Chris Jinks

Chair of Governors Parent Governor C/O: New Marston Primary School, Copse Lane, Oxford, OX3 0AY.
Contact: cjinks@nmps.org.uk

Chris and his wife Antonia have two boys at the school. He also has two older children. He is the CEO of a salad and produce company called Vitacress.

He is keen to ensure that the children at our school are helped to develop in a healthy, happy, supportive and safe environment.

Link Governor Role: Safeguarding

Term of office ends: 6th October 2025

David Johnson

Staff Governor

I am a teacher of Year 3 at New Marston and have been a member of staff here since September 2016 and have been teaching since 2013. I have responsibility for History throughout the school. I also have experience of working with children and adults with learning, behavioural and mental health difficulties through my work prior to teaching with Oxfordshire County Council’s Adult and Social Services.

Link Governor Role: Health & Safety

Term of office ends: April 2025

Phephi Nkwanyuo

Staff Governor - Chair of the Impact committee

I am a teacher and a parent at New Marston Primary, this combination offers me a unique experience into how learning is facilitated and also into the culture, community and ethos of the school. Before returning as a teacher in 2018, I worked at New Marston for seven years as an EAL and then SEND Teaching Assistant across all the year groups. It is a surreal experience to work with people whom you consider family and friends and in a place you think of as home. It is a pleasure to come to work and serve the children in what is such a welcoming, warm and progressive environment. I believe that taking on the role of staff-governess will add further perspective and insight into my understanding of the education system, and especially into how we here at New Marston work towards ensuring we help to develop, healthy, happy, active and engaged, contributing members of society.

Link Governor Role: LPPA and Opal

Term of office ends: November 2024

Rachel Vlachonikolis

Ex-Officio by virtue of office as Headteacher/Principal

Rachel is married to George, and they have two beautiful children at the school. She has taught at New Marston for the last 10 years and loves it here! Her roles have ranged from teaching (Y2/3, Early Years) to working with the inclusion team, supporting pupils with SEN, amongst other things! She trained in Sheffield and has just completed the National Award for SEN with Oxford Brookes.

Term of office ends: N/A

Steph Best

Parent Governor

I am delighted to have the opportunity to be a parent governor and bring my experience as a foundation stage teacher and home school link worker in a local primary school to New Marston. I have a daughter at the school who thrives on the challenge of school life. My aim is to support the excellent standards already established and ensure we maintain an environment in which all pupils can flourish.

Link Governor Role: SEND and Attendance

Term of office ends: December 2023

Arran Babbs

Vice Chair - Parent Governor

I have three children at New Marston Primary school and am invested in the success of the school and the happiness and well-being of its students and teachers. I am passionate about ensuring our children have a diverse and inclusive education. We feel privileged as a family to have been welcomed into this special community.

I have been a research scientist at Oxford University for the last 16 years and believe I can bring a wide range of skills to the role of parent governor. I have been trained to be a critical thinker and have worked well in a close-knit team. I am keen to learn more about how the school works ‘behind the scenes’ and will bring enthusiasm, commitment and empathy to the role.

Link Governor Role: EYFS and Anti-Bullying

Term of office ends: April 2025

Gerallt Skym

Community Governor

My name is Gerallt Skym, and I am honoured to be joining New Marston Primary School's team of Governors. I moved to Oxford 5 years ago and love the city. I am a Physics teacher and have worked in secondary schools for the last 15 years. I've also been involved with teacher training, specifically with maths and physics teachers. I also have two young children, so I am keen to help my local community.

Link Governor Role: Enrichment

Term of office ends: April 2025

Magali Bertholle

Community Governor

I am from Paris and I have been living in Oxford since 2009. It is a fantastic city and I feel privileged to live here. I have a son who has made many friends at New Marston Primary School and who enjoys going to school every day. 

Professionally, I am a language teacher in a local secondary school and I want to support my community further by being a governor in a primary school as I am fascinated by the way children learn at every stage of their life. Being a governor is a great opportunity to make a real difference in the learning of so many children. 

Link Governor Role: Impact & Standards ( Reading Focus )

Term of office ends: December 2026