Governors

As a Governing Body, we provide strategic leadership in the school and hold the school’s senior leadership to account.

The full Governing Body meets at least six times a year, once each short term.  Our governors are a mix of parents, members of the local community, members of staff and representatives of the Rochester Diocese.  Our governors are as below:

Mrs Polly Sharman

Chair of Governors  – Co-opted Governor (Appointed 12/09/18 for 4 years)

Attended 6 of 6 meetings in previous year 2017/18.

‘I have been a Governor of Trottiscliffe Primary School for many years.   I took over the role of Chair in September 2018 having previously served as Vice Chair.  I have also been a pupil at the school and am currently  a parent.   I have lived in the village for most of my life, which makes me aware of the integral part the school plays in the local community.

My previous career in teaching and now currently in the Local Authority School Improvement service, provides me with much insight and knowledge around school life. These skills, together with my passion and love for the school enables me to view the school from multiple perspectives.  As Chair of Governors I aim to be effective, supportive and approachable to all stakeholders and strive for the education at Trottiscliffe to be the very best it can be for the children, families and community it serves. ‘

Current responsibilities: Safeguarding, Teaching & Learning

Business Interests: Local Authority Adviser for EYFS, Married to Trottiscliffe-based builder

Vice-Chair of Governors – Co-opted Governor (Appointed 14/03/17 for 4 years)

Attended 6 of 6 meetings last academic year 2017/18.

‘Prior to retiring, I had a career in Education.  I worked for many years as a Head of Department, and this culminated in a position as Head of Professional Development in a Secondary School, whilst working part-time as a Teacher Trainer for a School Centred Teacher Training consortium.’

Current Responsibilities:

Business Interests: Trottiscliffe School and Community Farm Trustee, Partner of Daphne Rowlands

Mr David Urmston BA; MSc

Mr Roger Gillett

Foundation Governor (Appointed 22/07/16 for 4 years)

Attended 5 of 6 meetings last academic year, 2017-18.

‘I have lived in the village since 2007 with my wife Ann and we have two daughters and five grandchildren.

I had a long career in financial service. Prior to retiring from my role as an independent Financial, I worked in a wide variety of roles primarily for a major Building Society. I have a degree in economics and hold professional qualifications with the Institute of Bankers and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators.

In addition to being a keen golfer, I have a passion for music and am a member of the Parochial Church Committee for the School’s local church, St Peter & St Paul Trottiscliffe. I am also a trustee of the school farm project.’

Current Responsibilities:

Business Interests: Trottiscliffe School and Community Farm Trustee

Co-opted Governor (Appointed 22/11/16 for 4 years)

Attended 6 of 6 meetings last academic year, 2017-18.

‘ I have worked in Special Educational Needs for the past twenty years, after retraining when my youngest child started school.  Currently, I am a Pastoral Care Manager and Safeguarding Officer at a school in Kent for children with Specific Learning Difficulties.  I feel strongly that all children should be given the same opportunities for learning, regardless of their needs and I am pleased to be able to support this in my local community.  I enjoy reading, travelling and socialising and love spending time with my family, particularly with my new grandson.’

Current Responsibilities: Safeguarding, SEND

Business Interests: Safeguarding Officer and Pastoral Care Manager at Brown’s School

Mrs Jeanette May

Mrs Anita Parkins

Foundation Governor (Appointed 14/03/17 for 4 years)

Attended 6 of 6 meetings last academic year.

‘ .’

Current Responsibilities: Teaching & Learning

Business Interests: None

Parent Governor (Appointed 19/10/17 for 4 years)

Attended 5 of 5 meetings last academic year, 2017/18.

‘ I joined the governing body in 2017 as a parent governor, the same year my eldest daughter started at the school. I am a Physiotherapist and work at Maidstone hospital a couple of days a week, mostly in the Intensive Care Unit and the Respiratory wards. I live in Trottiscliffe and I am passionate about supporting this very special school to thrive and provide the best educational experience possible for all pupils within our community.’

Current Responsibilities:

Business Interests: None

Mrs Victoria Penna

Mrs Daphne Rowlands

Co-opted Governor (Appointed 14/03/18 for 4 years)

Attended 3 of 4 meetings last academic year.

‘I have spent most of my working life working in Further and Higher education. I was Assistant Principal at a large FE/HE college.  For the past nine years I have also been involved in reviewing institutions across the country that offer higher education programmes. 

I enjoy walking, reading and playing bridge and the ukulele and being with my grandchildren when the opportunity arises.

I retain an interest in all education from pre-school to post compulsory. It is after all our childrens’ childrens’ future.’

Current Responsibilities: Finance

Business Interests: Partner of David Urmston

Foundation Governor (Appointed 06/07/11 as ex officio)

Attended 5 of 6 meetings last academic year.

‘ I am the Rector of the BART Churches (Birling, Addington, Ryarsh & Trottiscliffe).  We have strong links between the church of St Peter & St Paul and the school.  I enjoy leading Collective Worship in school and meeting the children at the lunchtime Leading Lights Bible Club. 

On my days off,  I enjoy gardening, although only as a beginner; reading; and when I can get there, walking along the beach in Norfolk and spotting seals bobbing in the water.’

Current Responsibilities: Christian Distinctiveness

Business Interests: None

Reverend Linda Shuker

Miss Lucy Henderson

Head Teacher

Appointed 01/09/2016

Attended 5 of 6 meetings during previous academic year, 2017-18.

Mr Tristan Hughes

Staff Governor

Appointed 12/09/18

This information is updated each seasonal term. 

This page was last updated on the 11th March 2019.