Governors

Our Governing Body

The Governing Body is the strategic leader of the school. It has a vital role to play in making sure every child gets the best possible education, and focuses on three core functions: 

  • Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction; 
  • Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff;
  • Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent. 

If you are interested in becoming a school governor, please contact Amy Folcik, Clerk to the Governors for more information clerk@mileoak.brighton-hove.sch.uk

We currently have governor vacancies and would love to hear from members of the community interested in joining our board. Find out more about becoming a school governor in Brighton and Hove from these short videos:


https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/news/2023/new-drive-recruit-school-governors-begins-today

The Structure of the Governing Body

Although there may be some vacancies from time to time, Mile Oak's Governing Body consists of:

  • 2 parent governors
  • 1 staff governor
  • The headteacher
  • 1 local authority governor
  • Up to 7 co-opted governors

Governing Committees

Some work is carried out by committees, which report to the full Governing Body. Each committee is made up of a selection of governors rather than the full group. The committees include:

The Teaching and Learning Committee
  • Susan Wright (Chair)
  • Luke Lording
  • Jenny Leaver 
  • Helen Duggan
The Business Committee
  • Scarlett Smith (Chair)
  • Luke Lording
  • Nicola Gonzalez Smith
  • Ying Fu

Meet the Governors  

I have been a governor at Mile Oak Primary since September 2017. I was a Director of Portslade Aldridge Community Academy Trust and then Chair of Governors from September 2011 until August 2018.

I was a teacher of secondary age pupils in English and Drama and have worked as Director of Children’s Services (Education and Social Care) in various local authorities. I am committed to working with everyone in the school community to ensure that all children have opportunities to enjoy and achieve their very best.

I live in Shoreham-by-Sea and organise Shoreham Wordfest, an annual autumn festival of books, drama and children’s events. 

I have been a governor at Mile Oak Primary since 2019. I am a member of the teaching and learning committee and have a special interest in ensuring the right support is available for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

I was a teacher for many years, working with children with a wide range of special needs in both mainstream education and specialist schools.

I am very pleased to be playing a part within the school to ensure all children have the best opportunities to develop to their full potential.

I have been a Governor at Mile Oak primary school since September 2021.

I worked as a teacher, specialising in the Early Years, until my semi-retirement in 2010. Since then, I have worked for Brighton University as a University Tutor, supporting students on teacher training courses (BA and PGCE). Most recently I have been supporting EYTS (Early Years Teacher Status) students who work full time in nurseries and pre-school settings alongside their studies. I have three Grandsons one at primary school in Hove and two at PACA. My Granddaughter is in Year 2 at Mile Oak school.

I look forward to continuing to work with the school in supporting every child to reach their full potential. I am a member of the Teaching and Learning committee and chair of the Nursery committee

I joined the Governing team supporting Mile Oak as a Co-opted Governor in September 21, following my daughter joining reception. 

I have worked in financial services for the past 15 years performing a wide range of roles supporting the operational side of the business. My current role as Business Continuity and Crisis Manager sits in the Resilience space, ensuring the continuity of the organisation in the event of incidents, emergencies and crises. Other roles have included training and development, onboarding, budgeting, data analytics and complaints management. In my governing role I am a member of the Business Committee.

Since my daughter joined the school, I have been overwhelmed by her progress and development.

The commitment and passion from the Leadership Team and staff shines through and I am looking forward to supporting their vision for the school and its pupils. 

I have been a member of the governance team since September 2021.

I have worked in pharmaceutical industry for the last 16 years, currently liaising with various health authorities and leading a number of muti-departmental projects. Primarily ensuring that all the required guidance is fulfilled by developing long term strategies.  

I have a son in year 5 and a daughter in Year 2, I'm pleased to be a part of the governance team, providing support to the school and pupils. I am part of the business committee.

I joined the Governing team supporting Mile Oak as a Governor in January 2025. 

I work in Brighton & Hove City Council as a Wraparound Childcare Programme Manager. In my role, I collaborate with local primary schools and private childcare providers, offering guidance on breakfast and after school clubs. This includes providing support on funding opportunities, quality expectations, safeguarding requirements, and practical steps to establish sustainable childcare provision.

I am a member of the Business Committee and I am excited to continue working with the school in supporting their vision. Together, we can create the most suitable environment for our children.

I joined the Governing Body in January 2026.

I am a qualified solicitor with over 30 years’ experience, including more than 20 years in financial services. In my roles, I supported boards on regulatory compliance, governance and risk management, helping them to make balanced and evidence-based decisions.

As a local resident, I am keen to use my experience to support the school’s leadership and to help ensure every child can thrive and reach their full potential. I am very pleased to join the school community and to work alongside staff, parents and fellow governors in supporting its continued success.

I have been a member of the governing team since March 2025.


I have been a class teacher here for the past eight years, and during this time I have really enjoyed being part of such a supportive and welcoming school community. Working closely with our pupils and families has helped me develop a strong connection to the school and a deep understanding of what makes it special. Alongside my teaching role, I am also the Computing Lead.


I decided to become a Staff Governor because I wanted to be more involved in important decisions that shape the future of our school and to challenge myself professionally. I see this role as a great opportunity to share the views of staff, contribute my experience, and continue learning as part of a dedicated governing team.

Historial Governors Appointed By From To
Christine Bartley Appointed by GB September 2021 December 2022
Claire Fowlie Appointed by GB December 2022 November 2023
Rita Webb Elected by Staff July 2020 December 2022
Lisa Colling Elected by Staff February 2023 December 2023
David Clark Appointed by GB September 2024 July 2025

Parent Governor Vacancy 

We’re looking for parent governors to join the Mile Oak Governing Body — a team that helps shape the future direction of our school.

This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in your child’s school, share your ideas, and make a real difference to the lives of all our pupils. As a parent governor, you’ll gain valuable experience, meet new people, develop teamwork skills, and learn more about how the school runs — all while helping us make Mile Oak an even better place to learn and grow.

For more information, please see the link below.

Parent Governor Vacancy

Applications must be submitted by Friday 06th March. 

Please send your application to office@mileoak.brighton-hove.sch.uk