St Thomas a Becket Catholic Primary School

St Thomas a Becket Catholic Primary School has a single Governing Body led by Co-Chair of Governors, Mrs Elizabeth Oram and Mrs Jemma Harvey.  The Governing Body currently consists of 14 members, made up of 7 Foundation Governors appointed by the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, 1 Additional Foundation Governor appointed by the Local Authority, 1 Local Authority representative, 2 Parent representatives, 2 Teaching and Support Staff Governors, 1 Additional Associate Member, and a Clerk.  Governors play an active part in the life of the school and attend regular meetings.  We are entrusted with upholding the Catholic ethos which is at the heart of our School.

The Governors meet 4 times per academic year as a Full Governing Body and 3 times per academic year as Committee's.

Contact the Clerk to the Governing Body, Mrs Veronica Cole to:

• contact the Co-chair of Governors
• ask for governing body minutes
• get information on Governor vacancies
• find out how to become a School Governor

Email: clerk@stthomasbecket.e-sussex.sch.uk

Tel: 01323 737221

We currently have the following vacancies:  4 Foundation Governors

Governor Profiles :

James Pratt - Local Authority Governor

My name is James Pratt and I am the Local Authority designated Governor at St Thomas a Becket Catholic Primary School. I have nearly 10 years’ experience in Education and I am currently an Assistant Headteacher at a local Secondary School. My passion in education is high quality pastoral care and ensuring all pupils are afforded the same opportunities regardless of their social and economic background. I currently lead on Behaviour and Attendance at my school. I have two children, one who currently attends St Thomas a Becket and one that will be joining in the future. I am really honoured to sit on the Governing Body of such a great school and look forward to continuing to support the school in any way I can in the future.

 

 

Jemma Harvey - Parent Governor and Co-Chair of Governors

My name is Jemma Harvey and I was elected as a Parent Governor in March 2019.  I will have all four of my children attending St Thomas a Becket school from September 2019.  My passion for children’s health and education, (being a local GP) lead me to apply for the post of Parent Governor and I am truly honoured to be able to serve the school in this way.  I am looking forward to being able to contribute positively to the governing body in continuing to ensure all the children at St Thomas a Becket have an enjoyable and fulfilling catholic education.

 

Clive Featherstone KC*HS - Foundation Governor 

I am a retired Chartered Loss Adjuster and when working, in addition to my normal duties, was an ex officio member of the Board of the Catholic National Mutual Insurance Company who provide cover to the majority of the Dioceses in this country.  I have been married for over 50 years and have four married children.  Before moving to Eastbourne four years ago, I was heavily involved with the Parish in Uckfield and a Foundation Governor at St. Philips School and chaired the Admissions Committee.  I was elected as the first Catholic to the post of Area Governor representing some 40 schools within the central section of ESCC and finally left both positions when I moved to Eastbourne.  I am a long serving Catenian and transferred my main membership to Eastbourne.  I was appointed as a Papal Knight within the Order of the Holy Sepulchre and am an assistant to the Almoner.  Father Raglan appointed me to Chair a newly formed Building Committee which relates to works to the three Churches within our overall Parish.  I am looking forward to being able to bring a useful contribution to St Thomas a Becket.

 

Elizabeth Oram – Foundation Governor and Co-Chair of Governors

My name is Elizabeth Oram and I am new to school governance. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to become a Foundation Governor with St Thomas a Becket. I am happily married with two children, one of whom is in Reception and the other is in Nursery. I have been in teaching for 12 years mainly in Secondary education. I am keen to ensure that all children have a rewarding and fulfilling educational experience and that, regardless of any obstacles they may face, they still achieve and thrive. I believe that a Catholic education is key to supporting the moral and spiritual journey for our children in preparing them for their future. I am pleased to be supporting the Headteacher in his vision for an outstanding Catholic education for our children and hope that my knowledge and skills can add value to our school provision.

 

 

Barnaby Heath – Parent Governor

I have been a Parent Governor since October 2020, shortly after my eldest child started in Reception. I volunteered to become a Governor as I would like to contribute to helping the school maintain its fantastic reputation for high-quality education and pastoral care.  I have worked in the public sector for the last 15 years and will bring this experience, as well as a parental perspective, to the Governing Body.  I try to spend any spare time with my family and we particularly enjoy cycling and exploring the local area - often in search of new places to drink coffee and eat cake! 

 

Stephen Byrne - Foundation Governor

My name is Stephen Byrne and I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in April 2021. I moved to Eastbourne a year ago, along with my wife, who attended St Thomas a Becket, and our now two and half year-old daughter. We recently welcomed our son who was born in July. I am a qualified accountant with over 15 years' experience working in the private and public sector organisations. I am passionate about Catholic education and its role in the formation and development of children and I am looking forward to working with the Headteacher and the Governing Body to support the continued success of the School and promote its Catholic vision and ethos.

 

Sarah Feist -  Governor

I am Sarah Feist, recently retired from my role as Lead Officer for Catholic School Inspection with the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton Education Service. I have been involved in Catholic Education from the start of my teaching career, firstly as a class teacher and senior leader in a Diocesan Catholic primary school, moving onto working for the Education Service, supporting and challenging our schools in my role as Primary adviser for Religious Education and Catholic Ethos. I have been privileged to work locally, regionally and nationally with colleagues from across all areas of Catholic Education and am delighted to be part of the community of St Thomas a Becket. 

Dominique Barrow - Staff Governor

I have been a part of St Thomas a Becket since I attended the school as a child. I joined the teaching team as a Year 6 class teacher 20 years ago. Throughout my time at St Thomas a Becket Catholic Primary School I have undertaken a number of roles from leading a variety of subjects across KS2 including English and PE to moving into Senior Leadership in 2003 by becoming assistant head for the Junior School and then Deputy Head for the Junior School. I am currently Deputy Head of our Primary School since the Infant and Junior schools became a Primary School. My varied roles have given me the amazing opportunity to work alongside our wonderfully talented children and staff.

This is a very exciting time for our school and I feel privileged to be part of such a dedicated team of governors and staff who are striving to ensure all our children are offered the best experiences at school.

 

Arkadiusz Kulpa - Foundation Governor

My name is Arkadiusz Kulpa and I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in April 2022. I am happily married with three children, the eldest of which currently attends St Thomas a Becket Catholic Primary School. I am a QA (Quality Assurance) professional and an ardent catholic – intending to bring those two passions of mine to the role of Foundation Governor and help make our school a place of outstanding learning, where all children are inspired to be moral adults and a force for Good in the world. I am pleased to be able to work with the school community and staff at St Thomas a Becket and I pray for Our Lord’s guidance to fulfil my duties as Foundation Governor according to His Will as revealed in the teachings of the Catholic Church.