Chair of Governors, Co-Opted Governor
I moved to Upper Beeding, from Eastbourne, in the summer of 2015. Having left my position as a Primary School teacher as part of this move, I thought it would be good to be involved with the Governors at Upper Beeding. Five years later and I’m privileged to have the position of Chair.
As well as Chairing the Full Governing Body, I sit on the Quality and Standards committee and the Finance committee.
When not ‘being a Governor’ I am usually found at home working away in my cosy garden office for our family business.
I also love to spend time cooking up a storm in the kitchen, going on long dog walks on the river or Downs, or going for a swim – occasionally in the sea!
Chair of Quality and Standards Committee, Co-Opted Governor
I decided to join the Governing Body in 2019.
Having spent all of my career working in Human Resources in various businesses I wanted to share some of the skills I learned and contribute to the success of the school.
I grew up in Hove and moved to Henfield in 2014.
I currently work in London so having the opportunity to support a school in my local community means I can contribute to school events too.
As well as being part of the Full Governing Body, I also sit on the Quality and Standards Committee.
Chair of Premises Committee, Co-Opted Governor
I have worked as a teacher since 1984. After graduating from Exeter and Bristol I moved to mid- Wales where I taught biology and science to KS3-5. I moved to Upper Beeding in 1993 teaching in several secondary schools. During this time, I served as a Teacher Governor as well as being involved with Local Authority meetings and Health and Safety. In these roles I realised first-hand how good governance of schools is essential in providing a safe and secure working environment.
Throughout my professional career I have always been involved in the wider community with roles as diverse as St Johns Ambulance, substance misuse and HIV counselling services and recently as a trustee with The Galapagos Conservation Trust.
Local Authority Governor
I re-joined the Governing Body 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.
Chair of Finance, Pay and Performance Committee, Co-Opted Governor
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.
Co-Opted Governor
I joined the school Governing Body in March 2018.
I spent my working life in the education sector, the first 10 years as a classroom teacher, followed by various jobs in the education office of a London Borough. I finished up helping schools to meet the needs of children who needed some extra support to make the best of their time in school.
I have 2 grandchildren at Upper Beeding, and was happy to be asked to support the school which rightly has a great reputation for getting the best for all the children attending, realising that children only have one shot at getting a good start in their education and so in life.
Vice Chair of Governors, Chair of Pupil Welfare Committee, Co-Opted Governor
I joined the Governing Body in 2019.
I am originally from Crawley and spent much of my childhood on holiday in this area. I went to university in London and trained as a nurse, spending 10 years in the NHS, primarily in an intensive care setting.
I left the public sector to work for a private health services company, coordinating and undertaking aeromedical evacuations worldwide. I had an amazing time travelling the world, but when the globe-trotting became too much I moved on to a new challenge and spent the next 8 years heading up a team responsible for developing healthcare products, managing claims and negotiating commercial agreements.
Shortly after having my daughter in 2009 my husband’s job moved to the Middle East and we relocated there with him.
On our return to the UK in 2015 we settled in Steyning and our daughter attended the school until 2018. I was active within the FUBS team which I enjoyed immensely, and I am delighted to continue my involvement with this fantastic school. I sit on the Pupil Welfare committee.
Parent Governor
I joined the Governing Body in January 2019, wishing to support and contribute to Upper Beeding Primary School. I live in Upper Beeding with my wife Liz and our two children, both of whom are pupils at the school.
I have spent my career working with music departments in schools all over the UK, providing technology solutions for music education. I became self-employed a couple of years ago to continue this endeavour.
My interest and lifelong affection for music was discovered and developed at Upper Beeding Primary School, where I was a pupil myself during the 1980’s. My involvement in music at the school continues to this day with the parent’s choir.
Parent Governor
Having grown up in Hove, my wife and I moved to Upper Beeding in 2007. We were thrilled when our eldest son joined the school in 2018. We have been blown away by the standards and facilities the school has to offer. I am keen to play my part in supporting and helping to challenge the school to not only maintain, but build on, its incredible reputation.
Having no professional background in education, I bring an “outsiders” approach to the governing body. Using skills from my day job, I feel I am able to offer a pragmatic and sensible point of view on the challenges we are faced with. Being outside the eduction allows me to question if every decision we are making is the right one and not just the expected one.
I was honoured to join the governing body in 2019 and sit on both the Premises and Quality & Standards committees. My spare time is mostly taken up with playing golf, running, swimming and being used as a climbing frame by my two sons.
Staff Governor
I joined Upper Beeding Primary School in January 2013 and work in the School Office. The children here receive an excellent education in an incredibly special, nurturing environment. I absolutely love my job and feel very privileged to be part of such a wonderful school.
I was born in Eastbourne and then spent my childhood and school years in Horsham. I have always lived in Sussex except for two years during my twenties when I spent time near Stuttgart in Germany. I have a secretarial background and before I had my children I worked in a private bank, estate agency and for a national housebuilder. I worked part-time whilst bringing up my five children and returned to full-time work when my youngest child started school.
I now live in a village not far from Upper Beeding with my younger three children and pet dog, Joey. We often enjoy long walks over the South Downs or along the coast; we really do live in a beautiful part of the country. I have a very keen interest in health and nutrition and also enjoy keeping fit.
As well as being Staff Governor, I am also a member of the Pupil Welfare Committee.
Associate Member
I’m a Mum of twins in Year 1 at Upper Beeding and live in Small Dole, with Dad Christian and Ruby (our dog).
I have been a Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist for over 15 years and most of that time has been at Brighton and Hove CAMHS. I recently left the NHS to set up independent practice and focus more of my energy on family life. I am a strong advocate for looking after yourself and others emotional needs by living a healthy and balanced lifestyle. I think its really helpful to try new things in life or feel you can give things a go even if you are scared, most recently I went back to rowing after a 15 year hiatus. I wanted to be on the governing body to experience school life from a different perspective, contribute my professional skills but also because volunteering for something is good for the mind and it is not something I’ve really had the opportunity to do before, having spent all my adult life in education or working for healthcare.
Head Teacher
KS2 Assistant Head / Associate Member
I joined the teaching team at Upper Beeding Primary in 2006. During my previous teaching experiences, I have taught in KS1 and KS2 as well as working as a Mathematics Consultant in Croydon where I was responsible for overseeing 20 schools.
Before becoming a teacher, I worked for various retail stores as a Manager and Concept Designer. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, spending time with my family and going to music concerts and festivals. My son, Max, takes up most of any spare time I have with his sporting endeavours!
Finance Manager / Associate Member
Premises Manager / Associate Member
SENDCo / Associate Member