Andrew Lebentz
Co-opted Governor, Joint Chair
Resources Committee (Chair)

I’ve been a resident of Chiswick for more than 16 years. I’m a fan of Chiswick’s village feel even though it’s only a short hop into the centre of one of the world’s great cities. I recognise that Belmont is a focal point of the community, but also depends on it. My career as a journalist has taken me around the world and exposed me to different cultures, different communities and different ways of life. I have a unique insight into how schools integrate with their broader surroundings, and how best practice is a constantly evolving idea. As a co-opted governor at Belmont, I want to ensure that all pupils have the proper opportunity to express themselves, based on who they are, whatever their background. I’m a big believer in helping  children to develop their own personalities, interests and understandings, and I want to help provide the building blocks and firm foundations as they embark on life journeys and successful career paths.

Alex Webster
Parent Governor, Joint Chair
Curriculum & Achievement Committee (Chair)

I have two children attending Belmont, and joined the governing board in 2022 to get more involved with the school. As a governor my focus is not only about ensuring the children receive a great education, but also that they begin their educational journey in a great environment which promotes developing a passion for learning, and ultimately ensures they become well-prepared for the future during their time at Belmont. I also recognize the role Belmont plays in the Chiswick community and beyond, and am honored to be able to contribute to all of these things as a governor. In my professional life my career is in the aviation industry where I’ve had the opportunity to spend the past 10 years in various leadership roles around the world, most recently here in the London area. My wife and I grew up in Michigan, USA, but we’ve moved around quite a bit since then and are happy to have called Chiswick home for the past few years.

Pat Devito-French
Co-opted Governor
Health, Safety & Premises Committee (Chair),  Deputy Safeguarding Governor

As a mother of three and grandmother of 6 lively school age children, I am a passionate believer in the importance of education. I understand the vital role a school plays in a child’s personal development and life chances. This belief has only strengthened in my 40 years’ experience of the educational landscape in Chiswick. A resident since 1978, I know the Chiswick community well, I ran a successful retail business here for 11 years. I fundraise actively for the local Macmillan Cancer Support Committee, and, ever a believer in education, I am a keen (if struggling) Italian language student. Belmont’s strong academic record and innovative leadership is well known and it is rightly regarded with warmth in the community. It is wonderful to be part of this vibrant and dynamic school.

Yukiko Sugimoto
Co-opted Governor
Resources Committee

I joined the Belmont Governing Board in 2018 as a Co-opted Governor.   My background is in finance, mainly in asset management, for a leading financial institution in New York, Brussels and London.  I also served as an Advisory Board member for a Japanese multinational electronics company for over a decade.  My husband and I moved to London in 1991 and we have been residents of Chiswick since 1993; joining the Governing Board of Belmont was an opportunity to contribute to our community. There are a number of challenges for any educational institutions: excellence, creating a creative supportive environment, adapting to a changing world, but at the same time be aware of some of the contradictions, e.g., stress on the children and equity.  It is an honour to witness, and hopefully contribute to, the discussions dealing with these issues.

Bridgette Sam
Parent Governor
Curriculum & Achievement Committee

Originally from South Africa, my husband and I settled in Chiswick in 2015, and have called it home ever since. Belmont has always been a big part of the Chiswick community and now we are fortunate enough to be a part of the School as my two young boys, start their school/education journey. I am invested in ensuring they (and all children) have an environment at school that enables them to thrive – to be able to be themselves, feel accepted, respected supported, to love learning, to have fun and to build positive core memories. I feel honoured to be serving on the Belmont Governing body.

Paul Nicholson
Parent Governor
Resources Committee

As a proud parent of two children at Belmont Primary, I am deeply committed to their education and the well-being of our school community. With a background in politics and community engagement, I understand the importance of collaborative decision-making that benefits everyone. My experience as a parent of adopted children has instilled in me a strong belief in all students’ unique needs and perspectives, and I am eager to listen, learn, and work together to create an even more supportive and inclusive learning environment at Belmont Primary.

Fiona Skinner
Staff Governor
Curriculum & Achievement Committee

I am a committed and enthusiastic teacher who believes in inspiring students to become life-long learners and develop skills to best equip them for successful lives now and in the future. I became a class teacher at Belmont Primary School in September 2018. I decided to apply for the Staff Governor position to help support our school, develop new skills and have the opportunity to contribute to our local community. As staff governor, I serve as a useful link between our school staff and the governing body. I enjoy the oversight of school that being a staff governor provides and feel that I can contribute, in a positive way, to key decisions and discussions.

Gautom Kakoty
Parent Governor
Resources Committee

Profile coming soon…