Governors' Profiles
Hugh Hennebry (Chair) - LEA Governor
I have always been passionate about education and making a positive difference to people's lives. I became a teacher in 1986 and after working in five different secondary schools, I spent the last 15 years of my career as Headteacher of Uckfield College. Until I retired in 2023, I was also Chair of ACRES (adult education in East Sussex) and Chair of East Sussex Schools' Forum, in which I gained a lot of experience about all matters involved in Primary and Secondary education, including school improvement, school formula funding and school alliances.
Physical and mental wellbeing are vital, alongside knowledge, skills, understanding and character growth. To help, I set up Uckfield Parkrun in 2019 and created a new Resilience Award in 2022 that is free to all schools and children aged 7-13. I love running, gardening and DIY.
Kate Milne (Vice Chair) - Foundation Governor
After making a career change in 2018 to follow my passion in horticulture, I am a self employed gardener who moved to the area in 2021. I previously worked in a primary school in Tunbridge Wells for over a decade, firstly as a classroom Teaching Assistant and then as the School Secretary gaining a detailed insight from both sides of the working life of a school. My early career was in the financial world of stockbroking in the City and then for a local IFA when I left to have my son in 2002. I am a regular member of St Augustine’s Church in Flimwell and was invited to join the Governing body as a Foundation Governor in 2022.
Helena Orr - Co-opted Governor
I have been involved in school governance for over 10 years, both here in the South East and also in my previous home in the North of England.
My knowledge and experience has been enhanced by working for East Sussex County Council both in schools in classroom based roles and also more recently in an administrative capacity for the Children’s services department.
Prior to taking a career break I worked for British Airways as an Operational Manager , and whilst focusing on raising my two children (both of whom went to Ticehurst and Flimwell school) I volunteered as a School Governor, in an attempt to keep a foot in the education sector whilst I was unable to work in a paid role.
I am proud to be a member of the Ticehurst and Flimwell Governing Body and helping to contribute to the continued success of all students.
Gina Hellis - Parent Governor
Mum of 2, teacher and small business owner. My eldest daughter attends the school and I want to ensure that she has access to the best possible education. This is the reason I became a parent governor, I want the school to thrive so all children in the local area have the same opportunities in education as others. As a secondary school art and textiles teacher I have a good understanding of the education system. I have been working as a teacher since 2007, I have experience in both the private and state sector. I am an advocate for the arts and the importance they have on wellbeing.
Catherine Morgan - Parent Governor
I am a mum of two, one who attends Ticehurst and a second who attends Uplands. I'm also a director of a camping and glamping site in Flimwell. Before this I was the primary school teacher and also have years of experience in education recruitment and resources, placing teachers in schools. I've always loved having connection with education and volunteered at school for the last few years helping children with maths and English skills, particularly reading. I have knowledge of the education system and I'm driven by the importance of education for all. Opportunities for our children are so important, so they can fulfil their individual potential. I want children to be able to learn in a happy, safe and fair environment.
Robert Tucker-Bays - Parent Governor
I am currently employed as a software engineer, and over the last seven years been charged with leading the planning and implementation of various large scale software solutions for external clients.
Prior to this I worked the classroom support assistant in the SEN department at an FE College and then as a GCSE maths teacher. I currently volunteer as a GCSE maths tutor for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Sean Mc Granaghan - Co-opted Governor
Information coming soon.
Simone Foy - Staff Governor
I have been a qualified teacher for 19 years working in KS2 in schools in Kent and East Sussex. I have served on two other Governing Boards as either staff or as a parent governor covering different responsibilities including partnering with other schools. I love working at Ticehurst and Flimwell now and am optimistic and excited about our school's future. When I'm not working or being Mum Taxi, I enjoy holidaying all over the world, walking my dog and eating chocolate
David Hemsley - Executive Headteacher
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I was appointed Executive Head of Ticehurst & Flimwell and Wadhurst Primary School in July 2024 having been headteacher at Wadhurst since September 2019. I have 20 years’ experience in education; teaching and leading in seven different schools across Kent and East Sussex.
I am passionate about high quality, inspiring, research driven teaching where adult learning is as innovative and dynamic as the children they teach. I believe in the power of sport, music and the arts to enrich children’s lives and build character which aids wellbeing and has a positive effect on academic outcomes.
I am a father of three children and enjoy travel and all things sport related, particularly hockey and cycling, whether taking part or watching. I look forward to getting to know the Ticehurst and Flimwell community and building a strong collaboration between the two schools that I am privileged to serve.
Vacancies
Co-opted Governor
If you would like to join our team of dedicated governors please, please contact our Chair, Hugh Hennebry via email, chair@ticehurst.e-sussex.sch.uk