Governor Profiles
Penny Kift
Having campaigned for women’s rights for over 6 years I was eventually appointed as the first lady sound engineer at the BBC, first working in radio and then moving on to television outside broadcasts. After an exciting career of 34 years I took early retirement to concentrate on my voluntary work. As a Parish Councillor of 27 years I have always been involved in community projects such as allotments and open spaces and as a school governor of 16 years I have always been a ‘hands on’ governor, helping with walking buses, school trips and clubs.
I gained a BTEC Advanced Certificate in school governance in 2004 and became Chair of Governors here at Broadwater Down in 2006, while continuing to be a governor at a small village church school. Sharing ‘best practice’ between the schools has helped both to improve and our pupils to succeed and I am proud to have been a part of this.
I intend to continue giving my time so that young people can, through education, become responsible citizens who will help run our country well and look after me in my old age!
Linda Wybar
Linda Wybar has been Headteacher of Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School since 1999, and a Governor of Broadwater Down Primary School since 2013, having been actively involved in primary/secondary school transition in the Tunbridge Wells area since first becoming a headteacher. As Chair of the Kent and Medway Grammar Schools' Association since 2004, she believes strongly that schools should work together in the best interests of the young people in a community. Linda lives locally in Langton Green and has two sons, now grown up, who attended The Skinners' School.
Neil Pegrum
I believe that all children have the right to the best possible education, and I was very interested to become involved in this improving local school, and bring whatever skills I can to the Governing Body. My career has been in finance as a fund manager for the last 35 years, and I currently work for Soros Fund Management. I chair The Learning & Development and Strategy committees, and I am also an associate governor of The Skinners’ Kent Academy Trust and a committee member and director of the charity, The October Club.
Robert Bollen
I believe that schools should be at the heart of their communities and that education is key to unlocking children's potential. Being a local resident I joined the governing body in 2016 as I wanted to support Broadwater Down in achieving this ambition. I currently sit on the Resources Committee. Previously employed in various corporate and regeneration roles I currently work for a London Borough leading school development and school place planning. Outside of work I have previously been a member of the Interim Executive Board of a special school in SE London and a Director of a Community Credit Union.
Gemma Pearmain
Gemma is a dispute resolution solicitor with experience of acting for and advising several schools and other educational providers. As a parent at the school, Gemma is particularly keen to provide support to ensure that the pupils meet their potential and enjoy their time at the school. Gemma is part of the Learning and Development Committee and is also the Early Years Foundation Stage governor.
Sarah West
I believe that parents working in partnership with a school can make a real difference. I have been a parent at the school for more than 7 years, and my youngest daughter is now in year 4. During that time I have enjoyed supporting the school as chair of the PTA (2016-2020), and now as a parent governor. I have worked as a marketer for over 20 years, and am training to be a counsellor, and I'm looking forward to using this experience to continue to support the school.
Harry Wild
Harry Wild lives locally to Tunbridge Wells, having grown up in the borough. He is a teacher at a selective grammar school with academy status located in Gravesend where he teaches KS3, KS4 and KS5. Harry has been on the Board of Governors at Broadwater Down Primary School since 2021.
Before his career in teaching, Harry worked in the Hospitality sector managing venues across the South East. He currently sits on the Learning and Development Committee and is also the Maths link governor. Harry is passionate about Education and the role schools play in improving and enriching students’ lives.