Benenden CE Primary School

Sarah Martin - As a retired teacher who specialised in special needs, I feel that I can make a valuable contribution to the board of governors of Benenden CE Primary School. My last position before retirement was as Head of Dyslexia and Learning Support at Bethany School. Before this I had been an Inclusion Manager at two state primary schools in East Sussex. I was part of the senior management teams and was instrumental in raising standards and performance to get both schools out of ‘special measures’. Apart from teaching, this role required working closely with parents, governors, teachers and outside agencies, along with monitoring Pupil progress and attainment, developing systems using school performance data and contributing to the school’s development plans. I became a governor in February 2017 and live in Hawkhurst with my husband. One of my sons and his family live in Benenden and their two children attend Benenden CE Primary School with one entering Year6 and the other Year 3 in September. In September 2018 I joined the Joint Committee, working with governors from Goudhurst and Kilndown CEP School to start the federation process, working under a MOU. I am looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead and supporting the school to go from strength to strength in their new building.

Lindsay Roberts - I joined Benenden C of E Primary in April 2019 as the new Headteacher. I am also the current Headteacher at Goudhurst & Kilndown Primary School. I left Sheffield University in 1988 completing a B.Ed with Honours. I moved to Kent in 1991 and worked in a number of local primary schools. In February 2016 I became a National Leader of Education. Currently I sit on the Governing Body of Goudhurst and a local independent school.

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.

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.

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.

Simon Cullen - I joined the governing body of the school in February 2018 and am a parent of two children - one in Year 3 and one in Year 1 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.