Philippa Desiderio | Chair

Philippa works for Northern Trust Corporation's Digital Asset Innovation team where she integrates sustainability into financial markets, fostering strategic relationships across global institutions. Her role capitalises on leveraging digital strategy and integrated marketing expertise to navigate and innovate within the complex VCM ecosystems.

A Watford resident for over 20 years, with both of her sons born, educated, and brought up locally.  Philippa lives a stones throw from the school and has a good network of local contacts helping to raise the profile of the school in the surrounding community.  

Matt Bristow | Staff governor

Matt has been a primary school teacher for over 11 years and is a valued member of the Senior Leadership Team at Lanchester Primary School.

In addition to his leadership role within the school, Matt works across the Danes Educational Trust to enhance the teaching of mathematics and to develop effective uses of data to improve teaching and learning outcomes. His passion for mathematics education has also led him to work with the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) as a Primary Mathematics Specialist supporting schools across Kent to strengthen their curriculum and classroom practice.

Beyond the classroom, Matt is an avid programmer and technology enthusiast who enjoys exploring innovative ways that technology can enhance education. Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his family and his partner who is also an Assistant Headteacher. When time allows he can be found at the gym where his commitment to consistency and doing things well drives his enjoyment and progress.

Temah Hibbert

Temah feels privileged to serve as a governor at Lanchester Primary School, where her professional and academic background aligns with her role as Governor for Children Looked After and Pupil Premium.
She holds a BSc in Psychology and Social Policy and a Master’s in Social Work, and her career has always centred on supporting children and families. Currently, she works as a Child Protection Chair and Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO), also supporting the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
Temah is passionate about helping all children—particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds—reach their full potential. Outside of work, she enjoys horticulture, cooking, and exploring different parts of the UK.

Charlotte Ward | Parent governor

Charlotte holds a first class BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry from the University of Sussex and a PhD from Imperial College London in Biosciences. She has worked as a laboratory based research scientist in microbiology. Presently, she works in the tech sector, specialising in the implementation of technical software to organisations carrying out research and development.

Charlotte has two children at Lanchester Primary School and a broad interest in the field of education. She hopes her professional experience of technological and scientific fields will be of benefit to the school.