Monsignor Tony Barry

Foundation Governor

Monsignor Tony is the Moderator of the Guildford Parish and was appointed as a Foundation Governor for St Thomas’ in April 2019.

Kate Carter

Headteacher

Kate Carter took over as Headteacher in September 2023, having taught at the school since September 2008. Kate has taught in Catholic schools since 1996 in Surrey and Kingston.  She is married, her eldest two children are at university and her youngest attends sixth form at St Peter’s.  Kate is a member of the Parish of Guildford and attends Mass at St Pius X.

Kate has no business interests connected to St Thomas and is not currently a governor in any other school.

Nicola Powell

Chair of Governors

Nicola Powell joined the Governing Body in September 2017 and is currently the Chair of Governors. Nicola is an Associate Director with EY (Ernst and Young), working in Human Resources.  She previously worked for Baker Tilly (now RSM) and Barclays Bank also in HR.

Nicola is married with two children and lives in Merrow. Her children both attended St Thomas’, one in Year 5 and the other is at St Peter’s.  Nicola and her family attend Mass at St Pius.

Nicola has no business interests connected to St Thomas and is not a governor at any other school.

Darren Della Maestra

Foundation Governor

Darren Della Maestra was first appointed by the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton as a Foundation Governor in September 2013, and is Vice Chair of the Governing Body. His most recent term as a Foundation governor began in July 2021.

Darren is the link Governor for Safeguarding.  He is a qualified teacher with over 22 years’ experience and is really passionate about inclusive learning and strong pastoral support for all learners.  He teaches at a Sixth Form College in Hampshire.  He lives in Guildford with his wife (a teacher at St Thomas’) and two children who attend St. Peter’s. 

Darren has no business interests connected to St Thomas and is not a governor at any other school. Darren is a regular visitor to the school in his role as Safeguarding lead Governor.

David Noyce

Foundation Governor

David Noyce was elected a Parent Governor in October 2021. He is a Financial Services transformation leader with over 25 years of experience across global organisations in Wealth Management, Investment Banking and Consulting roles; as well as Fintech/startups. He currently works at Citibank in London.

Richard Holmwood

Parent Governor

Richard Holmwood was elected a Parent Governor in October 2017. He stood unopposed in October 2021 for a second term. Richard is a Managing Partner of an investment fund and a director at a number of technology businesses. He spent his earlier career with HM Treasury, the Foreign Office and in banking. He has a background as a professional economist and holds a Masters degree and an MBA.

Richard lives in the Guildford area with his family. They all love the positive communal feel of St Thomas’. Richard is keen to support the school as it continues to go from strength to strength. He enjoys playing tennis and cycling.

Richard has no business interests connected to St Thomas and is not a governor at any other school.

Preetal Chheena

Parent Governor

Preetal became a parent governor in December 2024. She is a qualified pharmacist with nearly 22 years of experience in clinical practice, training and management roles. She currently works for a training company. 

Preetal is married with three children and lives in Merrow. Two of her children are at St Thomas’ one in reception and the other in year 5. Her eldest is at St Peter’s. 

Preetal has no business interests connected to St Thomas and is not a governor at any other school.