The Governors of Ryvers School

Chris Ferris, Chair of Governors, Community Governor

Reverend Chris Ferris is the Anglican Rector at St Mary’s and has previously had involvement with Diocese of London educational matters. He was first appointed by the Governing Body on 22nd September 2021 and his current term of office is due to expire in September 2029.

Pete Rowe, Executive Headteacher.

Pete was officially appointed as Executive Headteacher from September 2019 having worked with and to support the school from the previous December. Previously he has worked for many years as a Head and Executive Head  in a number of schools having originally trained as an English and PE teacher. Pete is presently the Chair of the Primary Heads Association and is on the Board of many Slough Groups. He still works as an educational consultancy work, including for SloughBC, but is most likely to be spotted at the school gates with Jurgen and Mo (the school's much beloved Therapy Dogs). 

Joti Grewal, Community Governor

Joti was appointed by the Governing Body on 11th July 2025.

Darshan Marla, Parent Governor

Darshan was appointed as a Parent Governor in September 2025.

I am a business leader with over 14 years of international experience across the retail, banking, and luxury sectors. I hold a Doctorate in Business Administration and an MBA in Retail Management from one of the top 50 business schools in the world. My background has given me strong skills in leadership, strategic planning, and operational excellence. Now based in the United Kingdom, I am keen to contribute my experience and commitment to education, supporting the school’s strategic vision, effective governance, and the continuous improvement of outcomes for all pupils.

Clare Mirza, Parent Governor

Clare was appointed as a Parent Governor in September 2025.

Clare has 2 children attending Ryvers school. Professionally, she works within the Risk and Resilience function of a multinational organisation, specialising in insurable risk. She also holds a degree in Law.

She is passionate about supporting Ryvers school to ensure the best environment for all pupils to flourish.

Bhavana Parmar, Community Governor

Bhavana is an IT Professional, working for ATOS. Bhavana specialises in working on Unix Tranistion and Transformation projects. She was appointed as a parent governor on 4th May 2021. Bhavana has 2 children, one of them attends Ryvers and another one is at Langley Grammar.  Bhavana was a Parent Governor until May 2025 and was re-appointed as a Community Governor until July 2029. 

Sehar Siddiquei, Parent Governor.

Sehar is an elected Parent Governor at Ryvers. She has a Masters in English Literature and has worked as a copy editor for children's books. She has four children and her two youngest attend Ryvers in Reception and Year 5. Her term of office will end in 2027.

Sam Osborne, Staff Governor 

Sam is the Office Manager at Ryvers School and has worked at Ryvers since 2002. She was appointed in 2023 and will serve until 2027

Mabu Shaik - Community Governor

Mabu was appointed by the Governing Body on 26th September 2024.

Vina Sondh, Staff Governor 

Vina is the Lower LKS2 Phase Leader (Curriculum) at Ryvers School. 

Vina was appointed by staff and her term of office is due to end in January 2027. 

Sanish Mathews - Community Governor

Sanish was appointed to the Governing Board on 4th December 2024.

Shumalia Zia, Parent Governor

Shumalia was appointed as a Parent Governor in September 2025.

As a mother of four and an active parent at Ryvers, I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve as a parent governor. I enjoy being involved in school life and know many parents through my daughter, which helps me understand the community’s needs and perspectives. I have strong organisational and administrative skills, as I worked in a bank back in Pakistan as Human Resources officer. and I’m committed to supporting the school in creating a positive, inclusive environment where every child can succeed.

Nikki Price, Head of School.

Nikki is Head of School at Ryvers. She is the Designated Safeguarding Lead and has taught at Ryvers since September 2011. She has previously been the SENCo at the school. Nikki attends most Governing Meetings and will always step in if Mr Rowe is not available.

Valerie Harffey, Company Secretary.

Valerie is the Head of Business & Finance and has worked at Ryvers since 2007. Whilst not a Governor, Valerie is an important member of the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee and attends all Full Governing Body meetings.