Meet the Governors

A couple of years ago I retired from a career in education which included both secondary and primary schools. However I later specialised in the SEN sector and enjoyed the headship of three very different settings. Although I no longer work in education my passion for children’s learning has not diminished nor has my belief in every child having an equal opportunity to fulfil their true potential.
Two of my grandchildren very happily attend the school and I am honoured to play a part in the education of them and their peers.
In spare time I enjoy gardening, reading and taking part in Forest Schools. However time spent with the grandchildren is my biggest joy.
Term 24/02/2020 - 24/02/2024

I have over thirty years’ experience in education. Most of this has been in the primary sector. I started my career in Essex then I moved to Suffolk where I taught in a range of primary and middle schools before becoming a Headteacher of a small village church primary then a large town-based church primary school.

After eleven years of Headship, I moved to my current role as School Effectiveness Officer for the Diocese of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich’s Education Team. A role that I have held for the past seven years. I remain excited and inspired by the role which still offers fresh challenges all the time. It is a great privilege to serve our church schools across the Diocese. The flexibility of the role allows me to do this in a wide range of ways.
Having served as a Headteacher in busy church primary schools myself, I am well aware of the challenges and pressures faced by everyone who works in schools. I have a long association with Elveden C of E Primary School and the people here, so I was honoured when approached to support the school as a Trustee.

Term: 11/07/2020 - 11/07/2024

I had my first experience of being a governor as a parent of a child at Forest academy in 2013. After some years I became Co-chair across both Forest and Elveden, which involved becoming a governor at Elveden. During these two years I became very familiar with the school and it’s wonderful family ethos. I have loved the time I have spent with the staff and children of Elveden in this capacity.

After having a change in life circumstances, I could no longer commit the time required to continue as a governor and so offered my limited time as a Member. This allows me to keep contact with the school and to support in a way that works for me.

I am a mum of 3 boys who are 15, 11 and 7 and work in early years so have a particular interest in that area of education. Before having my children I was a research scientist and so also take a keen interest in science within the school too. I have two additional volunteer roles which have given me finance and risk assessment experience as well as experience with a variety of other volunteers, which I feel helps me to provide support to the school. I feel privileged to be able to be part of such a lovely school community and hope that I am able to bring something positive of my own.

Term - 19/11/2019 - 19/11/2023

The reason why I wanted to take on a governor role was to not only learn more about how these vital mechanisms work within our school system, but also to share my expertise in various areas of the curriculum. Currently, I am subject lead in Physical Education, RSE, Mental Health & Well-being and Forest schools. I am also one of the schools Designated Safeguard Lead and trainee SENCO. What’s more, working ‘on the front line’ and training for my SENCO role has enabled me to look from a governor’s perspective with my ‘pastoral’ head on. I am also an active learner, who thrives in a challenge, so feel I would definitely become an asset to our governing body.

Term 13/04/2021 - 13/04/2025

My daughter currently attends Elveden Academy and enjoys the opportunities provided by the school and has benefited from the care and expertise of the experienced and dedicated staff.
I am the Business and Development Manager of Podiatry Firm and have experience of HR, finance and policy making.
I take great pleasure in supporting the school by helping out two afternoons per week and also by attending the Forest School sessions.
I have a background in Primary School Education and hope I can help to maintain the high educational standards at Elveden Academy both now and in the future.

Term 24/02/2020 - 24/02/2024

With two boys attending Elveden Academy I feel it would be a privilege to become part of
the governing body of this wonderful, nurturing and forward-thinking school.
My professional background is in Architecture and having started my career at N.P.S I have
worked with many schools going through construction work to expand and improve their
facilities. I now run my own Building Energy Consultancy with a clear focus on low-energy
buildings.
I would welcome the opportunity to help the school in any way I can for the benefit of the
children and the Elveden Village community, where I live with my family.
When I am not busy with my boys, I can be found walking our dogs or cycling through the
local forests.

Term 29/09/2021-29/09/2025

I am delighted to become a Governor at Elveden Academy. During my research into children’s spirituality and well- being I worked with children from Elveden and was impressed by their openness, compassion and inquisitive nature. I am pleased to return to the school and become part of the community.
My early career began in medical social work working in a rehabilitation centre with adults and young people which led me to develop a deeper understanding of the potential of those with Special Needs.
Much of my background has been in primary education within church schools as a religions specialist, also as head of religious education in secondary schools. I was the education officer at the Julian Shrine and continue to assist with schools at the Walsingham Shrine.
As a licensed Elder in the Church of England I am privileged to work in the parishes of Elveden, Santon Downham and Lakenheath.
I have two daughters and grandchildren of pre-school and Reception age.
Term: 03/10/2022 - 03/10/2026

It's an honour to become a governor at Elveden Church of England Primary academy as this will allow me to contribute further to my local community and support the school in providing the best possible experiences and education for students. This is so important in helping young people to flourish and develop lifelong skills.

My background is in the health sector, particularly mental health and wellbeing and I hope to bring many transferable skills across to the role of governor. I am a busy mum of two and currently work as a psychotherapist. We have a dog, cats and chickens at home, and we enjoy living near the forest, with all the lovely walks on offer.
Term: 03/10/2022 - 03/10/2026

I am so delighted to be a Governor at Elveden. I have been lucky enough to volunteer at the school a number of times over the years. Elveden is everything I wish I had growing up.
I work in the Sustainability industry and am a keen climate activist. I hope that during my time as a Governor I can advise on how Elveden can adapt and grow sustainably and encourage environmental consciousness in its staff and students.
Term: 14/04/2023-14/04/2027

I have been involved in education for many years and taught in a Middle School both before and after my ordination. My experience was not only in the classroom but also in school management, timetabling, budgets and policy.
I am the adopted father of three children and so, have experienced schools as a parent of children with special educational and emotional needs.
I was ordained in 1990 and am now Rector of three parishes, Elveden, Santon Downham and Lakenheath. I have a chocolate Labrador and enjoy walking, cooking and gardening.

Term 17/01/2018 - 07/05/2023

I am delighted to be a governor at Elveden Academy and it is with great pride that my son Alfred has started his educational journey here too.
I have had the opportunity to assist with many school activities including running the after school art club, it is an honour to engage with the children in an extremely fun and creative way.

When Fred’s at school I run my own business designing and making bespoke furniture and footstools, it’s a real pleasure to have the autonomy and flexibility this provides.
As a family we love the great outdoors and traditional country pursuits. I also enjoy pottering about the garden, playing Lego with my son and creating a warm relaxed family home.

Term 24/02/2020 - 08/03/2024