Governing Body Structure and Membership

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’.

Lucy Arnold-Courtney

Foundation Governor (Parochial Church Council)

I have recently joined the governing body of St Mary's Primary School as a Foundation Governor. In my professional life, I am the Associate Director for Progression and Pre-Degree studies at the University of the Arts London and am Governor at the William de Ferrers Academy in South Woodham Ferrers (as Chair) and the Global Academy University Technical College in London. I live locally and my son attends St Mary's. I am committed to supporting our school, its pupils, and its staff in their pursuit of personal development, achievement, and success.

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’.

Karis Galliano-Croucher

Parent Governor

This is my first role as a Parent Governor. I am attending training courses and seminars in order to fill my full potential in the role. I am passionate about St Marys and will do all I can to help support and challenge the Headteacher and teaching staff to continually strive to make the school even better than it is. In my professional life, I have worked in the design and marketing industry for over 25 years helping to transform my clients' businesses and brands.

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.

Geraldine Denham-Hale: Headteacher

Staff Governor

I am extremely proud to have been the Headteacher of St Mary’s for 19 years, which means that I am able to play a full and active part on the school’s governing body. I thoroughly enjoy my role, which covers every aspect of the running of the school, including staffing, finance, health and safety and, of course, the children’s learning! I aim to ensure that our school continues to go from strength to strength so that there are no limits to the achievements of St Mary’s children.

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 then became a parent helper and for the last 10 years I have been employed in various roles, and currently as an SEN 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.

Ruth Jenkins (Diocesan Board of Education)

Foundation Governor

I'm a Diocesan Board of Education Governor with responsibility for Christian distinctiveness and committed to supporting the school and its Christian values. I have been an elder of the Burnham United Reformed Church including Methodists for the last eleven years. I have worked as a teaching assistant at two other primary schools and have always liked to help children reach their full potential. I have also taught your people BSL for their Duke of Edinburgh Award skills.

Anna Macartney: Deputy Headteacher

Associate Governor

Awaiting profile