Trent Young'sCE School
Meet our School Team 2026 - 27
Governor Profiles
Robert Blake
Foundation Governor / Chair
Date Appointed: 28 April 2025
Term of Office: 28 April 2025 - 27 April 2029.
I grew up and spent part of my school years in Dorset, and after living and working abroad, I was delighted to return here with my family a few years ago. My two children now attend the school, and I’ve seen first-hand how the care and quality of education provided go beyond the school's already glowing local reputation.
My background is in business rather than education, and my career has taken me around the world, giving me a broad range of experience that I’m now pleased to bring to my role as a school governor. I’m particularly excited about this opportunity to contribute to the school community and support its continued success.
Outside of work, I’m happiest when outdoors. I enjoy reading, cooking, gardening, a range of sports, and various country pursuits.
Rev David Bond
Foundation Governor
Date Appointed: 26 November 2021
Term of Office: 26 November 2025 - 25 November 2029
I am a foundation governor with links to RE, unsurprisingly, and Design and Technology, surprisingly! I am the rector of the Queen Thorne Benefice and live in Trent, a stone’s throw from the school. I am occasionally invited into the school to help with specific RE teaching and I very much enjoy leading collective worship and being part of the ‘Collective Worship Crew.’ Before training for ordained ministry, I worked for twenty-eight years in the wine trade, latterly supplying hotels, restaurants and pubs with good quality wines. Interests include wine, cooking, photography and icon writing.
Jayne Dart
Foundation Governor
Date Appointed: 21 November 2023
Term of Office: 21 November 2023 - 20 November 2027
I am a member of the Senior Leadership Team at an independent school where I have spent 14 years as a teacher involved with sport, outdoor education and the broader co-curricular programme. I have a background in the military and 2 grown-up children who have benefited from attending schools both in the UK and abroad. Faith plays an important part in my daily life and I have been so impressed by the warmth, kindness and commitment shown by the staff at Trent, I look forward to supporting them and the school through my role as a foundation governor.
Joanna Blagden
Foundation Governor
Date Appointed: 26 June 2025
Term of Office: 26 June 2025 - 25 June 2029.
Having lived most of my life in Surrey, I moved to Dorset six years ago and feel extremely lucky to have found such a welcoming community. My career has covered working in the agrochemical sector, running my own business and latterly spending almost 25 years as a School Business Manager in Church of England Primary Schools. As a governor of Trent School I hope to be able to use my experience and knowledge to support the staff in their continued success to provide the very best all-round education for each individual pupil. I enjoy spending time with my partner and our children (and grandson), singing, musical theatre, dog walking and holidays!
James Flynn
Parent Governor
Date Appointed: 26 February 2026 - 25 February 2030
I have always lived in the local area but we moved closer to Trent 6 years ago. I have one child attending Trent Youngs and another starting in September 2026. I have been so impressed with the quality of teaching and the education standards at Trent Youngs. My background is a lot of sport in my younger years and now local business owner. Hopefully I can bring a few different views and ideas to the team, and I really get want involved as a Parent Governor.
Outside of work, I am a massive endurance sports fan taking part in ultra marathons, Triathlons and the occasional game of rugby. I also enjoy keeping healthy with lots of home cooking, Ice Baths and saunas.
Lalage Rider
Foundation Governor
Date Appointed: 10 March 2026 - 09 March 2030
I moved to Dorset nearly a decade to raise a family and we were delighted to find Trent Youngs as our local school We have two children currently attending and another about to start in reception. I have recently written two books about conflict and gardening (yes there IS a link!) and have a background in journalism, photography, film making and strategic communications having spent most of my professional career overseas.
I am pleased to utilise this breadth of experience along with my passion for literature, sport, the natural world and cooking and I hope that all of these will further support me in supporting the school as a foundation governor.
Governors who have resigned in the last 12 months:
Ben Cole (Foundation Governor) July 2025
Nick Masters (Parent Governor) September 2025
Ben Hamblin (Staff Governor) September 2025
Joel Trickett (Foundation Governor) May 2026