Governors
Letter from Chair
Governors' Business Interests
Meet the Governors
David Faulkner (Chair of Governors)
After working in Financial Services for 35 years, 17 of which was working overseas, David has now retired and spends much of his time working as a Governor at a variety of schools. He has been a governor for 13 years and works with vulnerable schools where he helps turn them back into Good schools. He is an Ex National Leader of Governance and has been Chair of Governors at over 10 schools during the past 13 years. His experience on the Governing Body is wide, however Finance, Health and Safety and Premises are the areas that he is most passionate about. He has two grown up daughters, one of whom is a Primary School teacher. His wife also works in Education and there are always interesting discussions around the dinner table. He recently had his first grandchild.
Kim Elwell-Sutton (Vice Chair of Governors)
I have two boys, the elder of whom started at the school in 2016. I became a Diocesan appointed governor in 2017 and am excited about being involved in supporting our school. I believe it is important that children be nurtured to achieve their academic and personal potential within a supportive environment. I also believe it is important they are given the opportunity to understand the love of God and the values of Christianity. Before becoming a Mum, I was a teacher both in the U.K. and in international schools in Hong Kong. I hope I can bring some of this experience to contribute to the life of Ingrave Johnstone.
Sarah Stefano (Safeguarding Governor)
I was appointed as a parent governor in December 2018. My husband and I have a daughter in the Infants and a toddler. I am passionate about education because I believe that all children should have access to a high standard of education in a nurturing environment that helps them to achieve their potential. I am a Solicitor Advocate, specialising in Family law at an Essex based law firm with over 10 years' experience. I believe my professional and personal skills, along with my compassionate approach can be used on the positive journey Ingrave Johnstone is on to improve our children's education and elevate them by preparing them for success in their futures.
Paul Hamilton
I’ve been Rector of Ingrave since 2006 and membership of the governing body is an important part of that role. Each of my 3 children have attended this school and I am passionate about playing my part to maintain its Christian ethos.
I’ve been in full time ministry since 1993 and have always served on governing bodies during that time. I teach RE each week in the school as well as leading numerous acts of worship. As the parish priest I make time to be available to staff and parents and support in any way I can.
Judy Dye
I was appointed as the Local Authority Governor in May 2013. Most of my working career has been spent with computers, firstly as a research chemist, then as a programmer, on to a project manager and now I work as an IT specialist in Local Government. I feel privileged to be involved with such a happy and successful school and hope to be able to bring some of my skillset to use in supporting the school going forward into a new era, particularly in the safe and secure use of IT to support learning .
David Watts
My wife and I have three children one boy (6) and two girls (3 & 1), my son currently attends the school and is in year 2, with my middle child due to start September 2022. Prior to becoming a parent governor, I spent close to three years as an active member of the parish council and gained considerable experience and understanding of the local community and area. I have worked locally to the school at Ford Motor Company now for 26 years, initially as a qualified electrician / mechanic and then re-skilled to become an associate with CIMA and am now a qualified charted accountant working in Ford Finance.
As a keen runner, Thorndon and the area provide an idyllic setting to explore and maintain both a level of physical fitness and mental wellness.
Two of my children have been christened at St Nicholas Church with plans for my youngest to be also.
I hope to bring both my varied and diverse experience and also love and respect of the local area and community to further support the schools seven core values and with it the happiness, wellbeing and development of the children and the staff of Ingrave Johnstone .
Tina Masson
I am a newly appointed parent governor to Ingrave Johnstone and thoroughly honoured to be here.
I am a mum to 3 children and have been very impressed by the sense of community IJ has to offer. Two of my children have thrived in the school since joining and the passion and enthusiasm of the teachers and staff at the school is thoroughly contagious wanting me to also be able to give back to such a wonderful team.
With a background in Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare and Private Sector, I am passionate to ensure children have the best possible start and schooling experience and am looking forward to working with the school to achieve their goals. It is rare that you see a school that has discipline, passion and a family environment which is why we were drawn to the school even though we do not live in Brentwood. I believe a happy learning environment is key to the success of engaging our children to learn and hope I can contribute to the continuing success of the school.
Helen Castell
I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in May 2024. I am delighted to return to Ingrave Johnstone after being employed for 7 years as Deputy Head and then Acting Head. I have recently retired after 8 successful years as Head of Writtle Infant School in Chelmsford. Having recent experience in the “hot-seat” together with my experience at the school gives me the understanding to support the team at Ingrave Johnstone and make a strong contribution to the governing body.
I have always lived in Brentwood and my now grown up son played for the football team when younger so we were always involved with the local area. I believe first and foremost children need to feel safe and secure to be in the right space for learning and a continual consideration to the well-being of pupils and staff is key. I attend St. Nicholas church and am committed to the Christian ethos of the school whilst embracing all faiths.
I look forward to working with the governing body and meeting parents whilst at events.