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Chris Burns

Having been a teacher for 38 years, 22 of them at East Bergholt High School, I originally became a Governor to help foster stronger links between the Primary and High School during a period of significant change in education. During this period, I was Deputy Head and then Acting Head of the High School, gaining a range of experience that I have been able to bring to my role at the Primary School. Having retired in July, 2019, I currently work with a high school in Colchester on intervention strategies. I also act as a Specialist Assessor for examination access arrangements.

Away from my role in education, I am grandad to four, three of whom attend local Primaries. Talking to them about their experiences of school helps me to understand the sector that they are in. I am a keen runner, avid reader and music fan. When time allows, I play 5 a side, watch Colchester United and support Preston North End!

Ian Thoroughgood

All schools have a limited amount of money, time and goodwill with which to help us bring up our children and I feel that the governors of a school are a key element of ensuring these are used in the best way to achieve the right outcomes.

My work life to date has been a combination of education and accountancy. Having qualified as a secondary teacher in an inner-city London school I then changed careers into accountancy where for 10 years I was involved in auditing and advising companies. Becoming a dad meant a change of gear work wise and I so I now combine both roles as I work for a training provider to teach people how to pass their accountancy exams.

As a parent governor I always aim to use my experience to help the school be the best it can be and with three children who will pass through the school over the next 10 years I also aim to bring the perspective of a parent into any discussions.

Richard Wheatley

Having moved to the village in 2019, I joined the governing body as a parent governor in November 2020. My eldest daughter has recently started in Reception Year and I am passionate about supporting the learning and engagement of all of the children at the school. 

In my day job I am an actuarial advisor to trustees of occupational pension schemes, a role that brings many diverse challenges as schemes seek to improve the funding and security of their members’ benefits.  Through my 15 years as an actuary, I have developed a wealth of experience in financial planning, budgeting, negotiation and promoting good governance.

Simon Rothwell

Hello, I’m Simon Rothwell and I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in January 2020. My family have lived in East Bergholt since 2009 and I have a daughter at the school who started in Reception in 2019. As a family we regularly attend Family at Church at St Mary’s and I was delighted to have been approached by the church to be offered the opportunity to serve the school community.

I’m currently a regular commissioned officer in the Army but will be retiring in due course after 23 years’ service as an RGN and, prior to this, 6 years in the NHS. I have previously been co-opted to governance roles within the charitable sector, education and within a variety of healthcare organisations. My wife, Victoria, is a senior midwife at Ipswich Hospital, and I have two older daughters who are both in secondary education and live in Southend, where I was also a parent governor at their infant and junior schools.

Jen Arnold

My eldest son started at East Bergholt Primary School in 2020, and my youngest will start in a few years’ time.  During this time, I have been incredibly impressed with the care he has received and the impact of the new leadership has already been seen. 

I have first-hand experience of the education system, having been teaching for 15 years.  I have taught across the primary phase and have been a senior leader for many years including holding the position of assistant headteacher, English leading teacher and SENCO. 

Due to my experience and passion for education, I am not afraid to ask difficult questions.  It is the role of the governors to ensure that all children are safeguarded and are enabled to achieve their full potential.  As a senior leader, I am well versed in liaising with governors and have an excellent understanding of the role.  I have close links with the local nursery and have supported in transition to the school.  As a family, we attend Family Church and support St. Mary’s in any way we can. 

Cath Breckell

I have thirty years’ experience working in education in the High School sector; twenty of those in Senior Leadership in a number of High Schools.  I am currently Deputy Headteacher of a large High School in Ipswich and have been in that role for fifteen years.  I certainly don’t profess to be an expert in the primary phase.  However I do think that there are many things that connect and transfer that I hope might be useful to the Governing Body at East Bergholt CEVC Primary School.  I have been an Ofsted inspector and worked alongside schools in the most difficult circumstances.  I want the very bet for all children, especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged in society.  I have insight into this areas as a parent and school leader. 

I have experience in curriculum design and planning as well as leading on staffing and HR.  I have written successful bids; raising significant funds and led on subsequent building programmes and site development to improve school facilities and grounds.  Most important of all though, I am mum to two happy and lively children in Year 4.  Since they joined the school in 202, I have been fully involved in their education and supported the school and its events wherever e I can.  My aim is to support the school to continue their work in ensuring all our children are happy and thrive throughout their primary years. 

Naomi Walker

I am a parent and teacher passionate about supporting East Bergholt Primary School and its community. As a mother of two, including a child with additional needs, I have valuable insight into how schools support children with SEND and their families. I am keen to represent your concerns and prioritise the happiness and wellbeing of all children in decision-making.

With experience as an Assistant Headteacher in both a local village school and a large urban school, I bring a strong understanding of the challenges schools face and can support staff and leadership effectively. I currently lead curriculum development, focusing on high-quality teaching and enriching children’s learning through creative arts, outdoor experiences and trips.

As a parent governor, I will use my professional expertise and personal experiences to contribute to the school’s continued success, promoting inclusivity, kindness and academic achievement.