The Governors of St. Peter’s have key responsibilities for setting the school’s aims and policies, deciding how money will be spent, managing the employment of staff, and the maintenance and development of the premises.
Most important of all, they have a main role in the overall purpose of their school; ensuring that the children at St. Peter’s receive the best possible education to unlock their potential.
The governing body works in partnership with the Headteacher, staff, parents, dioceses and the Local Authority to raise standards of achievement in the school. The Headteacher is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of the school.
Meet Our Governors
Chair of Governors / Foundation Governor
I have worked in education for more years than I would like to admit as a teacher and Headteacher in Sussex and in Africa! Then after 12 years with the LA in Greenwich as a schools adviser, I moved to Chichester Diocese in 2016 where I still work as a schools effectiveness adviser. I support two Diocesan Academy Trusts as a governance consultant and am a member of two Federation governing bodies. I have a long association with St Peter’s so am delighted to serve as a governor here.
I love books, so I am particularly pleased with our library and success in encouraging reading in school . I also like long walks in the countryside and by the sea and continue my travels in Africa each year.
I am the Chief Financial Officer for Hurstpierpoint College, a large co-educational 4-18 independent school in West Sussex, and the Hurst Education Trust, a rapidly growing Multi-Academy Trust of currently eight primary schools in mid-Sussex. Prior to joining the College in 2021, I held a number of school leadership positions including Business Manager and Director of Resources roles in both primary, secondary and special education environments, principally specialising in overseeing significant financial turnaround. Most recently I have worked in several positions including Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and latterly Deputy Chief Executive for a mid-sized academy trust. As Chief Financial Officer, I sit on the leadership teams for both the College and Trust, and leads the finance, HR, and other administrative teams, reporting directly to the Chief Executive.
Foundation Governor
During my time as a school Governor I have enjoyed witnessing St Peter’s flourish as a result of the collaboration and hard work of everyone associated with the school community. I am a qualified chartered accountant but for the last 16 years have worked in education. I qualified as a teacher in 2003 and for the last 7 years have been a secondary school headteacher and more latterly the CEO of a small Catholic and cross-phase multi-academy Trust.
Parent Governor
I have been a parent governor since 2020 and I have been teaching for over 22 years. I have held a variety of different roles both in the UK and abroad and I am particularly passionate about the early years.
My family and I moved to Henfield 3 years ago and have been welcomed into the community. We could not have hoped for a better start to our boys’ education.
I believe that childhood is precious and ultimately, we all just want our children to be happy. Success is best achieved by harnessing a child’s curiosity and a desire to explore a constantly changing world.
Foundation Governor
I have recently joined the governing body at St Peter’s after teaching at the school for several years. The school is a very special community where all children are supported, by a passionate and committed staff body, to unlock their potential.
I am currently studying for a PG Cert in Literacy Difficulties: Dyslexia with Birmingham University, alongside tutoring.
In my spare time, I love to play sports (especially netball and cricket) and relax with regular walks in the South Downs.
I have a degree in Psychology BSc (Hons) and have worked in both the health and forensic fields sector before undertaking a PGCE. I have taught in both the maintained and independent sectors and in all year groups across the primary phase. I have been a member of SLT in three schools over the past 15 years and have also been the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead during this time. I am currently working at a school in Hove and am a proud mum of two girls, enjoy being active outdoors and am very enthusiastic about having the beautiful countryside on my doorstep, having recently moved from the seafront to Henfield. I look forward to supporting the children and wider school community at St. Peter’s.
I moved to Henfield with my wife and son in 2016 and we were immediately made very welcome by the entire community. In 2017 our twin daughters were born, and all three children began their nursery schooling at Warren Playgroup before moving on to St Peter’s. I served on the playgroup’s parent committee and acted as Chairperson for the 2018/19 academic year.
My professional life involves working as a Watch Manager with East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and being an on-call firefighter in Henfield. I’ve had several different roles within the Fire Service, including responsibilities in operational planning, policy development, watch management and incident command training.
In my spare time I enjoy many sports including football, squash and golf and I’m a keen cyclist. I also referee and coach my son’s football team.
I took up the post of Rector of Henfield with Shermanbury and Woodmancote in late 2024, and as such am also a school governor. Prior to entering the Church, I was a Probation Officer and manager for 19 years and then a team manager in West Sussex County Council’s Children’s Safeguarding Team.
I have two sons in their 20s, and am conscious of the important part school plays in setting children up for a successful future in whatever they choose to do.
I’m delighted to be forging links with the teaching staff, parents and pupils of St Peter’s School, and am excited about sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in assemblies and classroom discussions.
In my spare time I enjoy cycling and amateur astronomy.
I joined the governing body in 2021 so that I could make a positive contribution towards our children’s education, happiness and wellbeing. I believe that their time at St Peter’s should inspire them to achieve their full potential, and the lessons learned here should be a solid foundation for their future success.
My wife and I moved to Henfield in 2007 and have two daughters. Our eldest daughter went to St Peter’s and our youngest is still here.
As an advertising Creative Director, I’m passionate about creative problem solving and inspiring creative thinking in others. I am a keen amateur cartoonist, an occasional marathon runner and share a passion for skateboarding with my youngest.
Parent Governor
Biography to follow
Co-opted Governor
I have been a governor since 2020 at St Peter’s and am excited to be able to help shape the future of the school.
I am passionate about education and strongly believe in the school’s responsibility to inspire children to strive towards achieving their personal best.
I am a teacher at a local secondary school, where I have held a variety of different roles. I am second in department in PE, Year 7 Academic Progress Leader and Transition Lead.
I moved to Henfield in 2019 with my family and have been very welcomed into the local community.
Clerk to Governors
I am very pleased to be joining St Peter’s as Clerk to Governors at the start of 2025. It is an exciting time for the school; I look forward to becoming part of the community and supporting the vital work of the governors. I have worked in education for 13 years in a variety of roles, most recently in a guidance role with sixth formers at a local independent school. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring our beautiful Sussex countryside with my young children.
Meeting Attendance
Declarations of Business Interests:
None as of September 2023
Minutes of Governing Body Meetings (PDFs)
| 2022 | |
| Signed Minutes 6.12.22 | Signed Minutes 27.9.22 |
| Signed Minutes 12.7.22 | Signed Minutes 17.5.22 |
| Signed Minutes 22.3.22 | Signed Minutes 25.1.22 |
| 2021 | |
| Signed Minutes 7.12.21 | |
| Signed Minutes 28.9.21 | Signed Minutes 13.7.21 |
| Signed Minutes 23.3.21 | Signed Minutes 26.1.21 |
