Governors

CAROLE BRADBROOK

Chair of Ratton Local Governing Committee

I am a retired company director whose careers panned 35 years working across various sectors of the leisure industry. I have two grown up sons who both attended Ratton school and it was during their time here that my governance journey began as a parent governor eventually leading to the role of Chair of Governors. Now a Trustee of South Downs Learning Trust and Chair of the Ratton Local Governing Committee, I have a particular responsibility for supporting the strategies, policies and culture of safeguarding across our schools. I passionately believe that all our children and young people deserve a quality educational experience in a safe and nurturing environment with all the support and encouragement needed to help each and every one of them realise their full potential.

JAMES WOODWARD

I have been a school governor since 2015, initially at Ratton School and then also at Ocklynge Junior School from 2017. I currently have a daughter in Year 6 at Ocklynge, who we hope will go onto Ratton afterwards. I work at Drusillas Park as their Head of Education, where my role principally involves hosting school visits and teaching classroom sessions. I have been there for over 18 years and see groups ranging from pre-schools to university groups. As a governor my main role is to monitor the two schools Safeguarding procedures. I am also Vice-Chair of Ratton School, and retain an interest in Wellbeing and Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance, from my previous roles in these areas. I’m originally from Somerset, and attended a comprehensive school quite similar to Ratton, before moving to Sussex for university and settling in Eastbourne.

DI CLARKE

Community Governor

I worked in secondary schools and 6th form settings for 34 years, running SEND departments in mainstream schools, firstly in Inner London and for 21 years in Eastbourne. I have been a Ratton governor for 12 years, whilst still working as a private tutor . My Ratton link areas are SEND, Pupil Premium, Curriculum, Teaching and Learning. I am delighted to be able to continue to update my knowledge of the changes in education and schools, to work with the excellent staff at Ratton and to be able to use any skills learned over the many years of my own career.

JASON HENHAM

Community Governor

I have been teaching Mathematics in East Sussex, at secondary school level, for over 25 years. I am passionate about improving the life chances of young people by ensuring that each and every one of them has access to a diverse and enriching curriculum, one that will enable them to achieve their full academic potential and encourage life-long learning. At Ratton, I am the Governor responsible for academic standards and support the school in achieving the aims and objectives set out in is annual raising attainment development plan.

I live in Eastbourne and I have 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren all in primary or secondary schools in Cornwall and Hertfordshire.

I am passionate about education and the transformative role it can play in the lives of our children and young people.

I am committed to supporting SDLT and Ratton and Ratton in providing the best outcomes for our children and young people

CATHY DEAN

Community Governor

I have taught French, German, and Spanish at Ratton since 1983 and for many years oversaw German and then KS4 MFL until I went part time in 2019 so I have seen many changes! I have always been particularly interested in promoting the international dimension across the curriculum and we successfully achieved the International School Award six times. I have also arranged exchange visits to France and Germany and developed many links with schools abroad. I really believe in developing caring, confident, and creative students who strive towards excellence in all aspects of their learning and am hoping my experience will be useful in my role as a governor.

GAVIN PEEVERS

Headteacher

It is rewarding, enjoyable and a privilege to serve as Head of School at Ratton School. I joined in September 2019, and part of my role is to work as a governor, alongside all governors and trustees, to improve educational experiences for all our students. Prior to teaching I worked in retail management, and since have wide experience of teaching History, Sociology and RS previously in four schools. Leading whole school priorities as an Assistant and Deputy Headteacher in previous posts has provided varied experience vital in this role. I’m also interested in research, completing a Master’s degree in Education.

ANNE WARDLE

Safeguarding Governor

I am proud to be a trustee of SDLT since 2017 and I have just been appointed Safeguarding Governor at Ocklynge and Ratton Schools. I started my teaching career in Coventry and worked in schools in the city until our move to Eastbourne in 1991. I took up a teaching post at Ratton School, where I worked until my retirement as Deputy Head teacher in 2014. I live in Eastbourne and I have 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren all in primary or secondary schools in Cornwall and Hertfordshire. I am passionate about education and the transformative role it can play in the lives of our children and young people. I am committed to supporting SDLT and Ocklynge and Ratton in providing the best outcomes for our children and young people.

LUCY COLLINS

PARENT GOVERNOR

I am currently an Associate Assistant Head Teacher for an Eastbourne Secondary School. My roles there include Head of Department for Geography and for RSHE. I am a mother to two school age daughters, and we moved to Eastbourne from North London 12 years ago so that I could complete my PGCE in secondary geography teaching with Brighton University. We have loved being a part of the local community and East Sussex ever since and I'm looking forward to contributing to and learning from, the students, staff and governors at Ratton School.

EMMA MORRIS

PARENT GOVERNOR

My name is Emma Morris, and I am delighted to be given the opportunity to support the school and Board of Governors, as a parent Governor from 2022. I have been working in education settings for 18 years including, Primary, Secondary and in my current role at The University of Brighton, since 2007. I also have a daughter studying at Ratton School currently.