Who we are

Julia Bray – Headteacher Governor (Northiam)

 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.

Allison Flack – Headteacher Governor (Hurst Green) 

I have been working at Hurst Green since 2013, initially as a teacher before becoming Headteacher in January 2020. Prior to working at Hurst Green I taught at schools in East London, Hastings and Bexhill.  It has been a privilege and hugely rewarding working with governors, staff and children at Hurst Green over the years continuously improving the school. I am committed to providing the children in our school with the best education and opportunities that I can working together with the whole school community. The children are an absolute delight who never cease to impress me with their determination, hard work and positive attitude to school. I am very proud to work at Hurst Green with such a committed and hard-working staff and have relished the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of developing Hurst Green into the good school it is today.  

Rev. Annette Hawkins – Foundation Governor 

I am the Vicar of Holy Trinity, Hurst Green and St Mary, Salehurst in the United Benefice of Salehurst, Hurst Green and Robertsbridge.  I started my working life as a nurse, I then took a degree in Education and went on to work in project management, initially for a small local charity and afterwards for a national charity as the development manager and local authority childcare consultant for East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove.  I am married and have four adult children and five grandchildren.

Emma Ivil – Staff Governor (Hurst Green)

This is my 19th year of teaching and 4th year at Hurst Green Primary School where I teach in Oak Class (Year 6). I have taught all ages from Year 1-6 in a variety of schools including Goudhurst Primary School and Hollington Academy in St Leonards. I am currently English and PSHE lead, as well as Mental Health and Staff Wellbeing Champion. I am a mum of two boys who keep me busy.  I am also a keen bird-watcher, golfer and enjoy dancing. This is my first Governor role and I am looking forward to being part of the decision-making team across both Northiam and Hurst Green Primary Schools.

Judith Koral – Co-opted Staff Governor (Northiam)

To be provided

Elaine Lambert – Co-opted Governor – Chair of Governors

My husband and I moved to Etchingham in 2017, following our retirement. I have had a varied career. I started my working life as a computer programmer then became a secondary school maths teacher after starting a family, going on to become a head of department in a Further Education College.  I then joined the School Effectiveness team in the London Borough of Bexley as their mathematics consultant.  Finally, I worked as a publisher, responsible for secondary school maths textbooks and I still do some authoring and editing of maths resources. I also volunteered as a parent governor when my children were at their Church of England primary school.  I am passionate about helping children to reach their full potential, and as a governor in the local community I hope I can support schools to achieve this.  Other interests include cycling, walking, pottery and my grandchildren!

Anne-Marie Murphy – Co-Opted Governor

I joined the Board of Governors in December 2019, bringing ten years’ experience of project management in educational publishing at Cambridge University Press with me. I am a trained Secondary teacher who also specialized in Primary and Cambridge Exams, although lately I have taken a special interest in the areas of inclusivity and diversity in print and digital materials.

My 18 year old daughter is about to sit A levels and I am also active offering respite foster care to children across Sussex and Kent – the importance of offering an inclusive, safe, Christian environment for all children along with the school Leadership teams is what motivated me to join the governing body. I look forward to getting to know more about the life and work of the school!

Mike Lambert – Co-Opted Governor

My wife and I moved to Northiam around 4 years ago to be closer to our family. Previously we lived in the New Forest. We have found Northiam to be a great village with everyone being very friendly and helpful. I am very pleased to be able to volunteer as a Governor and contribute to the future success of Hurst Green and Northiam Church of England Primary Schools.

I have grand children, under the age of 11, and very much enjoy being a part of their development.

I am retired having spent a very enjoyable career in Operational Management for IBM and Western Digital. I am hoping that the combination of being a parent, a grand parent and my prior work experience will enable me to contribute to the future success of the schools.

Should you wish to contact the Chair of Governors, please approach the School Office or email elambert@quercusfederation.co.uk