Meet our Governing Body

Skah Beatty (Trust appointed)

In my role as a Mathematics teacher at a local secondary school I have always been fascinated by the educational journey of all my students. I have always wondered what goes well or what goes wrong in their educational journey before they get to secondary school. I strongly believe that my role as a co-opted governor at St Nicholas and a Mathematics teacher at the local secondary school will open up a lot of collaborative CPDs between the two schools. This opportunity will enable all the children in the community to achieve their highest potential.

I have been a Mathematics teacher for nearly over 11 years and I could not think of a better challenge to take on than support a primary school that saves the community I live in.

Christopher Dale (Ex-officio by virtue of office as Headteacher)

Part of my role as headteacher is to work closely with the governors. I report important updates about attainment and progress of the children and make sure that I let them know of the wonderful things we do in school, as well as let them know about things we need to do to improve further.
The governors read the information I send to them and they ask me many questions about the information, this is all recorded and the minutes go to the Trust Board.

I also plan for the governors to come into school to visit the children and see what their day to day experience is like. I am proud to work with the governing body to make our school as special as it is.

Lyn Edwards (Chair of Governors – Trust appointed)

As a recently retired School Executive Assistant who loved her job, I am excited to have joined the governing body at St Nicholas CE Primary School.

Having recently moved to New Romney, I wanted to get involved in the local community and so decided to apply to be a school governor. It’s a good way to volunteer the skills I’ve developed working in schools and the education system.

Contributing to my local community through school governance was something I felt was important to do. I wanted to assist school governing boards meet their strategic objectives, influence decision-making. Ultimately, I’m motivated to help the children of St Nicholas to aspire and fulfil their individual aspirations.

Rev Chris Hodgkins (LGB appointed)

I’m Reverend Chris Hodgkins and I’m Team Rector for the Romney Marsh Benefice. Together with my colleagues I look after 14 churches from Fairfield to Dymchurch and Lydd to Burmarsh. I am married to Julie and we have 4 grown up children, 2 dogs, a cat and chickens.

I look forward to my weekly visits to St Nicholas CE Primary Academy for Collective Worship. The children never cease to amaze me with their answers to my questions and their singing is brilliant. I particularly like meeting with the worship leads to listen to their ideas about worship and how they can help in the community. I also love to see year groups come to St Nicholas Church for services that they lead so well. I always come away feeling blessed by God.

Sinead Inglis (Parent Governor)

I am the proud mum of two boys, one of which attends and is thriving at St Nicholas Primary Academy. In addition to being a volunteer school helper, I often attend and volunteer in community events. I am passionate about education and ensuring children within our community have access to outstanding education and opportunities.

I hold a teaching qualification and professionally, I am a company director with a long successful background in event planning. I’m immensely proud to have founded the ‘tots foundation’ in 2019, which is an independent charitable hand of one of my companies that supports underprivileged tots and children within our community.

Penelope Mackrell (LGB appointed)

I am a retired nurse, having spent 32 years working for the NHS.
As an active member of St Nicholas church, I enjoy serving the church and the community.

Since 2015 I have volunteered at the academy, mainly listening to year 1 read, and on the odd occasion helping out on trips.

As school governor with responsibility for Christian Distinctiveness, I hope to strengthen and support the Christian ethos, inspiring each child to achieve their full potential within a caring Christian community, and build on the good work already done within the academy.

Victoria Turner (Deputy Headteacher, staff elected governor)

I have been part of the team at St Nicholas C E Primary Academy for five years. As the Deputy Headteacher, I lead on supporting the curriculum leaders and assessment. I am excited to be part of the Governing Body and to have the opportunity to help shape and continue to strengthen our school and community.

Outside of school, I like to read and go to the gym.

Sarah Webb (Trust appointed)

I am a single mum of two, with a child who attends St Nicholas.
I have worked in finance since leaving university and I am currently director of two businesses, The Snack Shack in Dungeness this is a family business and SLM Waste Management Ltd which I run alongside my Business Partner.

I have 2 dogs and I am a keen walker and animal lover; baking is another one of my passions I tend to do a lot for the Snack Shack which keeps me busy!

A coffee morning is a favourite of mine and I like to socialise with others over a hot cup of something. Life is busy and sometimes challenging but keeps me out of trouble and I thrive on it which is a good thing!

Dr Kathleen Webb (Trust appointed)

I was previously a secondary science teacher and Head of biology, but currently work for a large MAT designing a science curriculum programme. Before my teaching career, I worked in research science, completing a PhD in molecular biology.

I am passionate about equity in education and providing a knowledge rich curriculum that supports the development of all children. I live in New Romney and my daughter attends St. Nicholas, so I am very dedicated to supporting the academy by using my expertise from my career in education.