Name

Category of Governor

Date Appointed

Term of Office until

Kathryn Waters

Chair of Governors

Maria Bloom

Co-Opted

1 September 2023

31 August 2027

Rachel Hadley

Co-opted

30 September 2021

29 September 2025

Sarah Meacher

Headteacher

Ex officio

-

Sara Rose

Elected Staff

1 September 2022

31 August 2026

Dr Richard Spandl

Co-opted

17 October 2018

15 October 2026

Claire Magnusson

Elected Parent

02 March 2020

29 Feb 2028

Elisabeth Edwin

Elected Parent

02 March 2020

29 Feb 2028

Kevin Brailey

30 September 2021

29 September 2025

Kathryn Waters -  Chair of Governors

It is my great pleasure to support Mrs Meacher and her team in leading this wonderful school. I have been a co-opted governor since 2015. I have over 25 years’ experience in education as a teacher and school leader and have recently completed an MA in Advanced Child Protection. Both my children attended Holly Trees and I can still see how the strong ethos of the school has influenced them as they grow into young adults. I take an active part in school life, both through my role as Chair of Governors and as Safeguarding Governor. Holly Trees is such a great school, and I am proud to be a part of the community here.

Neville A Brown JP - Vice Chairman

As Chairman of the Governing Board for nine years; I stood down in September 2020; due mainly to some health problems. I feel that my business background (a long and varied career with Shell), and my various continuing activities within our local community, have contributed to our School governance over time.  Having largely  “recovered”, I am now prompted to stay on, as Vice Chair, in the hope that I may offer some continuity and support.

Maria Bloom - Vice Chair 

I work for a charity providing legally based advice, training and information on special educational needs and the duties of schools and local authorities. On the basis of this, and my longstanding knowledge of the school (I first became a parent governor at Holly Trees when my son, who is in his 20s, was a key stage 1 pupil!) I was re-appointed a co-opted governor in September 2023. My areas of responsibility are Spiritual, Moral, Social & Cultural Development, PSHE and Special Educational Needs. I am vice chair of the Teaching and Learning Committee

Sara Rose - Staff Governor

I have been a teacher at Holly Trees since 2008 and have recently taken on the role of Staff Governor. My two children are past pupils and I am very proud of the school's strong values and inclusive approach. I am passionate about child development and learning across the whole curriculum, and have elected to be on the Teaching and Learning Committee.

Dr Richard Spandl -Parent Governor

I am a father of two and my eldest son started at Holly Trees in September 2018. Since completing a PhD I have worked as a science teacher for over 10 years and I am now a Deputy Headteacher of a large secondary school in London. I have lived in Brentwood since 2008 and I regularly run the Brentwood Half Marathon. The community spirit of Holly Trees is fantastic and I feel privileged to be able to support the school as a Governor and help ensure that all of the pupils continue to receive a first class academic and holistic education.

Mrs Rachel Hadley - Co-opted Governor

I joined the Governing Board in September 2019 as a co-opted governor. I am an HR Director for a local Housing Association and have lived in Brentwood for 20 years. I feel that my professional experience will be valuable to the school, particularly in my role around Mental Health and Wellbeing on the governing board. I am a working parent of two: through my eldest I have insight into SEND provisions at Key Stage 2 and beyond; my youngest is also at Holly Trees. I look forward to supporting the school in the coming years.  

Mrs Claire Magnusson - Parent Governor

I am a mother of two and my eldest started in reception at Holly Trees in September 2019. As a parent just starting the journey through primary education, I really wanted to be immersed in the school environment and play a role in its community, so I applied to be a parent governor. I am a brand strategy and public relations director and hope to bring my expertise in communication and passion for creativity to the role. I look forward to supporting Holly Trees wherever I can over the coming years.

Mrs Elisabeth Edwin - Parent Governor

My eldest child started at Holly Trees in 2018 and we have enjoyed being a part of the school community. As a Parent Governor, I want to contribute to the continued success of the school.

I am a chartered accountant and have worked across small businesses, charities and financial services. I currently work part-time leading the finance team for an organisation that invests in social enterprises and charities.

Mr Kevin Brailey - Co-opted Governor

I was co-opted to the Governing Board in September 2021. I have lived in Brentwood for twenty years and my youngest son attended the school a few years ago. For thirty years I worked in East London, firstly as a Secondary School teacher and then in Local Government but now I'm no longer working full time I'm keen to get back involved with my local primary school. I am a member of the teaching and learning committee and will be the link governor for maths. 

Mrs Kristen Barke - Parent Governor

My eldest daughter started at Holly Trees in 2014 and is now in secondary school. My two boys are currently in Year 1 and Year 4. I was co-opted February 2022 and it is a privilege to be a governor at such a warm, friendly school. I have been teacher 3 years and currently work in a local private school. Before teaching I worked in Marketing in a large law firm in London. I am a member of the teaching and learning committee and will be the link governor for literacy. 

Mrs Alice Gupta - Elected Parent Governor

My journey as a Holly Trees parent began in 2015 and since then, I have been eager to represent a range of parental perspectives. With over 17 years of experience working in the Housebuilding industry, I will use my corporate background to provide support wherever and whenever needed. Beyond my professional life, I am also an enthusiastic runner, actively raising money for various charities and competing in races. 

Most importantly, my son looks forward to attending Holly Trees every day, and I am committed to ensuring that all children at the school continue to receive a high-quality education and support.
Overall, I am excited to serve as a parent governor and look forward to working collaboratively with staff, parents, and fellow governors to help shape the direction of Holly Trees Primary School.

Mr Saravanan Anandathiyagar - Co-opted Governor

"I have been a resident of Great Warley for 8 years, and my two daughters currently attend Holly Trees where they are thriving. I have worked in eCommerce and Digital Marketing for over 10 years, and currently lead the commercial team for a sustainability-focused brand. I believe my personal experience, passion for the school and advocacy for Diversity & Inclusivity will be valuable to Holly Trees as a member of the governing board. I am excited and motivated to serve as a Co-opted Governer and working together with teachers, parents and fellow governors to ensure Holly Trees continues to thrive."