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)

I joined the board in 2012 and I enjoy the challenge of governance tremendously. Whilst my 4 children have now left Aldrington, I have had the great privilege of chairing since September 2018. Together the board and school cultivate a team approach to working towards our vision. I commend our governors to you - they are a diverse, progressive group who bring colour and interest to everything we work on together.

Our ethos at Aldrington is one of the things that makes us special. Governors make it a priority to ensure that our school remains ‘Deliberately Different’. I strongly believe in high expectations for all. I remain committed to supporting the staff team here, both in achieving an inspiring, creative and engaging educational experience for all of the learners in our school, and in ensuring that their roles do not become overwhelming.

I am a Primary School teacher and continue to be excited by the opportunities we have to open the world to children. I have four children, three of whom are at university and the fourth studying A levels. I enjoy cooking, playing netball and living in this amazing city.

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.

Robert Crossan (Parent Governor)

I joined the governing board as Parent Governor in October 2025 with two children attending the school. I am a chartered surveyor and Director of a local care company which operates across a range of specialisms including learning disabilities, autism, elderly residential care and nursing.

My current employment sees me leading a company of circa 250 staff at a strategic level, having previously worked for both public and private sectors, including time at Brighton & Hove City Council. Whilst my spare time is often full of swimming lessons, playdates, and kids’ parties, I enjoy escaping on my paddleboard, travel and watching motorsport when time permits!

I am really looking forward to working with the governors, utilising my skills to support the school in meeting its aims.

Leila Day (Associate Member)

I was elected as Parent Governor in October 2021 and at the end of my four year term of office, I am now an Associate Member. 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.

Sarah Jeffery (Staff Governor)

I joined as Staff Governor in September 2025 and am excited to be a part of such a dedicated and knowledgeable team who are all passionate about Aldrington and seeing the children thrive.

I started in admissions in the busy school office in 2019. You will normally see me on the front desk, hopefully greeting you with a smile! I also run Recorder Club and Singing Club.

I studied Music, Education and Cultural Studies at University and worked in London and Brighton in Public Relations for 15 years. I attend St Leonard's Church and am married to Gabriel. My favourite things are taking Pippin our Shetland Sheepdog on walks, playing tennis and swimming in the sea (when it's not too cold!).

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.

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.

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 2025 - 26

Additionally, the following have served on the Governing Board since September 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)
Shadrach Mwale (resigned August 2025)