Reuben Thompstone

For over 20 years, I have lived and worked in and around North London, as a teacher and tutor, in a number of subjects and across age ranges. I have been a Head of Year and an Assistant Headteacher. I have had responsibility for raising teaching standards, providing quality assurance, leading examinations, and designing and monitoring curricula in my teaching role.

I am an experienced Governor with time as both a staff Governor and as a Local Authority Governor at three other local schools in Barnet. I have chaired governing body committees dealing with finance, human resources, premises, SEN and safeguarding and also spent a year as the chair of governors in another lovely local primary school. I have personally visited or hosted over 50 Barnet schools in my professional life and was honoured to be invited to bury the time capsule for St Johns in 2018 when I was the Mayor of Barnet.

I am passionate about education, particularly in the early years. I believe these are crucial in building the foundation for future success in our children. My son loves attending St Johns and we all appreciate the opportunities provided through the creative curriculum, student voice, and range of after school clubs. I have raised nearly £20k, during my mayoralty, for two local charities who support children and young people. I also enjoy being a member of the Worshipful Company of Educators since 2019 and the charitable work of this fine institution.

I was a member of Barnet’s Standing Advisory Committee for Religious Education (SACRE) and a trustee of the Arts Depot. I was a founding member of the steering group for the Barnet & Culture for Youth (now CEP) and promote the creative arts in Barnet schools whilst upholding the highest standards and expectations in learning. I volunteer at the III Friern Barnet cubs as Baloo. I also serve the St Johns PTFA as treasurer. I continue to teach and tutor part time alongside my voluntary commitments.