Meet our Governors (ID 1200)

• Ben Pheloung
  Chair of Governors (Parent Governor)
  Ben Pheloung

  I'm Ben Pheloung, and I have the honor of serving as the Chair of Governors. My commitment to the school is personal as well as professional, with both of my children attending—currently in Year 4 and Year 6. In addition to my role as Chair, I also act as the Link Governor for Special Educational Needs (SEN), ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. Outside of the school, I work in the digital advertising industry, and I bring that expertise and perspective to my role on the governing body. As Governor, I work to support the team at South Grove in their continuing mission to provide an environment of supportive and excellent learning.

• Poppy Flint
  Local Authority Governor
  Poppy Flint

  Local Authority Governor since September 2022

  Link Governor for Sustainability and Climate Change

  I am the Climate Action Outreach Coordinator for The Hive which Waltham Forest council's environmental and climate education centre in the heart of Epping Forest. I am fortunate to be able to divide my work time between there and visiting schools across the borough.

  Prior to this role I was a freelance environmental educator with a number of charities including the Country Trust which is how I first came to know South Grove Primary School. I ran two years of the ‘Food Discovery Project', teaching year 5's food growing, cooking skills and about food and farming.

  Living around the corner was very handy for carrying precious seedlings too and fro during holidays, and for getting to know the South Grove community. I was delighted to be invited to be a Governor for South Grove; I'm committed to working with the school on how to make the operations as climate friendly as possible as well as nurturing a care for the planet and aspirations for a sustainable, healthy future through the school's curriculum and culture. Climate and sustainability are emerging issues in education so it is a learning journey for everyone, especially me.

  I hold a BA in Theatre: Design for Performance and an MSc in Education for Sustainability. Alongside my work for the council I have a freelance arts practice.

• Georgia Winter
  Staff governor
  Georgia Winter

  Co- Opted Staff Governor

  Class Teacher and Lead in Science and Sustainability at South Grove School

  I am Class Teacher in Year 1 at South Grove Primary School, where I have taught for the last 5 Years in Early Years and now KS1. Prior to this, I worked in other locally maintained schools in and out of the borough for 12 years, across all Key Stages. In one of my previous schools, I volunteered for 5 years as Co-Opted Staff Governor and I was happy to continue in this role when the opportunity arose here at South Grove. I was recently re-elected for a second term. I am proud to be part of a close and supportive Teaching Staff who are resolute in their commitment to the children and families we support through the education we provide.

  As we experience challenging times through Government funding cuts and legislation, it is important that the high standards we strive for at South Grove are protected. I feel that my role as a Governor contributes to that challenge.

  I hold a BA in Social Psychology, an MSc in Health Psychology and a PGCE in Primary Education.

• Mohammed Baporia
  Parent Governor
  Mohammed Baporia

  I have three daughters who attend South Grove in years 1, 4 and 5.

  I was elected as a Parent Governor at South Grove in November 2023, and I am proud to have been given this opportunity.

  I am excited to play a role in ensuring that each child's needs are met so that they can succeed.

  I hope to use my life experiences, including growing up in Walthamstow, attending local schools and my background as an accountant, to assist me in my role on the governing body.

  As a governor, I strive to create a supportive and excellent learning environment by listening to as many experiences as possible.

• Claire Sampson
  Co-opted governor
  Claire Sampson

• Noel Low
  Co-opted governor
  Noel Low

  I joined South Grove as a governor in July 2025. I hope to support the school in fostering a collaborative and nurturing environment for every student. Outside of the school, I work as a corporate solicitor.

• Molly Franklin
  Parent Governor
  Molly Franklin

• Verity Handyside
  Co-opted governor
  Verity Handyside