I am writing with news that, John Ludlow, who was the Deputy Chair, has been duly elected to succeed Michael as Chair and Anne Lynch becomes Deputy Chair. We are extremely grateful to Michael for his contribution to Downside’s development at a crucial time.
After giving exceptional service as a Governor for four years the last of which has been as Chair, Michael Bernard has made the decision to step down from the Board for personal reasons. Michael has played a central role in setting the School’s direction since it became a separate trust in 2019. John Ludlow is very familiar with Downside. He is both an Old Gregorian himself and a parent of an Old Gregorian and he has been a member of the Governing Body for nearly five years. He has a wealth of experience at senior board level, having been the CEO of AIRMIC, after a successful career as Senior Vice President at the InterContinental Hotels Group. As Deputy Chair he has had a vital part in helping to create and put into operation the School’s Business Plan in line with its strategy.
Anne Lynch is a modern and classical linguist who brings significant educational experience as a teacher and senior leader, having worked in UK Independent Boarding and Day Schools for over 30 years. She has recently retired as Principal of The Royal School, Haslemere, where she successfully led the transition from single sex to co-educational provision, having previously been the Deputy Head (Academic) at Worth School. Anne is also a Governor at an Independent Boarding and Day School in Ascot and a Director of a French educational charity based in the Auvergne.