Who we are

Julia Bray – Headteacher Governor

 I started working at Northiam in 2016. Prior to working at Northiam I taught at schools in Kent and Hastings.  I have also been involved as a Governor at our Federation school, Hurst Green.  I have really enjoyed being part of this school’s journey, working alongside the incredible staff, governors, parents and children as this school has grown and developed over time.  I have learnt so much in my time at Northiam and value the responsibility and duty to this community that involves me continuing to develop myself and others. I aspire to lead a school to deliver an outstanding educational provision.  I would like every child to have an abundance of opportunities given to them, to develop the whole child, build strength in character, resilience and self-esteem so that all children receive an equitable start in education to propel them into adult life. I am incredibly proud to be a member of Northiam Primary School and to have this opportunity to continue to help this village school grow.

Judith Koral – Chair of Governors (Trust Governor)

I first became acquainted with Northiam School when my husband and I moved from London to live in Bethersden. What was supposed to be three weeks supply teaching became several years until I finally retired for the second time. Even so I still pop in to help.

I started off my teaching career teaching clarinet, I then retrained and moved into teaching in primary schools in and around London. Although I had been a governor before, my first time as a governor at Northiam was when Northiam joined with Hurst Green to form the Quercus Federation. I am now proud to be on the Governing Board for Northiam with responsibilities for Health and Safety and SIAMS. I believe passionately about helping children to reach their full potential, and as a governor I do everything I can to support the school to enable this to happen. My other interests include reading, knitting, walking, supporting ice hockey and my two grandchildren.

Cathy Slow – Trust Governor

I have worked in education over many years, in middle, primary, SEN services and higher education. I have been a governor in several schools, in East Sussex and in Devon, and chair of a federation. Since moving to Kent, I have worked with schools in Chichester diocese and with national groups, with the DfE, on admissions and governance. Northiam is a happy and caring place and DCAT is a supportive trust with clear plans for the future of the schools within it. I am pleased to be supporting as a member of the local governing board and as chair.

Cathy Slow MBE

Gabby Chamberlain – Parent Governor

I began my career as a Montessori teacher way back in the late 1990s, following some time working in childcare and as a private nanny after finishing my A-levels. So I have always been really interested in child development and education. I have also volunteered in some inner city secondary schools in London, talking to children about my career journey and the highs and lows of adult working life!

In more recent years, I have worked in the area of safeguarding, and tackling abuse and vulnerability in central government departments, including the Home Office where I am now. I have worked on policy related to child sexual abuse and exploitation, domestic abuse and countering extremism and wider issues related to tackling abuse and exploitation in children, young people and adults. Safeguarding and protecting vulnerable children and adults from abuse is at the heart of what I do. It matters a lot to me. 

I have a child at the school who is thriving – for me, Northiam really stood out in terms of its child centred approach and access to a broad range of learning across the curriculum and beyond i.e. Friday Focus.

Troy Benn – Parent Governor

Having served as an officer for the Metropolitan Police for over 20 years now, I am very familiar with a range of issues that affect and impact the lives of children and their families. I have worked in numerous safeguarding roles aimed at protecting vulnerable members of the community, I feel this knowledge will complement the experience of the other governors, while providing understanding to local community needs. I am currently a Detective Inspector working on the Grenfell Tower enquiry.

I’ve always taken an active interest in local community life, and started volunteering from a young age with the Sussex Police Cadets. Later on, I took the role of Chairman at Rye Rugby Club and enjoyed making positive contributions to its success.

Northiam is a great example of how that sense of community is integral to a happy childhood. I have a keen interest in learning more about how the Early Years Foundation Stage sets a child up for life, and can see that that positive attitude and caring nature of all the teachers here is already having a big impact on my own child’s learning and growth.

Natalie Neville – Staff Governor

I joined the governing body as a staff governor in March 2023. I have a Bachelor of Arts Honors Degree in Primary Education, and have been teaching since 2015. I joined Northiam Primary School in 2020. I have taught children aged 3-8 in various state school. I have experience leading curriculum subjects including: Modern Foreign Languages (MFL), Music, PE, Forest School, Geography and Early Years (the latter three I currently lead at Northiam). I greatly enjoy spending time outside and have gained my Level 3 Certificate in Forest School Leadership, which I run at Northiam. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and playing lots of netball.

Should you wish to contact the Chair of Governors, please approach the School Office or email: jkoral@northiam.school