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!

Honey Clarke – Co-opted Governor – Co Vice Chair of Governors

I am a mum of two girls and passionate about supporting the community, I joined the Board of Governors in December 2018, bringing my expertise as a HR consultant of over 20 years. I am a  qualified coach and Fellow of the CIPD.

I am passionate about children’s development and education and helping to create an environment where everyone will flourish.  I have recently worked with a charity helping young people build key skills in order to secure employment and has also worked with employer groups to create new apprenticeship standards and apprenticeship training programs.

Matthew Coupe – Co-opted Governor – Co Vice Chair of Governors

I moved to the area with my family in 2014 and am delighted to have the opportunity to help my local community in my role as governor.  I work in banking for my day job and hope to use my skills in financial services and regulation as part of my role as governor.  I have a particular interest in SEN stemming from personal and family experience and I have previously been youth chair of dyslexia action.  Whilst I am not from an educational background it often feels like most of my family are educators.

Ann-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.

Our 18 year old daughter is about to sit A levels and we are 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!

Judith Koral – Co-opted Staff Governor (Northiam)

I came to work at Northiam as the teacher for Chestnut Class in January 2014 at a time when the school was in special measures. I have been part of the school’s journey from special measures to its present position. I am committed to the school. During my teaching career I have had experience in working in a variety of different
types of schools in a variety of roles including setting budgets. I have also been a Staff Governor at three of the schools, with particular responsibilities for Teaching and Learning and Assessment.
Outside school, I have continued to be involved in music, which is where I started my working life, and I am currently secretary for Senior Ice Hockey at Streatham.

Emma Ivil – Staff Governor (Hurst Green)

This is my 18th year of teaching and 3rd year at Hurst Green Primary School where I teach in Oak Class (Year 5/6). 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 Maths and PSHE lead, as well as Mental Health and Staff Wellbeing Champion. I am a mum of two boys and keep busy out of school (in between football matches) with our small-holding, where we have kept cows, sheep, chickens, turkeys and ponies. 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.

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.

Julia Bray – Head Teacher Governor (Northiam)

Sheila Day – Associate Governor

Please note: Associate governors do not have voting rights.

QF Governor Declaration of Interests 2019

Quercus-Roles-and-Responsibilities-2019-1

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