Meet the Governors

louise.brown@upperbeedingprimary.co.uk

Vacancy - Chair of Governing Board

Please contact Clerk in first instance whilst Chair is being recruited.

Mr Mike Hobbs

Local Authority Governor; started 2020.

Member of FGB and FPP&P Committee.

Vice Chair of Governing Board.

Maths Lead

I re-joined the Governing Board in 2020 having previously been a Governor at the school for several years until 2015.  I live in Bramber with my wife Tina and both our daughters enjoyed an excellent early education at the school (a little while ago as they’re both in their 20s now).

Originally from Manchester, I went to university in Bristol before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in London.  We moved to Sussex in 2000 when I started work at American Express.  In my first stint as a Governor, I focused primarily on the school finances and academic standards. 

I’m now retired and so have time to indulge my passions of fell-walking - the South Downs are a perfect training ground - and playing tennis, which still leaves time to contribute to UBPS which I think is a wonderful local school.  I’m currently on the Finance, Pay and Performance Committee, and the Quality and Standards Committee.

Mr Matt Andrews

Head Teacher Governor; started 2022

head@upperbeedingprimary.co.uk

Head Teacher.
Member of FGB and FPP&P Committee.

Mr Ralph Lane

Co-Opted Governor; started 2012.

Member of FGB and FPP&P Committee.

Chair of Finance, Pay, Performance and Premises Committee.

SEND and Inclusion Co-Lead, Finance Lead

I am a Community Governor who is interested in the shape of present and possible future cooperation agreements between primary schools. Educated originally in economics and finance, I am a solicitor who specialised in crime and civil litigation. Now, I only do some voluntary work including school admission appeal hearings. My wife and I live in Storrington so we can run and walk upon the Downs as often as possible.

Mrs Gemma Donald

Parent Governor; started 2021.

Member of FGB and FPP&P Committee.

Children Looked After Lead, Disadvantaged and Pupil Premium Children Lead, Attendance Lead, English and Phonics Co-Lead

I joined the Governing Board in 2021 following my daughter’s first school year at UBPS.
I grew up in Dorset, and have always enjoyed living in the countryside. I went to study Politics in Cambridge and continued there to do a PGCE and Masters in Primary Teaching, then worked in schools in Cambridgeshire and London.
After having my daughter and son, we moved to West Sussex to be nearer to family, and have been very happy settling in this beautiful part of the world. I enjoy reading, music and spending time with my family, and have a keen interest in schools and primary education. I am looking forward to being involved in governing UBPS and contributing to the local community in this way.

Mrs Helen Woodman

Co-Opted Governor, started 2023

Member of FGB.

Curriculum Co-Lead, English and Phonics Co-Lead

I joined the Governing Board in May 2023.
I really developed my love of learning when studying for my BA in International Studies with Political Science, and then MSc in Contemporary Russian And East European Studies, both at the University of Birmingham. After graduating, I returned home to Sussex and studied for a PGCE in Primary Education at the University of Brighton. I have worked as a primary teacher across KS2 at a local school since 2009 and am currently a Year 6 teacher and Curriculum Lead.
Despite moving to Upper Beeding in 2013, it was only after starting a family that I began to really appreciate the wonderful community in which we live and I like nothing better than being out and about exploring the countryside with my two young children.
I look forward to working with the Governing Board in order to support the inspirational education that UBPS provides.

Mr Lloyd Curtis

Co-Opted Governor, started 2023

Member of FGB.

Safeguarding and Child Protection Lead, GDPR, Website and Policy Compliance Lead

I joined the Governing Board in 2023 during my daughters first years at UBPS. My partner and I relocated to Upper Beeding in 2020 and have found this to be a fantastic place to settle.
I started my career as a Secondary School Teacher and taught in South Africa before relocating to London and teaching in various inner-city schools. I have fond memories of my time as a student in Primary and Secondary school, which was one of the reasons I went into teaching.
I moved into the education recruitment sector in 2006 and for the past 7 years I had been head of compliance for a national agency. I have now moved on to set up my own business.
As well as a passion for education, I enjoy gardening, mountain biking, running, the outdoors in general and of course, spending time with my young family.

Mrs Dee Taylor

Staff Governor; started 2024.

Member of FGB.

Wellbeing of Staff and Governors Lead

Mrs Danielle Robinson

Parent Governor, started 2025

Member of FGB.

Mr Kerry Parsons

Co-Opted Governor, started 2025

Member of FGB.

Mrs Rosie O'Hara

Finance Manager; Associate Member

Attends FPP&P Committee as required.

Mr James Hermon

Premises Manager; Associate Member

Attends FPP&P Committee as required

Mrs Sarah Denyer

SENCo; Associate Member; started 2024

Attends FGB and FPP&P Committee as required.

Miss Lou Brown

Clerk to the Governing Body, started 2001

louise.brown@upperbeedingprimary.co.uk

Clerk to FGB and FPP&P Committee
Training Lead

Vacancy - Co-Opted Governor

Vacancy - Co-Opted Governor

Vacancy - Co-Opted Governor