Our School Governors

Governors come from all walks of life but share a common interest – Brinkley Grove Primary School.

The governors are responsible for effective strategic management of the school, for the school budget, and for health and safety.  They help to set and monitor the school philosophy and policies, which is accomplished through meeting each half-term.  Governors do not make day-to-day decisions about the running of the school – this is the role of the Headteacher, supported by the staff.

The Governing Body is made up of representatives of the staff, parents, Local Authority and the community.  All are volunteers who give up their time freely to ensure the school is managed effectively and to the benefit of the children.

The Governing Board of Brinkley Grove Primary School does not have committees.

Associate Members do not have voting rights.

Terms of office are 4 years from date of appointment.

Terms of office for the Chair and Vice Chair are 2 years from the date of appointment.

Darren Smith
Headteacher
Appointed: 1 January 2015
Term: Ex-officio
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I have been the headteacher at Brinkley Grove since January 2015, having previous worked in 2 other schools in Colchester. After completing my studies at Liverpool university, I began my teaching career in Spain in 1998 where I developed a passion for seeing children develop and to become a part of their community. Being a governor allows us to give something back to the community and although it can be a demanding role, it is hugely rewarding.
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Christopher Martin
Chair
Appointed: 27 January 2021
Term: 2 Years
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I am a co-opted governor and a father of two, one of whom is at Brinkley Grove. I have over 20 years experience in local government finance and I am currently Head of Assurance at a large London borough. I am passionate about education, community and improving outcomes for all children. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, playing football and watching speedway.
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Peter Meacock
Vice Chair
Appointed: 1 February 2015
Term: 2 Years
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I have been a governor at Brinkley Grove since 2014 and have a long connection with the school. My two daughters attended the school from 1998 until 2003 and I currently have three grandsons at the school, in years 6, 3 and Reception. I also have an additional connection with education as my wife is the head teacher at Millfields Primary School in Wivenhoe.
For the past two years I have worked as a Health & Safety Manager for a company called OCS, working on a contract which provides facilities management services to a number of government departments. Previous to this I spent over 35 years working in the retail betting industry.
I became a governor as the school has been important to the education of two generations of my family and have found the role extremely rewarding.
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Kate Wadling
Staff Governor
Appointed: 12 May 2021
Term: 4 Years
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I am one of the staff governors and have been at the school since 2000. I am a Higher Level Teaching Assistant and work throughout the school assisting with cover for classes and supporting children in small group work. I am also the After Schools Clubs Co-ordinator. Both my children have been through Brinkley Grove School and thoroughly enjoyed their time here.
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Bronya Patmore
Associate Member
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I joined Brinkley as the deputy headteacher in 2013. This is the fourth school that I have a taught at, having previously taught every year group in other parts of Essex. Although I am not in a class, I am lucky enough to cover teachers across the school so I know all of the children! Being the school’s English subject leader means that I ensure that reading and writing is taught using the Talk for Writing approach which our children enjoy very much! When I’m not at school I try to persuade my sons, Jude and Theo, to leave their Xbox and venture outside! In my spare time I enjoy reading, running and drinking coffee.

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Eric Prince
Co-opted Governor
Appointed: 19 February 2021
Term: 4 Years
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I'm Eric Prince and a Co-opted Governor from 2018 and now the Local Authority Governor . I have volunteered for many years at the school helping year 2 with their reading and mathematics. I started this when my grandchildren were at the School . I fully retired in 2016 after a long career in local government working mainly for Suffolk County Council. My professional qualification is accountancy and I was an Assistant Director for strategic finance so hopefully I have some residual skills to assist the school achieve its objectives in this period of continuing financial constraints. My passion is to try and ensure that all pupils, whatever their skill base, develop and progress as far as they can in a caring and supportive school environment.
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Alison Bennett
Co-opted Governor
Appointed: 27 January 2021
Term: 4 Years
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I am Alison, a mum of two boys the youngest of whom is a pupil at Brinkley Grove.
I have governance experience both as a Primary School Governor and through work where I am the Governance Professional for a Multi Academy Trust. Prior to this I spent 13 years working for Essex Police coordinating projects across Criminal Justice Agencies. When I am not supporting the work of Governing Bodies in a work or voluntary capacity, I am a qualified athletics coach and coach at a local athletics groups two evenings a week.
I pleased to be able to volunteer my skills and knowledge to the governing body in their work to improve outcomes for all students.
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Sarah Everett
Parent Governor
Appointed: 10 February 2021
Term: 4 Years
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I have been a parent at Brinkley since 2014 and currently have 2 children at the school - another has completed their time at Brinkley and headed off to the Gilberd. In 2018 I became a volunteer listening to readers once a week. I've also have the pleasure of many school trips over the years - the beach and forest school being definite highlights!

I've been self employed for the last 10 years; I'm a family photographer specialising in outdoor photo shoots with families. I will never tire of capturing the connection between family members or observing children playing through my lens. Recently one of my sons has taken an interest in photography and it's been great fun teaching him.

I have a keen interest in child wellbeing, a focus on good mental health feels more important than ever. I hold a Certificate of Higher Education in Behavioural Studies.

I also volunteer my time to manage the school website.



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Ruth Marsh
Co-opted Governor
Appointed: 26 January 2022
Term: 4 Years
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I’m a parent of a Year 2 pupil at Brinkley, and have enjoyed becoming part of the friendly school community. I enjoy helping the school wherever possible, and I hope in my role as governor to assist in maintaining the happy and nurturing learning environment offered at the school.
I have worked in national media for over 20 years in account management, copyright and licensing. Within my company I am a member of the Working Parents network, Women's network, and the Diversity & Inclusion networks. My weekends are spent enjoying time with family and friends.
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Alison Carter
Staff Governor
Appointed: 23 June 2021
Term: 4 Years
Alyson Edwards
Partnership Governor
Appointed: 26 January 2022
Term: 4 Years
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I currently have a child in Year 2 and have always been struck by what a welcoming and child focused school Brinkley Grove is. Last year I began volunteering in KS1 and saw first hand what a dedicated staff we have, and just how much they give, well over and above, to ensure that our children are safe, happy and achieving.
I have a legal background and worked for ECC legal department for several years before retraining as a primary teacher...which was nearly 17 years ago now! I have a passion for nature and the outdoors and love to go on walks and bike rides with my family. I hope that my experiences and skills can be used in my role as governor and I'm looking forward to becoming more involved with the Brinkley community.
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