Karen Shaw

Chair of Local Governing Body.

My name is Karen Shaw and I am a Governor at the Iffley Academy.

I am the Link Governor for SEND, Safeguarding and have experience of Site Health & Safety, Teaching & Learning and Finance & Personnel.

I became a Governor because I wanted to be part of the bigger picture as it were and to help the school wherever I can to achieve the highest standard in all areas, not just the educational parts but also the welfare of the students in our school.

My background is in Estate Agency where I worked for a local Independent Estate Agent in Oxford for 30 years.  Recently I had a change in employment and now work for a firm of Chartered Surveyors selling their services and generally organising their workload and day to day running of the office.

On a personal note, I am a very proud parent of two sons. One of whom attended Iffley Academy until 2013 when he completed Sixth Form. He has a Speech and Language disability, Cerebral Palsy, moderate learning disabilities and Epilepsy. He is now enjoying his current role in permanent employment as a Resources Assistant. My other son has a degree in Business Management and is currently a Personal Trainer/Sports Massage Therapist as well as a Fitness Teacher.

Antonia Lee
Safeguarding Lead Governor 
I am Head of Winchester House School, Brackley, Northants, a co-educational Day and boarding Prep School that one of the Stowe Group Schools. The aspect of my job I enjoy most is the opportunity to welcome very young children into an exciting learning journey and building the all-important foundations and learning habits that will sustain them and help them succeed through school and in their adult lives beyond. I am also part of the Executive team for the Stowe Group and enjoy the fact that my contact with, and commitment to, young people does not stop at Year 8 and that I am involved in leading the whole Group and witnessing and influencing the growth of the students who develop into interesting, exciting and strong Change Makers by Year 13. My day to day work, like any Head, can vary within a short space of time from discussing the necessary next steps and ways to extend an able scientist in Year 5 to dealing with a lost ballet sock from Reception and then moments later deciding on the pieces to be performed at Prize Giving and what to do with a broken door hinge! Through my life I have taught two year olds to adults and both typical young people and those with special needs.
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I graduated in Geography from St Hugh’s College, Oxford and then completed my teacher training at Homerton College, Cambridge. Since then I have worked for over 25 years in education in a variety of roles. I have also served for several years on the WWF think tank for Education and was the national Subject Leader for Sustainability for the Independent Association of Prep Schools. I have a strong personal interest in inclusion, mentoring fellow professionals, outdoor education, sustainability and creating ethical leaders and decision makers. The greatest privilege I feel that any teacher has is helping a pupil become the very best version of themselves. I am delighted to say that my niece, Hannah, attends Iffley Academy and it was her and her parents’ reports of the warm, aspirational and positive attitude of the school that made me first become involved.
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Paula McCreadie
Parent Governor

Originally from South Africa, I was overjoyed to be a new parent governor having joined
in 2022. I have two children, with my youngest attending Iffley Academy – with it quickly
having become his safe space and the foundation for his self-confidence and
independence.
Lived Experience, Knowledge, Perspective, Motivated. These are four unique skills I
believe I can offer to the board.
My lived experience speaks to my youngest child whom of which has taught and
continues to teach me valuable life-lessons through his resilience and kind-hearted
nature even when faced with adversities.
My personality craves knowledge and information, I draw confidence from learning,
and this has resulted in me working across various industries over the years – travel
industry, network marketing, medical administration, and currently recruitment
administration.
Perspective talks specifically to my upbringing in South Africa which has afforded me
an understanding that while a specific thought pattern might be standard, the support
and access may well differ based on each individual’s unique set of circumstances.
Finally, being driven by a need to make a difference, I am highly motivated to make a
meaningful difference in the lives of those that need it most.
I am looking forward to being a part of the Academy and cannot wait to see how it
continues to grow from strength-to-strength.

Issy Horwood
Governor Community
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I am Issy and I am the post 16 and transitions lead at Unity College, a small SEMH school based in High Wycombe. I became a governor due to my passion of making education a fun and engaging experience for all. I have had many different job roles and responsibilities whilst at Unity and each of them will aid me in the governance of Iffley.
I am passionate about teaching and learning as well as the behaviour and culture of schools. But equally, I am such a firm believer that we can never forget how important the students are in all aspects of education. Every child deserves a full education, which prepares them for their future and this is clearly important at Iffley.
I look forward to helping Iffley continue to be outstanding in every aspect and am excited for the journey we go on together.
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Anna Hallmark
Staff Governor
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I joined the Iffley Academy in July 2023 and work within the admin team. I became a staff governor in January 2024, motivated by an enthusiasm for education and a strong desire to support the school and its community.  

Prior to Iffley, I was a primary school teacher within a variety of mainstream settings, working in London and most recently Oxfordshire. I have taught across the Key Stages including the Early Years, and specialised in English and in particular the teaching and learning of reading. I have a young teenage son and come from a family of teachers – this combined with nearly 20 years of experience in schools, has convinced me of education’s ability and duty to give everyone the best start in life that they can have. 

Becoming a governor at Iffley seemed a logical extension to my love of education, learning and my wish to support others, whilst my career has perhaps made me more aware of the many challenges schools face in supporting their students and families, and the need for concerted efforts to overcome those challenges. 

I continue to be inspired by the dedicated and professional team of staff at Iffley and I’m so pleased to be a part of the governing body. I am looking forward to contributing to the care, nurture and success of the students and the community we serve.