I grew up in Leamington Spa and was lucky to attend a comprehensive school with an inspiring ethos and commitment to the development of all its students, then went on to study Maths and Philosophy at Oxford.
I started my working life programming computers for British Airways, then returned to Oxford to do research in computing and medicine. Since 1993 I have had a varied career in the Space Science department at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory near Harwell – developing software and databases, conducting research in solar-terrestrial physics, managing projects, and most recently leading the assurance activities that support the department’s diverse projects. I have lived in East Oxford since 1991 and became a Parent Governor at Cheney in the spring of 2013 when my two sons were in Years 12 and 7.
I have also been a Trustee of CSAT – the academy trust that runs Cheney and Bayards Hill schools – until standing down this term to take on the role of Chair of the Cheney Governing Body.
Being a governor can be demanding but is always interesting. Through challenging and supporting the school’s leadership team the governing body plays a key role in ensuring that the school succeeds in meeting the needs of its students and the wider community. I am looking forward to building on what has already been achieved so that Cheney is known as a place where adults and children work together so that our young people go on well prepared for the opportunities and challenges ahead of them.
Richard Stamper
Chair of Governors
Cheney Lane, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7QH