Governors
Sharon Stead
Co-Chair
"As a passionate champion for girls’ education, I’m delighted to be on the SSB for the wonderful school that is Rosebery. I have been in many schools and have witnessed for myself a particularly supportive community here. As we shift towards something approaching greater equality for all in this country, it’s never been more important to instil in young women the skills, ambition and confidence to seize opportunities and make their mark in the world. Rosebery is the perfect launch-pad for students to reach their potential and it is a privilege to be a small part of their journey."
Previously an English teacher and leader in the independent sector, Sharon now trains teachers and develops mentors to be outstanding practitioners in some of the toughest schools in London. Her MA is in Educational Leadership and Innovation specialising in distributed leadership models. She runs a bespoke book charity in UK and Ghana and is working towards being an accredited professional coach.
Patrick Watkinson
Co-Chair
"I am History, Classical Civilization and Learning Support Teacher at Ewell Castle School. My daughter attends Rosebery in the Sixth Form and it was the warm and inclusive welcome that she received, the inspirational pastoral attention and the care that my daughter and by extension, the rest of the student body at Rosebery, receives that attracted me to the school. Teaching was not my first career, having spent many years working in the performing arts industry, which is in essence, a process of identifying and solving problems, a skill I hope that will be of some use in my new challenge of being a member of Rosebery's School Standards Board. I am looking forward to getting to know Rosebery and its way!"
After undertaking the Stage Management course at RADA, Patrick spent many years working in the performing arts industry, in production and creative positions. A career that took him around the world in various media including Theatre, Opera and Contemporary Circus. A developing interest in History and Classics from working on certain productions led to a BA(hons) in History and then finally listening to a friend's recommendation to 'try teaching'. Patrick can't imagine any other profession containing so much fun and satisfaction in helping others see the world around them in the glorious 'Technicolor' that it is.
Greg Clayton
"I'm delighted to have been appointed to the Rosebery SSB. My passion for education stems from my upbringing with parents in the teaching profession. This instilled in me a deep appreciation for the impact of education on personal growth, confidence and lifelong success. Having taught Modern Languages internationally (in France, Germany and Japan), I also have firsthand insight into various educational systems.
With one daughter already at Rosebery (Year 8) and 2 more to join (starting in September 2025 and September 2027) the Clayton family anticipates a long and rewarding association with the school over the coming years, and I would love to play a small role in helping Rosebery continue to drive success in the years to come."
Stephen Minnett
“I have a passion for empowering students to achieve their full potential. I currently work in a university which shares the same values and ethos. I strive for all students to have an excellent education, a fantastic student experience where their emotional support and wellbeing is valued. The relationship between, students, parents and staff is vital for young people to grow, this is vitally important to me. I fundamentally believe and support the school to foster academic excellence, personal development, which prioritises diversity, inclusivity that prepares all students for greater success.”
I have worked in the public and private sectors for 30 years, I enjoyed working in a high school and now a university; I have a raft of experience in HR, Finance, Business Management and Risk Management, my current role is a Health and Safety Advisor and DSL - all of these skills have developed a multifaceted set of abilities to navigate complex relationships. I have passion for Art History, History and Politics. I was a Chair and Vice Chair and a link governor for various roles, of a local primary school where I had a 9-year association, moving into secondary school education is the next step of my journey.
Leyla Ostovar
"I applied to become part of the SSB as I am deeply committed to supporting the development and success of Rosebery school and its students. I am passionate that education is a fundamental cornerstone in shaping young lives and am eager to contribute to the continuous improvement of the school environment via the SSB by applying the skills and experience I have developed over 20 years as Managing Director of an SME in the City.
I am positive that a fresh and diverse perspective will be useful to the board and am delighted to be given the opportunity to acquire and utilise new knowledge that will enhance my ability to contribute meaningfully to the SSB and ensure that Rosebery continues to meet high standards of pastoral and academic excellence."
Kat Sutton
"As a former Rosebery pupil, I am delighted to have joined the School Standards Board and am excited to get to know more about the school today and how it has changed since I left many years ago. I am passionate about the role that schools and education more broadly can play in shaping future generations of leaders and change makers, and look forward to working with the other SSB members and school leadership team to deliver the best possible opportunities for the Rosebery students of today and tomorrow."
Kat is the Director of Communications at the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change. She leads the communications team and is responsible for IIGCC’s communications strategy and delivery across all practice areas, initiatives and partnerships. Kat has more than a decade of communications experience in the investment management industry, having previously worked at Schroders and BlueOrchard in a range of roles focusing on corporate communications, media relations, digital marketing and sustainability communications. She holds a BA in French and Spanish from the University of Kent.
Philip Trew
"With my daughter having completed her A Levels at Rosebery last year, and heading off to university, I have recent experience of the first rate education and opportunities on offer to pupils. I want to use my skills and knowledge developed in the corporate world over 30 years to support and develop the school to ensure that future students continue to have the same opportunities or even better. As a fluent Spanish speaker I am passionate about the benefits languages can bring to a person's development. I also have an interest in SEND provision and how a fully inclusive school environment can help children flourish."
Phil is a senior change and strategy leader with extensive UK and international experience heading strategy development and operations across the Financial Services, Technology, Office Equipment & Security sectors. Having worked in multiple industry sectors and varied positions, he is a highly adaptable individual used to working in different business environments and organisational structures, creating strategic visions and delivering their execution.