Co-opted Governors

Ms. Claire Smith (Chair)

As Partner of Percival & Company, a long established firm of Estate & Letting Agents  located within Earls Colne, I have always been keen to help the community wherever possible and feel that its extremely important that the school and local community work together to support each other, wherever possible. With this in mind, I became a Co-opted Governor in September 2020.

I became Chair of Governors in September 2022 am a member of the Finance Committee. I also get involved with some of the various health and safety issues on the school site and have found that my professional background has helped me to assist the school with various ongoing projects in School.  

In my spare time, I love live music and enjoy various sporting activities. I am also Captain of a local Ladies Rounders Team and get involved with helping to organise various events within the local business community.

Mr. Matthew Brown (Vice-chair of Governors)

I have been a Governor at the School for sixteen years. Firstly as a Parent Governor when my son and daughter started at the school in 2003 but now as a Co-Opted Governor. I took early retirement from my role as Chief Executive Officer of a financial services company two years ago which has given me the time to take on the role of Chair of Governors. I am passionate about the School and its role in providing the best possible start for our children.

I recently graduated from the University of Essex with a BA in history. In my spare time, I am a keen gardener, golfer, bell ringer and runner.

Mr. George Posner

I have been a Governor since 1991 and am Link Governor (Training).

I have lived in Earls Colne since 1977 and both my daughters attended the primary school. I worked in banking for 35 years, following which I was Director of a Colchester based charity for the next 13 years.

I was involved with Earls Colne Scout Group for 40 years and during that time was Scout Leader for 24 years. I was one of the five founder Trustees of the Earls Colne Millennium Green, serving for 14 years, and have been involved with the Aldham Old Time Rally since 1980.

Mr. Mike Watson

I have been a co-opted governor since 2015 and have oversight responsibility for the school's finances together with assisting with leadership and management oversight of the school.

I have lived in the village for over 20 years and have a professional background in Financial Services for a global Bank.

I remain passionate about all our children having the opportunity to acquire a balanced  and stimulating education which enables them to fulfill their own individual promise, whatever that might be.

Mr. Dan Salt (Safegurding Lead)

I joined the Governing Body as Co-Opted Governor in 2016.  I have a daughter at the school, Holly, and a pre-school son Brody.  I currently work as a designer and leader of software for General Electric, building systems for the next generation of electrical networks around the world.  I work primarily from home in the village, but also travel to various company and customer sites.  I am passionate about the value of ICT and computing in schools, not only to gain skills in IT, but to assist the learning of many other aspects of the curriculum.  I also run an after-school Coding Club, which further encourages our children to work together and build confidence.

As a governor I have responsibility for the areas of ICT and Design.

Miss. Fiona Beck

I have been a governor at Earls Colne since 2021.  I have worked as a Human Resources Manager in the Education Sector since 2007, working in a local secondary school dealing with all HR matters.  I am CIPD qualified and hold Level 5 & 7 Diplomas in Human Resource Management. I thoroughly enjoy working in schools and the daily challenges it brings. 

I have lived in Earls Colne since 2002 and really enjoying bringing up my two children up in this lovely village and exploring all the wonderful countryside we have around us.

Mrs. Francesca Bradbury

Having lived in Earls Colne and Colne Engaine for nearly thirty years, and seeing my own two children benefit from their journey through Earls Colne School, I wanted to support the community and use my knowledge as a Deputy Head of a Colchester independent school to assist the school in its endeavours. 

Parent Governors

My son attends Earls Colne Primary School & Nursery and I have been active within our school community since he joined; volunteering in the classroom, supporting enrichment activities and helping Friends PTA where I can. I joined the governing body in 2020 as a parent governor because I felt I could make a positive contribution towards our school and could help make a difference to our children's future. I bring with me the benefit of my professional business experience plus my own experiences as a mature student, as a parent and as a member of our community. 

I am passionate about helping the school to continue to create an amazing learning environment for all our children so they can reach their full potential and, most importantly, are happy coming to school. As the community link governor, I am keen for our children to make positive relationships with our community during their time at ECPS because I believe this is key to building and maintaining a connected and harmonious community in the future. 

In my spare time I love to spend time with my family, friends, and dogs, listening to live music, supporting our local pubs and businesses, learning more about how we can protect our beautiful planet, and spending time outdoors; gardening, cycling, and walking.

Revd. Mark Payne

I love being a priest, it is who I am and each day is a joy!  

Although I have enjoyed and found fulfilment in most of my roles to date, I feel most fulfilled as a priest, finally being what God called me to be, and I am so excited about the journey God is taking us on here in The Colnes. 

I am married to Suz who works for the Police and dad to Caitlin.

Before becoming the Team Rector in the Halstead Area Team, with special responsibility for Earls Colne, Colne Engaine and White Colne, I served as Assistant Curate at St Mary’s Bocking. Prior to being ordained I worked as Head of Charitable Services for a children’s charity on the Isle of Man. 

I enjoy meeting people in the villages and serving these very special communities alongside the congregations of our three churches, all dedicated to St Andrew. Working with our schools is a delight and being a Governor is privilege.

LA Governor

Mr. Richard Farnes

I have lived in the village since 2014, during which time both of my sons have attended the school.

I am a self-employed professional musician and photographer, and until recently have earned most of my keep as an orchestral conductor, working in concert halls and theatres both in the UK and internationally. Before moving to Earls Colne I was for twelve years Music Director at Opera North in Leeds. Nowadays I do more teaching and music consultancy, and I’m beginning to spend more time behind a camera than in front of an orchestra.

I am the governor with responsibility for Special Educational Needs & Disabilities, and am passionate about all children receiving a holistic and wide-ranging education. I have a strong interest in Geography and Earth Sciences, and am a keen amateur astronomer. When not doing that or taking my boys to football, I enjoy cycling, gardening and hill-walking – not the most demanding of pursuits in Essex

Staff Governor

Mrs. Nicola Robinson

I teach in Monkeys, one of our Reception classes, and have been staff governor since 2018.