Mr James Bader (Parent elected governor)
I have varied experiences in supporting young people to develop, including: ten years of service in the Royal Marines, culminating in becoming an instructor at the Commando Training Centre; ten years working in further education, where I gained my teaching qualification and became a mentor for the University of Greenwich for trainee teachers; and more recently overseeing delivery of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Kent and East Sussex.
With two children at St Nicholas, I have a vested interest in ensuring that the school continues to deliver an aspirational and experiential learning experience for all pupils.
Mrs Lynne Bright – Clerk to the Governing Body (Trust appointed)
Lynne joined the Trust in 2023, after four years being employed by Kent Police organising and monitoring the MARAC meetings for victims of Domestic Abuse across Ashford, Canterbury and Folkestone. Lynne’s background prior to Kent Police is predominately within Education and she worked within this sector for over 30 years. During this time her employment ranged from Education Welfare Officer through to Student Welfare Officer/Designated Safeguarding Lead in a Further Education College. Lynne has gained many qualifications during her employment and is also a qualified lecturer.
Christopher Dale (Ex-officio by virtue of office as Headteacher)
Part of my role as headteacher is to work closely with the governors. I report important updates about attainment and progress of the children and make sure that I let them know of the wonderful things we do in school, as well as let them know about things we need to do to improve further.
The governors read the information I send to them and they ask me many questions about the information, this is all recorded and the minutes go to the Trust Board.
I also plan for the governors to come into school to visit the children and see what their day to day experience is like. I am proud to work with the governing body to make our school as special as it is.
Samantha Dennison (Trust appointed governor)
My family and I moved to New Romney 8 years ago. Prior to moving to the area, I had previously worked for the police and as a pastoral support lead in a secondary school. When settled after our move to ‘The Marsh’ I found employment as a classroom teaching assistant (TA) and also a 1:1 TA supporting children with special educational needs. I finally finished my school career as an attendance officer. During this time I was also responsible for establishing a wraparound care facility ensuring staffing was adequate, risk assessments completed, my safeguarding knowledge and those of the wrap around staff was up to date; while also liaising with OFSTED – I don’t think there’s an agency I haven’t worked with yet!
After leaving education, I joined South East Coast Ambulance Service and started a new career path. Working on the ambulances and providing frontline emergency care and treatments to those who are in need. I am currently in the process of progressing on a career path which will see me (hopefully) become a fully-fledged Paramedic. I have started my enrolment on my first year of a paramedic science degree.
Both my children have attended St Nicholas with my youngest leaving recently for secondary school. I hope to continue my relationship with the school by giving back what I can with my knowledge and skill set.
Lyn Edwards (Chair of Governors – Trust appointed)
As a recently retired School Executive Assistant who loved her job, I am excited to have joined the governing body at St Nicholas CE Primary School.
Having recently moved to New Romney, I wanted to get involved in the local community and so decided to apply to be a school governor. It’s a good way to volunteer the skills I’ve developed working in schools and the education system.
Contributing to my local community through school governance was something I felt was important to do. I wanted to assist school governing boards meet their strategic objectives, influence decision-making. Ultimately, I’m motivated to help the children of St Nicholas to aspire and fulfil their individual aspirations.
Dr Emily Jane Hayday, PhD (Trust appointed governor)
I’m a senior lecturer at Loughborough University London, within the Institute for Sport Business. I work with master’s and PhD students, I enjoy teaching and helping students with their own research projects. I completed my PhD at the University of Kent looking at the London 2012 Olympic Games and the associated sports participation legacy. My research interests relate to social impact and opportunities that surround sport, especially examining online spaces (social media and sport environments) to identify both positive and negative practices that occur in virtual environments.
I’m passionate about education, curriculum development and sport provision and believe during primary school there is a unique opportunity to support young people to develop the foundations required for educational attainment, lifelong hobbies, and possible future careers. I live in New Romney and have a son who attends St Nicholas. I look forward to being an active member of our school community and supporting the school through my role as a governor.
Rev Chris Hodgkins (LGB appointed)
I’m Reverend Chris Hodgkins and I’m Team Rector for the Romney Marsh Benefice. Together with my colleagues I look after 14 churches from Fairfield to Dymchurch and Lydd to Burmarsh. I am married to Julie and we have 4 grown up children, 2 dogs, a cat and chickens.
I look forward to my weekly visits to St Nicholas CE Primary Academy for Collective Worship. The children never cease to amaze me with their answers to my questions and their singing is brilliant. I particularly like meeting with the worship leads to listen to their ideas about worship and how they can help in the community. I also love to see year groups come to St Nicholas Church for services that they lead so well. I always come away feeling blessed by God.
Mrs Julie Lowe – Governance Professional (Trust appointed)
Julie has been involved in education in one form or another since 1995, when she qualified as a teacher. Her school-based experience included class teaching across the Early Years Foundation Stage and in Years 1 and 2, as well as in the role of Head of Pre-Prep in two local independent schools. Julie then went on to become an Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspector, before moving away from teaching in 2015 and training as a Reporting Inspector in 2016. Julie has also been a School Governor for a Kent based independent school, as a member of the Curriculum Committee and the named SEND Governor. Julie joined the Trust in January 2024.
Penelope Mackrell (LGB appointed)
I am a retired nurse, having spent 32 years working for the NHS.
As an active member of St Nicholas church, I enjoy serving the church and the community.
Since 2015 I have volunteered at the academy, mainly listening to year 1 read, and on the odd occasion helping out on trips.
As school governor with responsibility for Christian Distinctiveness, I hope to strengthen and support the Christian ethos, inspiring each child to achieve their full potential within a caring Christian community, and build on the good work already done within the academy.
Victoria Turner (Deputy Headteacher, staff elected governor)
I have been part of the team at St Nicholas C E Primary Academy for five years. As the Deputy Headteacher, I lead on supporting the curriculum leaders and assessment. I am excited to be part of the Governing Body and to have the opportunity to help shape and continue to strengthen our school and community.
Outside of school, I like to read and go to the gym.
Sarah Webb (Trust appointed)
I am a single mum of two, with a child who attends St Nicholas.
I have worked in finance since leaving university and I am currently director of two businesses, The Snack Shack in Dungeness this is a family business and SLM Waste Management Ltd which I run alongside my Business Partner.
I have 2 dogs and I am a keen walker and animal lover; baking is another one of my passions I tend to do a lot for the Snack Shack which keeps me busy!
A coffee morning is a favourite of mine and I like to socialise with others over a hot cup of something. Life is busy and sometimes challenging but keeps me out of trouble and I thrive on it which is a good thing!
Dr Kathleen Webb (Trust appointed)
I was previously a secondary science teacher and Head of biology, but currently work for a large MAT designing a science curriculum programme. Before my teaching career, I worked in research science, completing a PhD in molecular biology.
I am passionate about equity in education and providing a knowledge rich curriculum that supports the development of all children. I live in New Romney and my daughter attends St. Nicholas, so I am very dedicated to supporting the academy by using my expertise from my career in education.
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