Governing Body Structure and Membership

Governor Details and Register of Interests September 2025

St Mary’s School is a Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary school which means that the majority of the members of the Governing Body are foundation governors. Our Instrument of Governance states that the Governing Body will consist of 12 members, appointed as follows:

Two parents, elected by the parents of St Mary's School.
One Local Authority, appointed by Essex Local Authority.
Two staff, including one elected by the staff of St Mary's School, plus the Headteacher in an ex-officio role.
Seven foundation, including two appointed by the Diocesan Board of Education; three appointed by St Mary's Parochial Church Council; one appointed by the Burnham United Charity and the Vicar of St Mary's as an ex-officio position.

In addition, the Governing Body has appointed an additional Associate Governor to support the work of the school, who does not have voting rights.

All governors, except for those in an ex-officio role, are appointed for a three year term of office.

More information about the structure and responsibilities of our Governing Body may be found in the links at the top of this page. A short profile of each of our Governing Body members may be found below.

Enquiries to the Governing Body may be addressed to the Chair of Governors, Mr Stephen Kimber, via the school office on 01621 782626 or by email to skimber@st-marys-burnham.essex.sch.uk

The clerk to the Governing Body is Mrs Susan Grocock, who may be contacted by email to susan.grocock@junipereducation.org

Governor Profiles

Stephen Kimber: Chair of Governors

Parent Governor

I was re-elected as chair in November 2023. Like all our governors, I am committed to supporting the head teacher and her team, to ensure our children receive the highest quality education in a nurturing and supportive environment. Having spent the last 30+ years with a multi national blue chip company, I hope I can bring some of those skills and experience to benefit St Mary's.

Lyn Baldock: Vice Chair

Foundation Governor (Diocesan Board of Education)

I am committed to supporting the school and its Christian values to ensure all pupils are given the opportunity to reach their full potential. My son enjoyed his time at St Mary’s which encouraged me to become a governor so that I could ‘give something back’.

Susan Cambridge

Foundation Governor (Diocesan Board of Education)

I am delighted to join the Governing Body of St Mary’s. I am committed to supporting the school and its Christian values. All children deserve the opportunity to develop and flourish in a safe and caring environment which challenges them to achieve their full potential.
Whilst I am now retired, I worked in Education for 35 years in both mainstream and SEND schools. I believe the varying levels of responsibility I held give me a very good understanding of school life. Being retired enables me to give my time and experience to the role of Governor in this school.

Ollie Manning

Parent Governor

Information coming soon

Janet Stead

Foundation Governor (Parochial Church Council)

I have been a Foundation Governor at St Mary's Primary School for eight years. I am committed to supporting the school and its Christian values to ensure all pupils are given the opportunity to reach their full potential. My daughter loved her time at St Mary’s and has recently left University. It was her love of the school that encouraged me to become a governor so that I could ‘give something back’.

Sue Waller

Foundation Governor (Parochial Church Council)

I joined the Governing Body of St Mary’s two years ago. I have been involved in education for over thirty years and have had extensive experience in a large primary school, where over the years I had many roles: PE leader; Design and Technology Lead: Computing lead: a qualified SENDCo and Deputy Head. I taught every age range in the school and loved having my own classes.

Since retiring, I have continued to be involved with Early Career Teachers and have spent time as a Mentor and Induction Tutor, helping new teachers to settle into their teaching careers.

I am happy to support St Mary’s School with my time and experience.

Ian Harris

Local Authority Governor

I am a Governor representing the Local Authority and I had a child at the school, who has now moved to secondary school. I am now retired but my last job was CEO for Asia for a US Software firm and I was based in India and Thailand. Previously I was the finance manager of a bicycle company and I hope to draw on this experience in my role as Finance Governor. I am also Treasurer and Trustee of the Burnham United Charity.

Anna Macartney: Headteacher

Staff Governor

I am truly honoured to begin my journey as Headteacher of St Mary’s this year. In this role, I have the privilege of contributing fully and actively to the school’s governing body. I take great pride in my responsibilities, which encompass every aspect of school life — from staffing, finance, and health and safety, to, most importantly, the children’s learning and wellbeing. My goal is to ensure that St Mary’s continues to flourish, providing every child with the opportunity to aspire, believe, belong and achieve.

Revd Suzie Fryer

Foundation Governor (Ex-officio)

I have been Priest-in-Charge of St Mary’s Church Burnham since November 2021, and am committed to helping St Mary's School and St Mary’s Church support and encourage each other. Prior to my appointment here in Burnham, I was curate in four churches in Grays, with links to three primary schools. My role at St Mary’s school has two aspects; I am the parish priest to the school community as well as being a governor. Leading collective worship at the school every Friday morning is always one of the highlights of my week.

Jonathan Fryer

Foundation Governor (Parochial Church Council)

I have been an information governance professional for over 25 years, and am currently Head of Corporate Information Management and Data Protection Officer for the British Library. I am also a trustee/director of the Benfleet Schools Trust, a Multi-Academy Trust where I have specific responsibility for the oversight of risk management for two Good or Outstanding secondary schools. I have recently become a foundation governor of St Mary's in order to support the school with my professional expertise.

Susan Brookes

Staff Governor

My journey at St Mary's began in 2007 as a parent. I became a parent helper and since 2014 I have been employed in various roles at the school. I am currently a SEND LSA and a member of the breakfast club/tea-time team. I am committed to the school and helping our children reach their full potential.

Sarah Robins

Local Authority Governor

Information coming soon