
Rachel West
Executive Head Teacher
I have been at Laughton Community Primary School for 13 years and became Executive Head of The Oak Tree Federation in September 2018.
It is a pleasure to work with such dedicated staff, governors, parents and children, we are all very proud of our success.
I help represent our local Ringmer Alliance on the Ashdown Strategic EIP group . I am committed to inspiring a love of learning in our primary schools to give children the very best start in life.
Mr Gareth Harkin
Chair of Governors
I joined the Oak Tree Federation as a parent governor in October 2024 and became Chair of Governors in July 2025.
I’m a member of the finance and pay committee as well being the link governor for equality and diversity.
I currently work for Chelsea Football Club as Head of Client Services where I lead sales, account management and operations teams.
Prior to joining the Oak Tree Federation I have governance experience, having served for six years as a trustee of a national charity. During that time the organisation pivoted from an endowment model to one of self-sustainability through a combination of fundraising, corporate partnerships and consultancy and training services.
With two boys at Laughton Primary School, I have a personal connection with the Federation. I hope my commercial and third sector experience will help to contribute to the long-term sustainability and success of both schools.

Gemma Collins
Clerk to Governors
I became Clerk to Governors for The Oak Tree Federation in October 2022. I was a clerk at another local primary school from 2016 to 2018. In 2018 my two children joined Laughton Community Primary School and I took on the role of Parent Governor for the Federation. Having served four years as a governor I stood down and took on the role of Clerk. I completed my clerk accreditation in 2017. I have a background in marketing and finance, as well as over 6 years governance experience.

Alison Peeters
Co-opted Governor
I joined the Oak Tree Federation Governing board towards the end of the school year in 2023, as a co-opted governor. I have one son, at Laughton School, and I am excited to support the two schools as a governor.
I have a background in working with looked after children of all ages, in a foster care setting, which I did for over fifteen years. I am now in business with my husband and family, mostly doing up houses…something completely different! I felt like I needed something a bit different too though so also became a magistrate in 2015 and really enjoy my days in court.
I am hoping that my experiences, past and present, will help me to be a good governor for the Oak Tree Federation.

Jen White
Jen White is a member of Firle Parochial Church Council and a former Church Warden and Spiritual Director. She is a retired Psychotherapist and teacher. She leads a Centering Prayer group in Firle church every Sunday evening. She is delighted to serve as School governor a second time.
Tanya Warburton

Rowan George
I am the co-opted SEND Link Governor and bring a breadth of experience across the public sector, with a focus on SEND and mental health. Since achieving QTS in 2016, I have taught in three specialist schools - two in London and one in Sussex. Now, working within Children's Services, I continue to collaborate closely with families and multi-disciplinary teams to create inclusive and supportive learning environments, ensuring that every child and young person with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities receives the support they need to thrive. I am committed to supporting The Oak Tree Federation as it continues its ambitious plans, always keeping the children at the heart of everything we do.