Our governors
The Latymer School is fortunate to benefit from an experienced and talented Governing Body.
The Governing Body sets the School’s overall strategic direction and ensures that the highest standards of education, safeguarding and financial probity are maintained.
If you have any queries or need to contact the Governors, please email Mary Pope, Clerk to the Governors, at governingbody@latymer.co.uk
CAROLIN SCHÖNHERR, CFA
Chair of Governors

Role: Chair of Governors (elected Parent Governor in December 2024, appointed Chair and Foundation Governor in September 2026 for four years; Foundation Governor appointed by the Latymer Foundation at Edmonton).
I have worked in risk and governance in financial services since 2001. I began my career at JPMorgan and spent 15 years at Credit Suisse, latterly with global responsibility for operational risk in the group's wind-down unit, spanning investment banking, securities and private banking, before building out the operational risk function at Capula Investment Management. I founded Risk as Service in 2021 and advise firms across banking, insurance, investment management and pensions.
To the Governing Body I bring financial oversight, risk and controls experience, and the habit of holding executives to account in regulated environments. I joined the board as a parent governor in 2024, went on to chair the Finance Committee, and was elected Chair of Governors in September 2026. I am a Trustee of the Latymer Foundation at Edmonton.
I also teach as Academic Lead in risk management at MCI Innsbruck and course tutor in ESG Risk Management at the University of Cambridge Online. Teaching keeps me close to how students learn, which shapes the questions I put to the school as Chair. I have chaired in education before, at a community nursery where good governance supported an Outstanding Ofsted judgement.
I was drawn to Latymer by academic curiosity and a passion for learning, values the school has long shared in its tradition of helping students achieve at the highest level while growing in confidence and consideration for others.
Carolin is a member of the following committees: Appointments; Curriculum & Standards; Finance & Infrastructure; Headteacher's Pay; Hearings Panel; Pay; Professional Standards; Pupils and Personnel.
SHANNETT THOMPSON
Deputy Chair

Role: Deputy Chair (appointed in December 2018 for four years, re-appointed in November 2022 for four years); Co-opted Governor appointed by the Governing Board.
I was attracted to Latymer after my very first visit. The school is synonymous with high standards and success. I am a qualified solicitor who specialises in regulation and fitness to practise matters. One of the sectors I advise in is education. My mother is also a primary school teacher, and therefore I have a keen interest in education.
My aims are to use my experience in the legal sector to ensure that the Governing Board not only holds Latymer accountable for the benefit of the students, but also operates in a manner that is without reproach.
Shannett is a member of the following committees: Admissions; Appointments; Headteacher's Pay; Hearings Panel; Pay; Professional Standards.
DEMI AGROTIS
Parent Governor
Role: Parent Governor elected by parents of the Latymer School in May 2023 for four years.
I am a Chartered Accountant and Audit Director with extensive experience in financial services, audit, risk management and governance. My professional background has given me a strong understanding of financial control, assurance, accountability and the importance of effective oversight in complex organisations.
I aim to bring a practical and independent perspective to discussions on finance, risk, strategy, standards and organisational effectiveness. I'm a member of both the Finance Committee and the Curriculum and Standards Committee, where I support the oversight of the school’s financial sustainability, educational outcomes and long-term priorities. I also oversee governor training, helping to ensure that governors are equipped to fulfil their responsibilities effectively and remain informed about the evolving expectations of school governance.
I have a close personal connection to Latymer, both as a former pupil and now as a parent of a current student. This gives me a deep appreciation of the school’s values, its academic ambition and the important role it plays in shaping young people’s confidence, character and future opportunities. I am committed to supporting Latymer’s continued success and contributing to its long-term stewardship.
Demi is a member of the following committees: Appointments; Curriculum & Standards; Finance & Infrastructure.
JOSEPH GILFORD
Headteacher
Role: Headteacher; Ex officio Staff Governor since April 2025.
The Latymer School is a truly special school with a rich history where students excel academically, whilst also being able to grow both socially and emotionally in a supportive and inclusive community. I am passionate about young people having a real love of learning and this is why my biggest priority is ensuring that there is high quality learning for all at the Latymer School. We want our students to gain the most they can from their time at Latymer and to leave our school as well-equipped and confident individuals ready for the exciting opportunities they have ahead of them.
Joseph is a member of the following committees: Admissions (Adviser); Appointments; Curriculum & Standards; Finance & Infrastructure; Health & Safety; Pay (Adviser); Pupils & Personnel.
LOUCIA HARKOS
Staff Governor
Role: Staff Governor since September 2026.
I have worked at the school for over 14 years and am currently the Data Manager. During my time at the school, I have worked across a number of different areas and have developed a good understanding of the school and its community.
I am pleased to take on the role of Staff Governor and look forward to learning more about school governance, contributing to the governing body and supporting the school and its pupils.
CORRINE HARMS
Foundation Governor

Role: Foundation Governor appointed by the Latymer Foundation at Edmonton (appointed in February 2021 for four years; re-appointed December 2024 for four years).
I am the interim Chief Executive of the KPMG Foundation, an independent grant-maker supporting the lives of vulnerable children. I joined the governing body in 2021 and chair the Curriculum and Standards Committee. I am also a member of Pupils and Personnel and the Pay Committees.
Prior to joining KPMG, my career has spanned the public and charity sector and has always focused on children, young people and improving social mobility and I bring this knowledge and experience into my role as a governor.
Corrine is a member of the following committees: Appointments; Curriculum & Standards; Hearings Panel; Pay; Professional Standards.
SAMANTHA HOLDER
Foundation Governor
Role: Foundation Governor appointed by the Latymer Foundation at Edmonton (appointed in September 2025 for four years).
I’m a former Head Girl at Latymer and am delighted to return as Foundation Governor to the place where I really enjoyed my secondary school education. With over 30 years’ experience running my own business in the geotechnical engineering sector, I bring strong skills in strategic planning, financial oversight, compliance and people development. My background in Psychology underpins my commitment to widening opportunities for young people, including through my support for Enfield Young Carers and work with the Scout Association.
As an Explorer Scout Leader and Duke of Edinburgh Assessor with extensive outdoor education experience, I’m particularly passionate about the impact of Ysgol Latymer in Cwm Penmachno and am committed to helping ensure it continues to benefit pupils and staff for years to come.
Samantha is a member of the following committees: Admissions; Appointments; Hearing Panels; Professional Standards; Pupils & Personnel.
BILAL MAHMOOD
Foundation Governor

Role: Foundation Governor appointed by the Latymer Foundation at Edmonton (appointed in February 2021 for four years; re-appointed December 2024 for four years).
Latymer shaped me profoundly, and it was as a Sixth Form student that my life-long love of competitive debate first took hold, along with a conviction that a first-class education unlocks opportunity for every child.
As a Governor, my focus is on rigorous oversight and sound risk management. I draw upon my 18 years’ experience as a Banking and Finance Solicitor in the City, and currently as the Head of Legal at Revolut Bank to support good governance. Given my own upward mobility thanks to Latymer, putting diversity and inclusion at the heart of Latymer is a key priority for me.
Social mobility remains my passion: as a Governor of the English-Speaking Union, I spent 15 years building a London-wide schools debating and mentoring programme that gave thousands of disadvantaged young people the critical thinking and communication skills to fulfil their potential.
My goal is to work with the school's leadership and my fellow Governors to support Latymer's continued excellence.
Bilal is a member of the following committees: Appointments; Hearings Panel; Pay; Professional Standards.
ADAM MORTON
Foundation Governor
Role: Foundation Governor appointed by the Latymer Foundation at Edmonton (appointed in April 2025 for four years).
Having taught for over 20 years, it is a privilege to be appointed to the role of Foundation Governor and I am delighted to be able to volunteer my experience in education to such an exceptional school.
I studied Biological Sciences at Edinburgh University, going on to complete a PGCE (Science) and Master’s degree at the UCL Institute of Education, and subsequently a PhD at Loughborough University, publishing research on education and social class. Having previously worked in grammar and comprehensive schools, I am currently Assistant Head (Staffing and Operations) in a co-educational, day and boarding school in North London.
Adam is a member of the following committee: Appointments; Curriculum & Standards; Hearings Panel; Professional Standards; Pupils & Personnel.
MATTHEW PAPASAVVA
Foundation Governor

Role: Foundation Governor appointed by the Latymer Foundation at Edmonton (appointed in March 2019 for four years; re-appointed in March 2023 for four years).
As a former student of the school, I am extremely proud to now be able to serve the school as a Foundation Governor. I am a Director within Deloitte's Risk Advisory Practice, where I advise the boards of retail banks and insurers on governance, regulatory strategy and conduct risk. I also advise financial services firms on digital transformation and the adoption of innovative technologies throughout their business models and customer journeys, in a way that meets FCA requirements and expectations.
My background is in law, and I was a trainee solicitor at Mishcon de Reya Solicitors in London. I hold a Masters in Strategy and Innovation from Said Business School, University of Oxford.
Matthew is a member of the following committees: Admissions; Appointments; Hearings Panel; Professional Standards; Pupils & Personnel.
CHIINTHU SARVANANTHAN
Foundation Governor
Role: Foundation Governor appointed by the Latymer Foundation at Edmonton (appointed in April 2025 for four years).
I am a UK Data Protection Officer and Senior Privacy Counsel, with extensive legal and governance experience specialising in data protection, privacy and emerging issues in artificial intelligence. My work involves advising organisations on complex regulatory requirements, managing risk and accountability, and helping leadership teams navigate the legal and ethical considerations that come with evolving technology.
I am to bring this legal, risk and governance perspective to the Governing Body. I am particularly interested in supporting strong governance, effective risk management and safeguarding the school’s approach to data, technology and AI. My experience also brings a focus on ensuring that strategic decisions are both responsible and sustainable, while keeping the interests of students at their centre.
As a former student, I have a strong personal connection to the school. My time at Latymer played a significant role in shaping the person I am today, both personally and professionally. I am motivated by the opportunity to give back to a community that had such an impact on me and I believe that providing young people with an environment where they feel supported, challenged and encouraged to fulfil their potential can have a lasting impact on their lives.
Chiinthu is a member of the following committees: Admissions; Appointments; Curriculum & Standards; Hearings Panel; Pupils & Personnel; Professional Standards.
TANIA TCHEDAEVA
Parent Governor
Role: Parent Governor elected by parents of the Latymer School in September 2025 for four years.

I am a corporate governance professional with over 20 years’ experience advising boards and senior management teams on governance, compliance, shareholder engagement and strategic matters. I am Executive Vice President, Corporate Governance and Compliance of Solidcore Resources plc, where I support the Board on transparency, accountability, corporate governance and effective oversight.
As a Parent Governor, I bring experience of listed-company governance, board processes, risk, finance and long-term strategic planning. I am a member of the Finance & Infrastructure Committee, contributing to the Governing Body’s oversight of the school’s financial sustainability and infrastructure priorities.
I am a Fellow of The Chartered Governance Institute and hold an MSc in Finance from the London Business School. I previously served as a Parent Governor at a primary school, giving me practical experience of school governance and working with senior leadership teams.
I have three children, one of whom currently attends Latymer. I am committed to supporting the school’s continued success and helping ensure it remains ambitious, well governed and focused on the long-term interests of its pupils.
Tania is a member of the following committees: Admissions; Appointments; Finance & Infrastructure.
STEPHEN WAY
Foundation Governor
Role: Foundation Governor appointed by the Latymer Foundation at Edmonton (extended until December 2026); former Chair of Governors (March 2017-September 2026).
As a second-generation Latymerian I am delighted to be able to serve the school that has played such a big part in shaping my life. Most of my career has been spent in IT, ultimately as an IT Director for chemicals and metals company Johnson Matthey plc. Outside of work I have held various trustee roles, most recently as Chair of Trustees for Scouting in North London. As a result of my work as a governor in various sectors, I am now an accredited National Leader of Governance.
I am proud to have the opportunity to volunteer my experience of governance and trusteeship, together with my long involvement with youth development and my knowledge of the Latymer ethos, at this truly outstanding school.
Stephen is a member of the following committees: Appointments; Curriculum & Standards; Finance & Infrastructure; Hearings Panel; Headteacher's Pay; Pay; Professional Standards.
SOF YIANNAKAS
Foundation Governor

Role: Foundation Governor appointed by the Latymer Foundation at Edmonton (appointed in March 2019 for four years; re-appointed in March 2023 for four years).
As a Latymer alumnus, it is a privilege, and honour, to serve the school as a Foundation Governor. I am passionate about education and its potential to change lives. My passion is mirrored by my former investment firm, EOF Partners, which supported charities that pursue the agenda of equal opportunity for all.
As a professional investor, I apply the rigour and diligence from my investment process to my role on the Governing Board. In doing so, ensuring current and future Latymerians will benefit from the high educational standards that I once enjoyed as a student at the school.
Sof is a member of the following committees: Admissions; Appointments; Hearings Panel; Pupils & Personnel; Professional Standards.
Governors who have stepped down in the last 12 months:
- Edward Cooper, November 2025.
- Stephen Miles, August 2026.
- Amit Zaveri, September 2026.