Felbridge Governing Body

As a state maintained community school, Felbridge Primary is locally managed by a governing body. The following groups are represented on the governing body - staff, parents, the local education authority and the local community. The role of the governor, in any category, is voluntary.
The governing body work in partnership with staff to develop the school. They meet regularly, working hard to achieve the very best education for all pupils at the school.
Parent governors are elected by their fellow parents and represent their views. If you would like to help the school by becoming a governor, please get in touch with the Headteacher to find out what is involved. All governors are supported by induction and further training opportunities to support them in the role.  

The meetings since the summer term of 2020 were mostly held virtually and governors were not always able to attend through technical difficulties or due to self-isolating.

In September 2020 the Full Governing Body re-organised its meetings and has appointed two main committees; Resources and Teaching & Learning which both meet once a term and the number of Full Governing Body meetings per year is now usually four.

Contact details for governors are available either through the school office or via the staff noticeboard.  

Governor Profiles

May 2023: Mrs Marie Clowes is currently acting Chair of Governors. All enquiries for the Chair of Governors can be made through the office via info@felbridge.surrey.sch.uk 

Marie Clowes (Co-Opted Governor)

Chair of Governors and Chair of Resources Committee
I was very pleased to be appointed as a co-opted governor at Felbridge Primary School in December 2021.  

I have worked in Finance for 20+ years and have also volunteered as an Adviser at Citizens Advice. We have lived in the area for 22 years and have 4 children, one of whom is currently of school age. When not working, I enjoy walking, reading and cookery. 

I believe that an excellent education is the most important thing we can give children and hope that I can contribute towards that being a continuing reality for the children of Felbridge.

Rupert Barnes (Co-opted Governor)

Chair of Teaching and Learning Committee
I've lived in Blindley Heath for twenty years and was delighted to be appointed a Governor in September 2017. I have run an IT consultancy for over 30 years and we have been involved in a number of education projects including Advanced Skills Teachers, Newly Qualified Teachers, PSHE, pupil self-help and governance.  I have a particular interest in politics, education and equal opportunities.  I have a firm belief in my old school motto: "a Child's mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled". In addition to running a business, my roles have included programming, system design and project management. I hope I can make a useful contribution to the governing body and the school. I am married with two grown up children, one grandchild and a poodle named Prudence. I enjoy skiing, triathlon, swing and ballroom dancing, singing and playing the saxophone.

Rebecca Flint (Parent Governor)

I have two children at the school and it is a joy to see them both thriving. I spent 14 years working in the NHS managing teams and building services before my current role in private practice, all of which has provided me with many transferable skills as a school governor. My aim is to continue to develop the school so that pupils can reach their full potential and staff feel supported in their teaching.

Hugh Hogan-Fleming (Headteacher)

Following a year as a resident music assistant at Wells Cathedral School, I began teaching at a small village school in Dorset, before moving to a large and diverse primary school in Kingston-upon-Thames. I then moved to Surrey, teaching in two Surrey schools in Dorking and Long Ditton, supporting the leadership of the schools as Assistant & Deputy Headteacher and then Head of School, before joining Felbridge in January 2021. My interest in working with children stems from a nearly 30-year involvement with the National Children's Orchestra as a player, member of pastoral staff and finally as a  senior staff member managing residential courses in the holidays. The buzz of performance and the achievement of young people is always exciting and a source of great pride; I also find it hard to resist getting involved with musical events in school! My wife is also a Surrey primary school teacher; we live in Reigate with our two primary-aged children.

Charlotte Pringle (Staff Governor)                                                                   
Having worked at Felbridge as the Reception teacher for a few years, I am really excited to be part of the governing body where I can gain even more of insight into the "behind the scenes" part of a school. Before gradually moving south a few years ago to be closer to family, I grew up in Leeds where I spent the majority of my education and now I am enjoying life in West Sussex with my partner and his family. My main aim when growing up was to be a Drama teacher but I spent a week volunteering in a primary school and changed my career path slightly! I love all things 'Performing Arts' having studied Drama at the University of Winchester. In my spare time, I love exercising, reading, dancing and visiting family. 

Paddy Mason (Local authority Governor)

I have been a member of the Governing Board since July 2020 and I am Vice Chair of the Teaching and Learning committee. I have over 20 years teaching experience in the independent and maintained sectors and I have held the roles of Director of Studies and Deputy Head.  I am also an inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate, focusing on compliance and educational quality.  I currently teach Religious Studies at a secondary school in West Sussex. I am married with two young children. I enjoy football, kayaking and running. 

Nicky Everett (Co-Opted Governor)

I feel very privileged to be part of the governor team at Felbridge School. My family have lived in the area for over 15 years & we have two school age children. I’m a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development with 20+ years experience in Human Resources. I’m also a trained mentor & facilitator. In addition to volunteering at Felbridge I also do pro bono work through The Cranfield Trust supporting charities with their strategic planning & am currently mentoring CEOs. I’m passionate about equality, fairness & diversity and am very interested in mindfulness and wellbeing. When not doing the above I love doing creative arts, gardening & family activities.

Ian Kelly (Parent Governor)

Vice-Chair of Governors

I moved to Felbridge in 2013 and one of the main reasons we chose this area was the quality of the schools. I currently have three children attending Felbridge Primary and have been particularly impressed by the passion and commitment of all the staff in giving the children the very best start to their educational journey. I am employed as an airline pilot for a major British airline and I look forward to transferring some of my core skills to help further the continued success of the school. In my spare time I enjoy sport, particularly football and fitness training, reading and occasional attempts at playing the guitar. 

 Matt Barcraft-Barnes (Co-Opted Governor)

Helen Rodgers (Clerk to the Governors)

I am a qualified Company Secretary and worked in London for 15 years including 13 years at a large retail bank. I started as a clerk to the governors at a primary school in Uckfield in 2009 and now act as clerk to a number of local schools which I find rewarding and gives me the flexibility to spend time with my family.