Norah Edgar  Governor (Head Teacher)

Corrinne Hackett Co-opted Governor (Assistant Headteacher)

Suzanne Ismail Co-opted Governor, Co-Chair of Governors and Chair of Resources Committee

Mary Lewis Staff Governor (Teaching Staff)

Shazia Sheikh Parent Governor

Shazia is a parent of seven children ranging from 2 to 24 years. She has home educated her children over the last 20 years whilst completing a BA Hons degree in Childhood and Youth Studies with the Open University. She has worked as a Triple P Practitioner and Facilitator helping parents with their children's behavioural issues and found this experience to be very rewarding indeed. Shazia has also ran an array of community clubs such as: Parent and Toddlers, Sports Clubs and Home Education clubs over the last 20 years.  Shazia hopes to bring her wealth of experience gained from working with a variety of families to her role of Parent Governor in a quest to help improve the lives of everyone connected with The Ridgeway Primary School. 

Ruth McEwan Local Authority Governor

Dan Mead Co-opted Governor, Co-Chair of Governors

Dan is a lifelong Reading resident, from being born in the Royal Berkshire Hospital to going to school across the road at Reading School, and now living in the Borough. He is currently a civil servant at His Majesty's Treasury where he is an economist monitoring the financial health of the corporate sector. He also previously held positions in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.  Dan believes that education, particularly the early years of school, is incredibly important and hopes to help The Ridgeway Primary School give every person the best possible start to life. 

Jessica del Rio Parent Governor 

Jessica has 20+ years experience working in a higher education environment, and is currently working across the project management and change management teams at The University of Reading.  She has a particular interest in equality of opportunity in education for all children, regardless of circumstance and also in how mental and physical wellness contribute to effective learning.  Jessica has three children at Ridgeway Primary

If you would like to contact any member of the governing board, please contact Lorraine Doyle, Governance Officer via Clerk@theridgeway.reading.sch.uk

Ambika Paranthaman, Co-opted Governor

Ambika has lived in Reading since 2023 after relocating from India to the UK. She is a Data Science Lead at CGI, with extensive experience in data science, technology, leadership, and strategic decision-making. Prior to moving to the UK, she worked in Indian universities, teaching and mentoring students in technology-related disciplines, which gave her valuable insight into education and student development. She has experience across both academia and industry, contributing to research, teaching, and real-world applications.

In addition to her professional career, Ambika serves as a Foundation Director of a school in London, contributing to governance, strategic planning, and organisational improvement. As a parent of a non-verbal child with special educational needs, she has a strong personal commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

she is passionate about supporting education and community development. She is keen to use her professional expertise, governance experience, and commitment to inclusive education to contribute positively to the school's leadership and help support its continued success and long-term vision.