Governor Profiles

The Governing Board shall comprise:

• Headteacher
• Eight foundation governors
• Two parent governors
• One Local Authority governor
• One staff governor
• One co-opted governor

Our school governors are all connected with the school in different ways. Read on to find out about their connections to Aldrington.

Susannah Kendrick  (Co-opted Governor, Chair)

Clare Lines (Foundation Governor)

I have been a Foundation Governor at Aldrington (appointed by the Parochial Church Council of Bishop Hannington Church) since 2001. I was Chair from 2007 - 2018 and Vice-Chair from September 2018 - 2023 . My two sons both attended the school and still speak fondly of the educational experience they enjoyed as pupils at the school.

I work as a manager for Brighton & Hove City Council in Children’s Services and have particular skills in Children’s Safeguarding and supporting families. I believe that education can hold the key to many life opportunities and am passionate that all pupils who attend Aldrington should receive a high quality education and a solid foundation for future life choices. I currently sit on the Curriculum Committee and the Community Welfare Committee and am also a member of the Headteacher Performance Management Committee.

Suzi Arnold (Foundation Governor)

I have two boys at Aldrington and our family are members of Holy Cross Church family. I am honoured to be a foundation governor and am committed to upholding the school's ethos and desire for all children to know God's love for them in Jesus. I am a Physiotherapist and currently work for Health Education England, being passionate about developing and supporting people to learn and love their jobs. I am excited to be working together in a team of governors supporting our wonderful school. 

Leila Day (Parent Governor)

I was elected as Parent Governor in October 2021 and am very excited to be joining the Governing Board.  Both my children attend the school and are thriving in the wonderful environment.  I work as one of the Senior Doctors at the Martlets Hospice and in my spare time am increasingly becoming a taxi service for the children's various clubs and play dates!  I am really keen to be able to make a contribution to the children, families and staff in this role.

Steve Edwards (Foundation Governor)

I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in June 2018. I chair the Finance, Staffing and Premises Committee. I have been incredibly impressed by the ethos of the school and the dedication and creative energy of the staff. I consider it a privilege to be able to work alongside them in this way. During my career I spent 23 years in Engineering and Research followed by 17 years in a Legal team specialising in Intellectual Property. Previously, I have been a Governor at Worthing (Sixth Form) College so it is interesting now to be helping in the primary sector of the education system.

My interests and hobbies include travelling, photography, music and the occasional game of golf.

Rev. Tim Gage (Ex-Officio Governor, Vice-Chair)

I have been a Governor at Aldrington since May 2020 and am also the Rector of St. Peter's, West Blatchington(by the windmill). My wife and I have three sons, two of which are at Aldrington.  I love visiting the classes to talk about Jesus, along with them reading stories and playing my guitar. I'm delighted that I get to support the work of this wonderful school as a Governor. In my spare time, I enjoy cycling, photography, music and tinkering with a steam engine.

Rev. Dave Howarth (Ex Officio Governor)

Since 2002 I've been a follower of Jesus and I am the Vicar of Holy Cross Church, Hove. I'm married to Hannah, and we have two young boys. We've lived in West Hove since 2018.

Gary Lurcock (Parent Governor)

I was appointed parent governor in October 2023.  I have three children at Aldrington and I am employed on the Premises Team at King's School.  I am a practising Christian, attending Holland Road Baptist Church where I help with youth and children's work.  I strongly believe in the ethos of Aldrington and, as a governor, I look forward to helping all the children have the best possible school experience.  Lastly, I am a huge Star Wars fan and love following Spurs.

Rich Miles (Staff Governor)

Having been a teacher at Aldrington for more than ten years, I am proud to also join the Governing Board in 2021. I am particularly focussed on developing children’s creativity and sense of wonder in the curriculum, and am passionate about the learning journeys in each topic. Visitors to my classroom know that it is usually transformed into a rainforest, Saxon army encampment or even a CIA headquarters. For many years, I led on the art curriculum, helping children to find their creativity and know that every child is an artist.  I now lead PE, driving physical activity and fitness throughout the school.

Aldrington is important to me and my family: I’m proud that three of my children are currently at school here, with my oldest having moved on to King's School.  I also particularly value Aldrington as a place where I can live out my faith, exploring the gospel with children.

Shadrach Mwale (Parent Governor)

I am an experienced life coach and an academic with over ten years’ experience of working in higher education. During this time, I have been actively involved in quality assurance and course developments. As a parent governor, I believe it is important to be available to listen to parents, pupils and teachers, and hear the opinions and concerns they voice.  I attend CityCoast Church, Brighton. I am also a keen cyclist in my spare time. 

Sue Ward (Local Authority Governor)

I have been a Governor at Aldrington since 2001, appointed initially as a Foundation Governor by Bishop Hannington PCC and more recently as a Local Authority Governor.  The commitment to excellence in education and the ethos at Aldrington is something I am passionate about upholding.

My working career spanned 40 years in the NHS, as a nurse, midwife and clinical service manager.  Managing multi-disciplinary teams, budget-holding, safeguarding and governance are all areas I held responsibility for.

 I am a member of the Finance, Staffing and Premises committee, Ethos committee and Chair of the Headteacher Performance Management Committee. 

Governing Board Register of Interests 2024 - 25

Additionally, the following have served on the Governing Board since September 2017:

• Geoff Payne (resigned January 2018)
• Julian Milson (resigned January 2018)
• Rev. Phil Moon (resigned September 2018)
• Kate Vickers (resigned October 2018)
• Jane Clasby (term ended September 2018)
• Helen Day (resigned June 2019)
• Rev. Daniel Smith (resigned December 2019)
• Liz Barrows (resigned January 2020)
• Paula Langrish (resigned May 2020)
• Christine Jefferson (resigned June 2020)
• John Spearman (term ended May 2021)
• Justin Slater (resigned March 2022)
• Nicholas Carr (resigned July 2022)
• Morag Martin (resigned August 2024)
• Anna Samuelsson (term ended October 2024)