Benenden CE Primary School

Sarah Martin - I am a retired teacher living locally, in Hawkurst. I specialised in special educational needs and worked in both independent and state schools. I have two grandchildren at Benenden Primary School and have been a governor since March 2017.

James Astridge - I have two children at the school, one in year 4 and one in year 2. I live in Iden Green and work in London as a civil servant. Most of my career has been spent in commercial and finance roles. I have been a governor of the school since July 2015.

Gill Knox - I have been Head Teacher at Benenden CE School since September 2013. I am so pleased to be part of a governing body which has moved the school from requiring improvement to good. I am also very excited about the prospect of moving to a new school building in the near future.

Oliver Streeten - I have been a parent Governors since 2015, with 2 children at the school, and live just outside the village. I run a small surveying company in Tunbridge Wells. We have a great school within a wonderful community and I want to do everything I can to constantly develop and improve the opportunities for our children.

Lucy Whitestone - I am the Supervisor of Benenden Pre-School and live in Hawkhurst. I have worked in the education sector for many years, including teaching English and Drama in secondary schools in the UK and Maldives. I have been a governor of Benenden Primary School since July 2015.

Rachel Hutchings - I have been a staff governor for the past three years and have worked on the Curriculum and Monitoring and SIAMS committees. I have been a teacher at Benenden for the past 12 years and I currently teach in Year 1 and Year 4.

Janet Beattie - I am now retired but have worked in both the public and private sectors as an economist. I have lived in Benenden for 25 years and been involved with several village organisations including St George's Church. I am one of two Foundation (church) Governors.

Charlotte Lau - I have taught in Primary schools within Buckinghamshire and Kent in varying roles and am currently taking a career break to look after my 3 young children, 2 of whom attend Benenden Primary School. I joined the Governing Body in February 2017.

Peter Brook - I work for Kent County Council in their Communications Department where I am responsible for the website and telephone contact centre. I live locally in Cranbrook. I’ve worked in ICT management for the majority of my career. I have been a governor of Benenden Primary School since April 2017.

I joined the governing body of the school in February 2018 and am a parent of two children in reception and year 2 who both go to the school. I am Head of History and a deputy housemaster at Benenden Girls' School and I hope to be able to bring some of my experience of teaching and middle management to help take Benenden CE Primary School forwards in meeting all of its goals.