Ashley Braund

Chair of Governors

A few years ago, my family and I settled in Houghton Regis, drawn by the sense of community and the opportunity to build lasting roots. Joining the governing board at Thornhill Primary School felt like a natural step and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully and support the local area we now call home.

Since 2008, I’ve worked across the Financial Services sector in a range of roles, leading complex, large-scale projects and change initiatives. I hold a Master of Business Administration and am currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration, with completion expected between 2029 and 2031.

Serving on the governing board is a genuine privilege. I’m committed to using my experience to support Thornhill Primary School’s continued growth.

Co-opted Governor

I am so pleased to serve on Thornhill’s governing board at this exciting time. I was born in Houghton Regis and have lived here ever since. In 2019, I was elected a town councillor for Tithe Farm.  As a councillor, I serve on the environment and leisure and community services committees, so I am particularly interested in the developments that are taking place.

I studied for an education degree at Hertfordshire University specialising in music and sport. I teach in a special needs school locally and along with my Head of Year role, I have a keen interest in computing and IT.

In my spare time, I enjoy keeping fit, attending a local netball and badminton club.

Co-opted Governor

I was delighted to stumble upon the opportunity to serve on Thornhill’s Governing Board, having moved to the area in 2021. In a previous life, I was a secondary school teacher, and hope that those experiences will help me in this new role. 

I'm originally from Dublin, in Ireland, and moved to the UK in 2002. My background is in Economics, having gone to Loughborough University to read the subject.

I'm currently serving as a Head of Procurement in a large Data Centre company, who serve many of the large technology companies we all utilise each day. I will bring some of this expertise too, offering any support in a procurement/contractual way.

Sports, my twins and wife, and my dog take up most of my leisure time!

Fun fact: My father is from a little village on the west coast of Ireland called Thornhill!

Clerk to Governing Board

I am delighted to be working for Thornhill Primary School as their Clerk to the Governors and thoroughly enjoy working as part of the team that delivers effective governance.  I am passionate about education. As a retired
Headteacher, I have 25 years’ experience leading and managing a range of schools within Central Bedfordshire. I now enjoy working for several schools within the county supporting with School Improvement as well as professional governance contributing to the efficiency, effectiveness, productivity and compliance of governing boards. As a professional Clerk, I work in partnership with the Chair to keep the board focused on its core strategic priorities, provide independent and expert advice and guidance to the board on its duties and functions, and deliver administrative support that makes everything work smoothly.