Meet our School Team 2025 - 26

Governor Profiles

 

Claire Smith

Parent Governor / Co-Chair

Date Appointed: 17 May 2023

Term of Office:   17 May 2023 - 16 May 2027

 

My family (my husband, our three kids, and our cat) relocated from London three years ago and were very grateful to discover that our local school was Trent.  Having worked in education for over 15 years (as a teacher and subsequently a teacher educator for a MAT in London), I have always been fascinated with schools, and the science of teaching and learning.   When I discovered there was a Parent Governor vacancy, I jumped at the chance to support the school to make an impact on the children it serves.  The role enables me to work closely with the amazing staff body, and observe the excellent teaching that takes place inside the school on a daily basis.  I have been delighted by the quality of education that our children have received at Trent and I look forward to continuing to support the school, with a particular focus on its provision of Phonics and English, in all the amazing work it does for the local community.

 

Robert Blake 

Foundation Governor / Co-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.

 

Amy Jagla 

Staff Governor

Date Appointed: 29 September 2025

Term of Office: 29 September 2025 - 28 September 2029

 

I am Fox Class's teacher, Science and Geography subject leader. I have worked at Trent Young's for a few years now and quickly settled into the wonderful, welcoming community. I thoroughly enjoy supporting children and staff throughout the school. I became a qualified teacher in 2019, with much experience under my belt. I am excited to take on new responsibilities and commitments at Trent Young's and look forward to being the staff governor. 

 

Rev David Bond                                     

Foundation Governor

Date Appointed: 26 November 2021

Term of Office: 26 November 2021 - 25 November 2025

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.                       

Joel Trickett

Foundation Governor

Date Appointed: 17 May 2022

Term of Office:  17 May 2022 - 16 May 2026

 

My youngest daughter is currently in Trent and both her older siblings have successfully passed through Trent Youngs in recent years. With a career in technology helping scale, build organisations globally, I am also a committed humanitarian. Active member of a Veterans charity having successfully deployed with the NHS across the South West during the pandemic, helping set-up National Vaccine Centres.  I am privileged to be able to serve at Trent Youngs CE School as a Foundation Governor.

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!