attended Milbourne Lodge Senior School, and progressed to study Classics at Trinity College, Cambridge. David trained as a chartered accountant with Arthur Andersen and enjoyed 20+ years in a range of CFO & COO roles including Teach First. David started his own recruitment business in 2015, advising a range of commercial clients and schools.
David particularly enjoys attending concerts and theatrical performances at Rowan which never fail to charm and delight.
Nesta became a member of the LGB in early 2025.
She qualified in Medicine from Liverpool University and worked in General Practice in Edinburgh for nearly 30 years. She has lived in Cobham since 2015 and worked as a GP in both London and Cobham.
Nesta has 3 adult children and is enjoying a busy retirement, taking an active interest in her granddaughters’ education.
Isobel become a member of the LGB in 2013. She is an ex-Rowan pupil who lives locally and is an active member of the community. She works as a teacher and has a love of drama and the arts.
Robin became a Governor in early 2023, four years after his daughter left Rowan to go to St John's in Leatherhead. Robin is Chief Information Officer of the European platform of a global Asset Management business. Robin lives in Thames Ditton with his wife, and their two children, a son and a daughter, both of whom are now at St John's. Robin is involved in the local community in particular at Thames Ditton Cricket Club, having played for them and now as Head of the Women & Girls Academy, where many a Rowan girl also plays. Robin is the eSafety Governor.
Lucy joined the LGB in November 2023. Lucy brings with her experience as Head of English at RGS Prep and a teacher at Guildford High School. She is an ex-Rowan girl with fond memories of netball matches, school plays and break in The Spinney. Now, Lucy lives in Claygate with her husband and children.
Sejal joined the LGB in the Autumn of 2025, as her youngest daughter took a place at Surbiton High School. Her career of over 20 years has been spent in the City of London, primarily in sales and account management roles within financial services data and technology. For the past 10 years, she has been working for a not-for-profit industry body, and in her current role as Head of Events Content & Communications, is responsible for the Association’s brand, marketing efforts, as well as it’s event’s franchise. With her eldest daughter also a Rowan alumni, Sej is a strong supporter of the school, and is passionate about ensuring it continued success.
Rachel joined the LGB in 2025 as her daughter left Rowan to move to Tormead School. Rachel has a BSc in Psychology and Sociology and an MA in Child Law and Policy. Having spent a number of years working in HR and Recruitment at The Shooting Star Children’s Hospice, The Children’s Trust and more latterly at Dairy Crest and Kerry Foods, she has spent more recent years immersed in school life on the PTA at Rowan and Milbourne Lodge School. Rachel can otherwise be found running the trails near her home in Claygate, walking her labradoodle and supporting her two children on the sidelines at Old Cranleighans Hockey Club and Esher Rugby Club.
Rowan Preparatory School is part of United Church Schools Trust (UCST) (a United Learning charity). UCST is the proprietor of Rowan Preparatory School and its Trustees hold the ultimate legal responsibility for the governance of its schools. The Chair of UCST is Dr Rosalind Given-Wilson. Further information about the governance of United Learning’s schools, including its Trustees and the scheme of delegation, can be found on the United Learning website:
www.unitedlearning.org.uk/about-us/governance
All United Learning schools have a local governing body (LGB); the Chair is appointed by the United Learning Group Board. Details of the Chair and members of Rowan Preparatory School local governing body can be found above, together with any financial or business interests.
Click here to view the Scheme of Delegation, which details which responsibilities are delegated by the Board to the Executive, Head Teachers and the LGB.
To contact the local governing body, please contact the Clerk, Vicky Langham.