Governors' Gallery

Peter Smyth

Chair of Governors

I have worked my entire working life in Education; as a teacher in primary schools in three West London Local Authorities and then as a Headteacher in a Surrey school. Nearing retirement I worked as an Interim Headteacher in challenging schools in Surrey, Newham and Warwickshire. At the end of my teaching career I decided I wanted to give back to education my experience, knowledge and advice, so I worked part-time for the University of Reading, on the School Direct programme. The programme is a work-based training course for adults seeking a qualification to teach. I have also been a Local Authority Governor for two primary schools in Surrey and Slough. I have lived in the village for 14 years and was delighted to have the opportunity to join this thriving team, helping it to continue to grow in stature in the local and wider community.

Anna Shaw
Vice Chair of Governors

I became a Parent Governor in November 2018 and I currently have two boys who are really enjoying their time at St Mark’s. Along with my Mum job, I am the Managing Director of E&S Heating and Ventilation Ltd, a ductwork contractor to the Construction Industry. I spend a lot of my day dealing with the financial running of the business, along with solving problems when they arise. Organising our team and planning for the future are important for me at work and hopefully I can bring these skills to my role as a Parent Governor. I think St Mark’s is a very special school and am proud to be working as part of the Governing board.

Sue Willmott

My name is Sue Willmott, I am a mother of two and grandmother to three. I am an active member of the PCC. I am a volunteer at the school and in the community. Prior to retirement, I worked in Special Education Needs (SEN) education and paediatric palliative care. I have qualifications in counselling and British Sign language (BSL). have taught BSL and two other forms of sign language to children and adults with SEN. In my spare time I give counselling to patients going in for a specific form of neurological surgery due to being the first person in UK to have this surgery myself - I am well qualified. St Mark's has a special place in my heart and I hope I can help it continue to be the wonderful school it is.

Peter Molloy

The Rev’d C. Peter Molloy was appointed rector of the Parish of Buxted and Hadlow Down in September 2020. Previously, he served in the Anglican Church of Canada for 20 years in Dawson City, Yukon; Vancouver, British Columbia; Christopher Lake, Saskatchewan; and Westport, Ontario. Whilst serving in the Diocese of Saskatchewan, he also served as Director of Youth Ministry. He took a sabbatical in 2015 and was appointed as a Visiting Scholar at Pusey House/St. Cross College, Oxford where he looked at the Pursuit of Holiness as a Mission Imperative for the Local Church. He hopes to assist with the integration of the Christian faith into the life of the schools in the parish.

Katharine Davies

I am worked in education my entire life- initially in Inner London schools for 10 years before moving to the London Borough of Merton where I was a Headteacher firstly at a small one form entry First school and then at a growing primary school which went from 2 forms of entry to 3 forms of entry during my time as Headteacher.

I retired from Headship in 2019 and currently work as an Educational Consultant supporting schools in Merton and Sutton. My husband and I moved to Pound Green a couple of years ago and I wanted to offer support to the local community within an area in which I have a knowledge and an interest. I would say - after 40 years working in schools - to have been very fortunate to have enjoyed my time supporting children and families and hopefully making a difference to their lives.

When I am not working, I enjoy walking our lively sprocker spaniel on the local countryside walks and reading a good book !

Thomas Spencer

I qualified as a Barrister and have been in the legal industry for over 20 years. In 2023 I qualified as a History Teacher and currently teach at an Independent school in Kent. I am married with twin boys (aged 5) and a daughter (aged 3).

Jenny Barnard-Langston JP
BA(Hons), MA, DipCouns

My professional background is as a Professional Psychotherapist, worked as counsellor for a GP surgery and managed my own practice.

I am passionate about equity of education for all youngsters, offering them optimum life chances through quality education experiences.

I have served as a governor for several years across all education phases, primary, secondary, special school, and colleges.

I was designated in March 2013 by the National College for Teaching & Learning as National Leader of Governance (NLG) and as National Leader of Governance Advocate.

In October 2021 I was appointed to the DfE reformed National Leader of Governance programme managed by the National Governors Association. I support governors to build capacity and mentor/coach chairs of governors across all school phases.

I am a Patron and Trustee of several charities. I founded a Sussex based charity children and adults with Learning Disabilities.

Lou Pridmore
Staff Governor

I am new, this year (2023), to the role of staff governor and already it has really helped to deepen my understanding of the strategic thinking and planning that goes into the running of this small but mighty village school. I have been a staff member at the school since 2014 and a teacher here since 2017 having been supported at the school to complete my teacher training. The team of governors are incredibly talented and resourceful with experience in such a variety of areas and I am looking forward to learning from them as well as contributing insight as a dedicated and committed member of staff.

Catherine Cottingham
Ex-officio

As the Executive Headteacher of St Mark's and the Sussex Spires Federation schools I probably have one of the best jobs in the world. It is a joy to work with the children at all three schools, they make me smile every day, and working with children there is always something new to learn. I have been a governor at four different schools and fully appreciate the commitment and hard work that governors put in to their role. Governors from different backgrounds and different experiences enrich the leadership of our school.

Karl Luckhurst
Ex- officio

Karl join the Governing body in September 2024 as Head of School (previously Deputy Head).

Claire Ball
Clerk to Governors