Meet The Governors (ID 1395)

• Zain Bilgrami
  Chair of Governors
  Zain Bilgrami

  I was born in London and moved to various locations since birth, first to Bushey, then Aylesbury, Luton and Wixams. I live happily with my wife and 2 kids (both of whom attend Lakeview) in Pavenham.

  I graduated in 2017 with a BA in History and Politics, initially intending to become a teacher. I ended up following a career in Aviation for 4 years, but was made redundant during Covid. I has worked since 2021 in the Civil Service in Whitehall.

  I am also director of an automotive business in my spare time.

  I joined as a Governor in 2023.

  I have an interest in IT, Gaming, Cars, Reading and Politics. I am an avid TV and movie geek, with an unofficial religion being Star Wars.

• Caron Brown
  Safeguarding Governor
  Caron Brown

  I am a co-opted governor. I live in Biggleswade with my partner Les and our black labrador, Nelson. I have two adult children and two wonderful grandchildren, Rupert and Riley.

  I have worked in education for over twenty years and I am Headteacher at another local Bedford Borough Primary School. I am passionate about challenging disadvantage and ensuring that every child has the opportunities to grow, learn and thrive, whichever school they attend!

  In my (admittedly limited) spare time, I read prolifically, take Nelson on long walks and like to be in my garden.

• Shali White
  Co-opted Governor
  Shali White

  Living with my family in Wixams for ten years and having worked in education and as an Assistant Headteacher in Luton for over 18 years, I am committedto improving the outcomes and opportunities of the young people at Lakeview School. My passion for education lies within curriculum development, and the teaching and learning embedded by all staff. My aim is to provide the school with any support needed in order to reach their objectives and goals, focusing on the school's visions and values.

• Margo Butler
  Co-opted Governor
  Margo Butler

  I grew up by the sea on the idyllic west coast of Ireland, one of four girls. I qualified as a barrister in Ireland and practised in Dublin for 4 years before moving to the UK where I began to practise as a barrister in Nottingham. I enjoyed travelling for work to outlying courts on the Midland circuit which stretches from Derby in the west to Leicester in the south, Lincoln in the east and Grimsby in the north. I met my husband in 1992. We were married in 1996 and our daughter was born the following year.

  While on maternity leave, I studied for a Diploma in Environmental science at the University of Nottingham from 1998 to 2000. In 2001 I was appointed as a Deputy District Judge and continued in that post until 2005 when I was appointed as a part time Tribunal Judge. In 2010 I was appointed as a full time Tribunal Judge. I heard appeals in the First Tier Tribunal in a variety of chambers including the Special educational needs Tribunal and Environment appeals, but mostly Asylum and Immigration appeals. The work was always interesting and challenging. I learned a lot about the diversity of cultures, religions, languages and ways of life in the UK.

  I was based in Birmingham for most of my career but was based in London after 2022 after moving to Bedford. Following my retirement I wanted to " give something back" and began volunteering as a School reader before becoming a Governor at Lakeview School. My interests include reading, walking in the countryside and by the sea, gardening and Art

• Jessica Elbourn - Holmes
  Staff Governor
  Jessica Elbourn - Holmes

  ,

  As a dedicated member of the school community, I am proud to be a Staff Governor, representing the interests of both students and colleagues. With my experience in education and passion for creating a positive learning environment, I aim to support the school's continuous development and ensure that the voices of staff members are heard in decision-making processes.

  My role involves working with the governing body to help shape policies, uphold our school's values, and contribute to strategic planning. I am committed to promoting a high standard of education and well-being for all students while supporting fellow staff members in their professional growth.

  If you have any questions or ideas, I am always happy to listen and collaborate to make our school the best it can be.

• Hannah Francis
  Staff Governor
  Hannah Francis

  I joined the Lakeview team in January 2024 and was appointed as Deputy Headteacher in April 2025, bringing with me over 17 years of experience in the primary education sector. My journey has been defined by a commitment to excellence, having worked not only in primary education but also in initial teacher training, providing me with a broad perspective on how high-quality pedagogy translates into pupil success.

  At Lakeview, I hold strategic responsibility for the Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, Assessment, and Professional Development. I also lead the EYFS team, ensuring our youngest learners have the strongest possible start to their school journey.

  I am incredibly passionate about driving standards and improving outcomes for our children - not just academically, but holistically. Beyond my professional role, I am a proud parent to two primary-aged children. This personal connection to primary education fuels my passion for nurturing the whole child. I believe that while academic standards are vital, they must go hand-in-hand with emotional and social wellbeing. My goal is to ensure that our school environment supports every child's growth both educationally and holistically.

  I am dedicated to driving standards and improving outcomes for all our pupils. I want Lakeview to be more than just a place of learning; I want it to be the school of choice for the Wixams community. By working closely with the Governing Board, I am committed to making Lakeview a school where every child thrives and every family feels a deep sense of pride.

• Joshua Daniel
  Parent Governor
  Joshua Daniel

  As a proud parent of Marlie and Mayah Daniel in Year 1 at Lakeview School and a resident of the Wixams Community, I am seeking election as a parent governor to champion empathy, inclusion, and excellence here as part of the Governors Board. My professional experience as a Regional Water Production Manager has equipped me with valuable skills in people development, change management, community engagement, communications in a challenging utilities sector. Which I believe will bring fresh a perspective to the governing board. Both of my daughters are neurodivergent and have additional needs, and I myself having late diagnosed ADHD gives me a personal responsibility in fostering an inclusive environment where every child feels safe, included, heard, and valued, and that the environment is shaped for them to thrive not for the enviroment to set them up to fail. I want the next generation of children to remain authentic to who they are. I am enthusiastic about ensuring that all voices are represented, and that empathy, respect, trust, and compassion remain at the heart of our school community.

  My vision is to help Lakeview School lead with empathy, transparency, and excellence as it transitions within the Pioneer Trust. I am committed to supporting positive change to help the school embed the right change and that it is communicated effectively with our families and inspiring every child to reach their full potential here at Lakeview School. Together, we can build a community where every family feels truly represented and every child thrives. Let us work together to shape a brighter future for our children and our community of Wixams.

• Zoe Gammie
  Parent Governor
  Zoe Gammie

  Hello, I'm Zoe, mum to three boys – two of whom are currently in Reception and Year 2 at Lakeview.

  Lakeview's ethos is that “Children and adults are at the heart of our school; our school is at the heart of our community.” I'm passionate about helping ensure these words truly reflect the experience of every child and family within the school. By joining the governing body as a parent representative, I am keen to strengthen the connection between the school's leadership, staff, parents, and our wider community.

  If elected, I'll be an active, approachable voice for all parents, listening to your concerns, sharing your ideas, and working collaboratively with the school to foster a safe, inclusive, and ambitious environment where every child can thrive. I'm committed to supporting high educational standards, promoting wellbeing for pupils and staff, and ensuring that every decision reflects what's best for our children's learning and happiness.

  I believe I would bring a useful blend of community involvement and practical governance experience to the role. As a Squirrel Scout Leader, I've learned how to nurture children's individual strengths and meet their specific needs while keeping them engaged as a group. My time on Wixams Town Council has given me valuable insight into local governance, accountability, and effective decision-making. And as an active member of the Friends of Lakeview (which I now chair), I've seen first-hand the power of parental engagement and teamwork in enriching our school life.

  I would be honoured to represent you and to help Lakeview continue to grow as a place where every child - and every family - truly feels at home. I am confident that together, we can help our wonderful school go from strength to strength.

• Matt Garrett
  Co-opted Governor
  Matt Garrett

  I am a long-standing Wixams resident, parent of two, and husband to Jody. I work as an Operations Director for a leading telecommunications engineering company.

  I am motivated to serve as a Lakeview Governor to contribute meaningfully to our community. I am committed to creating opportunities for young people—challenging stereotypes, broadening horizons, and encouraging interest in STEM. Inspiring even one child to consider a path they may never have imagined would be a privilege.

  With extensive experience in leadership, accountability, and financial governance, I bring a calm, strategic, and constructive approach. I am committed to helping Lakeview thrive and strengthen its position at the heart of our community.