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School Governors

All schools in England have a Governing Body which is responsible for overseeing many of the strategic decisions of the school. A key role is to act as a ‘critical friend’: to support, to challenge, to ask questions, ultimately to represent the school community.

Our aim is for pupils to leave Sidestrand Hall with nationally recognised qualifications having exceeded their expectations and ready to take their place in society as well adjusted and happy adults.

Below is information on our Governing Body, its members, meetings, and structure. You can also download our various documents and minutes.

Meet Our Governors

Chairperson/Foundation Governor

Angela Wrighton

Hello there, my name is Angela Wrighton and I have been a Governor here at Sidestrand Hall for several years. Before that, I was a full time teacher for many years at Cromer High/Academy, where I was also a staff governor with responsibility for SEN and Educational Visits, and took part in staff interviews and appointments. I am still involved with the Academy on a part-time basis, helping with Exams Invigilation, as well as doing occasional supply teaching.

My experience in education makes it easier to understand the role of the Governing body, the importance of being involved in the life of the school, and how Ofsted inspections work. My particular interest is in helping to monitor Pupil progress, improving standards in Teaching and Learning, and monitoring the school curriculum.

I enjoy travelling, holidaying In France where I have many friends and contacts. I like classical music, reading, gardening, swimming and cycling [when the weather is warm!] and attend Church regularly.

Co-opted Governor

Marie Greer

My name is Marie Greer and I live in Mundesley with my husband and two dogs, having moved from Worcestershire in 2013

I am now retired but worked for local and central government for 35 years in the fields of; Training, Enterprise, Regeneration and Economic Development managing budgets of up to £150m per year.

When my children were in school I was a parent governor for 5 years. Now that I am retired and my children have grown up I look forward to engaging in a governor role again.

I have delivered a range of voluntary roles including; Olympic Gymnastics Coach, Childline Counsellor, Elected Hospital Governor, Parish Councillor and Public Relations Officer for Mundesley Coastwatch.

Co-opted Governor

Duncan Mackenzie

Hi, my name is Duncan Mackenzie. I live in Mundesley with my wife and two (very active) rescue dogs; having retired and moved to the area in 2015.

Prior to retirement I spent 40+ years in the insurance industry, mainly in the claims area. Apart from the technical aspects of the work I was involved in team building and professional development of staff.

I have been involved with voluntary organisations locally and was a watchkeeper and latterly Station Manager of Mundesley Coastwatch.

Foundation Governor

Peter Godfrey

I currently work as a consultant to the chemical industry and deal with clients across the globe. In the 1990’s I was a member of the Kettering Employer Education Partnership. This supported local schools by bidding for funds to finance projects where employers and schools worked together.

In 2012 I became a Governor at Notre Dame High School (NDHS) in Norwich and stepped down in 2016 when I was invited to become a director of St John the Baptist Multi-Academy Trust of which NDHS is a member.

As a scientist, I have a particular interest in helping schools promote the STEM subjects and to link up with professional bodies who provide additional support to schools.

From a personal perspective I have a younger brother, who has learning disabilities and is unable to speak. I have also met and been involved with children, young people and adults who have a range of disabilities.

Local Authority Governor

John Bull

Hi, my name is John Bull. I was born in Nottinghamshire and spent 17 years of my working life working for British Coal in Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire, where I became a laboratory manager.

In 1999 I did a PGCE and became a Primary School Teacher,working in several schools, retiring at 55 and now I do a couple of days a week supply through an agency.

I am a keen photographer and am a member of the Mundesley Players after moving to Mundesley in 2020.

Co-opted Governor

Jane Bourne

Staff Governor

Harvey Barrington

I’m a class teacher at Sidestrand Hall currently working in Maple Class and have worked in Key Stage 2. Prior to moving into teaching a few years ago I held several different IT roles in the business sector and then worked as the IT Manager of a large special school for eleven years before moving to Norfolk and retraining. I’ve previously been a parent governor for my children’s primary school and was treasurer of a social club for a number of years. My interests include canoeing and photography.
Co-Opted Governor

Jennifer Lawrence

My family and I relocated to Cromer four years ago with the intention of being closer to both our extended family and the sea. Joining Sidestrand Hall in January has definitely been a change of pace from my 20+ years in the IT industry.

Previously, I served on the governing board of my youngest son's primary school, and I aspire to leverage my experience in this regard to support the school's governors.

Additionally, I am currently involved in volunteering activities within the Cromer community. I lend my time to both the Cromer Christmas Lights initiative and the Cromer Fencing Club. These experiences have deepened my sense of community involvement and engagement.

Parent Governor

Clare Male

I joined the governing body of Sidestrand in December 2022. My son has complex SEN and started at Sidestrand in 2020 in Catkins class. He is really happy and fulfilled at the school but I really missed the regular contact with school. I had been a governor at a school in Norwich about 10 years ago and was happy to be able to contribute to the school by joining the governing body.

I currently work part time as Parish Council Clerk to Wroxham. Previously I was a project manager at Norfolk County Council and was involved in building projects in schools. I hope to support the school during the building project.

Parent Governor

Eva Stone

Parent Governor

Dawn Mountain

Associate Governor

Vivien Harrington

Vivien has recently moved from Bedfordshire to north Norfolk to retire. She has over 25 years experience of working with management teams developing and implementing strategy and designing solutions to complex issues across a range of industry sectors. Vivien hopes to draw on her fundraising experience in higher education to support the School in raising additional funds.

Vivien is married, has two springer spaniels and enjoys exploring the Norfolk countryside and walking the coastal paths.

Associate Governor

Roger Billings

I was born in Leicester and leaving school worked for Midland Bank for 18 years in a variety of branches across the Midlands. I then left and trained for the Anglican Ministry and served in Tunbridge Wells, Chatham and Brize Norton and Carterton. I retired in 2006 and moved to Cromer. Over the years I have been Chair of Governors at four schools and a Governor at another. I joined the Governors of Sidestrand Hall School over ten years ago and was chair for seven years of these year. I am married with three children and six grandchildren.

Annual Governor Statement

Documents and Downloads