Governors

James Abdool - Chair

James was educated at Copthorne Prep and Reigate Grammar before graduating with an Honours Degree in Marketing with Management Science. James has always worked within the media industry and is currently Group Sales Director with an AIM listed digital media agency. Joining the Governing body in 2004, James chaired the Finance Committee before becoming Chair in 2006. His two sons keep him busy with sports and activities shared between Neal (14) at Hurst having left Copthorne Prep in 2010, and Joseph who is currently enjoying Year 2 life at Copthorne.

Luke Ellis

Father of 3 ex-Copthorne Prep children, Luke has spent 25 years in the financial markets, most recently as co-owner/founder of $14bn alternative fund management company. Currently running a division of Man PLC and is a non-executive director of several businesses.

Balvinder Ahluwalia

Balvinder is a senior lawyer in the FD&D department of one of the world's leading P&I Clubs. Balvinder has two sons, Gurdip is now at Worth and Amardip is in Year 2 at Copthorne Prep and has been a governor since 2008.

Karen Fuller

Married to Richard, has two daughters, both educated at Copthorne Prep until 2000 and 2002 who left at 13 to go onto Caterham School. The eldest has since graduated from Bath University and the youngest from Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. Karen lives and works locally and has been a Governor since 2002, representing the School Marketing Committee for the last 10 years.

Richard Haworth

Richard was appointed a governor in 2008 and is married to Vicky. She is a former nurse and now is a fitness instructor and both their children went through Copthorne Prep as pupils. He has been a GP in Crawley for 28 years. He also teaches adults, mainly in the NHS. He is a keen golfer and photographer who also is learning rock drumming!

Stuart Head

Attended Copthorne Prep until 1987. Having worked as a surveyor for 5 years, switched to teaching and has been part of the Business Studies and Economics department at Epsom College for the last 10 years - currently a Boarding Housemaster. Very keen hockey player, gaining nearly 50 England & Great Britain hockey caps, including playing in 1998 Commonwealth & 2000 Olympic Games.

Richard Jennings

Richard worked at Copthorne Prep from September 1977 to July 1989, first as Sports Master and latterly as Deputy Head (teaching two of the present governors). Has been Headmaster of Great Ballard School (co-ed day and boarding 2-13) since September 1989.

Mark O'Shea

Mark is a Commerce & Technology Partner with Rawlison Butler LLP, solicitors based in Crawley, where he has worked for the last 14 years. He is married with two children, and lives in Burgess Hill. Interests include learning the guitar, supporting Chelsea FC, all things natural history and (very) occasional warm water scuba diving.

Michael Walshe

Married to Jean, a housemistress at Ardingly College, and father of Carrie, a former pupil of Copthorne Prep and Ardingly and St Hilda's, Oxford. Michael runs his own business consultancy and is a non-executive director in the I.T. sector both of which get in the way of his love of travelling, reading and sport.

Robin Workman

Attended Copthorne Prep in the 1960's before going on to Kings School, Canterbury. A partner in a firm of Chartered Quantity Surveyors based in Caterham, Surrey. Blessed with two offspring, both of whom attend Copthorne and enjoy every minute.