Here are some brief profiles of our Governors so you'll be able to spot them when you see them around the school.
Miss Sharon Ansell
Parent Governor
Hi. My name is Sharon Ansell and I was voted in as a parent governor in October 2016.
Currently I sit on the Resources Committee and the Children and Learning Committee. I am also the governor responsible for safeguarding in the school
Both my children have attended St Mary’s; my daughter is now at the Weald and my son is in year 5. Since the children joined St Mary’s, I have been an active member of the PTA and have been involved in a number of successful projects within the school community. I currently work at the Weald School and it’s great to see students from St Mary’s carrying on their journey through education.
Mrs Laura Batchelor
Foundation Diocesan Governor
My name is Laura and I am a Foundation Diocesan Governor, which means that I have been appointed to the governing body by the diocese because of my links with St Mary’s Church. I am currently chair of the Children, Learning & Assessment committee. My background is in Art education and I currently teach part time at 2 local secondary schools and for a local authority.
I am also the mother of three boys who all attended St Mary’s and received an excellent education which prepared them for their secondary school, sixth form and beyond. They loved their time at this school and made the most of every extra-curricular opportunity: sport, music, drama. I am passionate about the arts and believe that a broad curriculum which includes rich creative opportunities should be available to all students.
My family, governor role and three jobs keep me pretty busy, but in my spare time I enjoy singing in a choir, gardening and, of course, drawing.
Mrs Charlotte Cargill
Foundation PCC Governor
My name is Charlotte Cargill and I have lived in Pulborough with my husband Matt since 2009. We have two daughters who both enjoyed their primary education and all the extra activities that are on offer here at St Mary's before moving on to The Weald. I am a Diocesan Foundation Governor appointed by the Diocese because of my links to St Mary’s Church here in Pulborough. I sit on the Children & Learning Committee and Chair the Ethos & Worship Committee along with having the Governors’ responsibility for RE. I have a Science background and am also keen to see that Art, Music and PE are fully supported at school so that our children experience a really rounded education. I work for the Environment Agency where I am a Legal Executive. I like singing, I help organise family activities at St Mary’s Church and enjoy being outdoors in this lovely area we live in..
Mr Andy Clark
Foundation Diocesan Governor
I recently retired following a career in education and 20 years as a Surrey primary school head, being appointed to the Governing Body in July 2019. A Keele Music and French graduate, I trained as a teacher at Westminster College, Oxford. I am excited to be involved with St Mary’s at such an important time in the school’s development. I am a member of the Resources and Children and Learning Committees and Lead Governor for Maths. In my leisure time I enjoy travel, skiing and playing squash.
Mrs Samantha Copus
Head Teacher
I am the Head teacher at St Mary’s and teaching and Learning is my passion, with a focus on Special Educational Needs, Disability and Safeguarding as well as liaising with the staff at the school. I spend my weekends with my family and love being outdoors, with a keen interest in water sports and walking.
Mr Simon Doy
Co-Opted Governor
Hi, I’m Simon Doy and my daughter attended St Mary’s. I’m a Co-opted Governor sitting on the Children & Learning and Resources committees. Additionally, I have the Governors’ responsibility for IT.
My day job is in software development management and test governance for a major financial services provider which I’ve been doing for the past 20 years. Outside of work, being a dad keeps me more than busy!
Mr Julian Edge
Foundation PCC Governor
Hi, my name is Julian and I'm the father of three girls, all of whom attend or have attended St Mary's. I sit on the Teaching & Learning committee and I also hold the Governors’ responsibility for the Higher Attaining pupils’ policy. My day job is flying for an airline and my passion is horses which is why I often look like something the cat has dragged in at pick up time.
Rev Judith Ellis
Foundation Diocesan Governor
My name is Judith Ellis. I am the new minister at Pulborough Brooks Baptist Church and I have been appointed by the diocese as a Foundation Governor.
I spent my first 35 working years in education, both in the UK and in Nepal. From 2000-2014 I was the CEO of a 4-18 year old Christ-centred Mission School, where we set up a program to work with other Nepali schools, to equip them and introduce creativity and discipline through love rather than fear. I have been on international schools' inspection teams, as well as successfully leading the primary and secondary school through a number of inspections.
On returning to the UK I completed an MA in Kingdom Theology, ministers' training at Spurgeon’s College and was ordained last year. I look forward to being on the Ethos and Worship Committee and part of the Governing Team at St Mary’s School. I love to garden and enjoy God’s creation through walks.