The Local Committee
The Local Committee ('LC')
St Paul's LC has a constitution of nine. Two staff members (one of which is the Headteacher), two parent members and five general members drawn from members of the parish of St Paul's Church and the local community.
Each LC member brings a wide range of knowledge, experience and skills to their role and all work in a voluntary capacity. They undertake regular training and perform their role with great enthusiasm and energy.
The Role of LC Members
LC Members work in close partnership with the school and the Trust, supporting and challenging the school to ensure the highest achievement for all our children. They work with the Headteacher to set the vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school and hold him to account for the educational performance of the school.
The Work of The LC
The LC meets six times a year.
During these meetings, members provide oversight of the school’s curriculum, pupil outcomes and progress and the quality of teaching, health and safety and safeguarding, alongside being assured of the management of the school’s buildings.
All members can observe the day-to-day work of the school by visiting at least once a term during the school day and at other times to talk to members of staff, visit classrooms, speak with children and look at their work.
Members may attend school events such as assemblies, the Musical Celebration in the Spring term, the school production in the Summer term and the major religious festivals. They are sometimes involved in staff recruitment.
Jane Treharne, our LC Chair, meets regularly with other chairs of local governance bodies. In addition, members also participate in the activities of the Dorking Schools' Partnership and the Diocese of Guildford.
If you would like to speak to an LC Member, please ask the school office, and they will arrange for a member to contact you.
William Blake
Will has served on the St Paul's Local Committee since 2025 and was elected Chair in 2026. He is passionate about ensuring every child has the opportunity to achieve their potential and believes that strong governance plays an important role in supporting pupils, staff, and the wider school community.
Professionally, Will works in the international development finance sector, leading teams responsible for data management and governance. His experience in strategic leadership, assurance, risk management and continuous improvement provides a strong foundation for his governance role at St Paul's.
Since joining the Local Committee, Will has led on admissions and attendance, overseen the school's Published Admission Number consultation, and contributed to a range of governance panels and decision-making processes.
As Chair, Will is committed to fostering a positive and collaborative relationship between the Local Committee, school leaders, and GST. He believes effective governance is about providing constructive support, thoughtful challenge, and independent assurance, always with the best interests of the children at the heart of every decision.
Will lives in Dorking with his wife, Carly, and their two daughters. Outside of school governance, he is a keen golfer, football coach and Youth Welfare Officer at Dorking Wanderers, where he enjoys supporting young people both on and off the pitch.
Will believes the strongest schools are built on partnership, where governors, staff, parents and carers work together with openness, trust and a shared commitment to giving every child the best possible start in life.
Gary Papworth
Gary took up the appointment of Headteacher at St. Paul's in September 2025.
Mr. Papworth has taught for over 20 years in different schools in Surrey, with a wide range of leadership responsibilities. He is a geography specialist teacher and has previously led numerous subjects including maths, geography, history and computing as well as having taught in a variety of year groups.
In his spare time, he coaches his eldest child's football team and enjoys spending time with his family.
Alex Cacouris
Alex has been a General member on the Local Committee since October 2019 with responsibility for the school’s Christian Distinctiveness and Staff & Pupil wellbeing. He is married with three children.
Alex is Associate Vicar of St Paul's Church and very proud of the strong and positive links the school and church have, learning and supporting each other. He is keen to explore how we can positively support one another.
In his spare time he enjoys walking, family and a new discovery – log chopping.
Hannah Dimmock
Hannah joined as a General LC member, and has two children at St Paul's. She has been a committed member of St Paul's Church for a number of years.
Hannah has a heart to see all children blossom and thrive, and knows the value of a nurturing and caring environment for children to fulfil their potential. She works part-time as a primary school teacher, is a qualified Play Therapist and also leads the 0-3's children's group at St Paul's Church.
Hannah has taught nursery through to Year 6 and carried out play therapy for children with a variety of different needs. She is proud of the sense of community at St Paul's School. Hannah enjoys gardening and crafting in her spare time. She likes camping and trips to the beach.
Sam Fry
Sam is a general LC member and a member of the congregation of St Paul's Church.
Sam is a civil servant, currently working in HM Treasury where he advises the government on economic policy. He previously completed a PhD in political economy, during which he taught a course on international politics to undergraduates.
Sam loves intellectual curiosity, and wants to see the best possible education for every child. Sam has recently moved to Dorking, although he knows the area well, having grown up in nearby Reigate. He enjoys walking in the Surrey Hills, cooking and spending time with his young family.
Cherry Allanson
Cherry is a General LC member (since October 2024) and a member of the congregation of St Paul’s Church.
She is a secondary school mathematics teacher who has had a range of roles in leadership within a secondary school setting for over 18 years. These have included school enrichment, monitoring student progress and promoting a love of learning and intellectual curiosity.
Cherry enjoys walking in the Surrey Hills along with cooking and working on her garden (when the weather permits).
Mark Tinsley
Mark is the staff representative on the local committee. He has been a teacher at St. Paul's for several years and has taught in year 5 and 6. He is also the maths lead.
Before arriving at St. Paul's, he taught in a 1 form entry school for 15 years. At this school he was also a staff governor.
Mark wants the best for all children at St. Paul's and is a keen advocate of the school aim to ensure all children thrive. He recognises the importance of a nurturing environment and is keen to ensure all voices are listened to on the local committee.
Outside of school, Mark enjoys gardening, walking and swimming.