Membership of the Academy Committee (ID 1269)

• Mr Louis Collins
  Headteache
  Mr Louis Collins

  I am tremendously proud to be the Executive Headteacher of Great Bentley Primary School. I completed a BA (Hons) in Primary Education with QTS, at Liverpool John Moore's University and moved back to Suffolk after this to tart my career.

  The path that has led me to Great Bentley has included opportunities to lead various aspects in the schools I have been lucky enough to be a part of, including; PE and wider opportunities, Maths, Teaching and Learning, Curriculum and many more! I also worked for the Local Authority as an Advanced Skills Teaching, supporting various schools across Suffolk.

  I am committed and driven to lead the school as it begins to grow and go from strength to strength. I am passionate about our school and working with pupils, families and staff to drive the school forward to ensure we are all the best that we can be.

  I am very much a family man, who has great support from my amazing wife, two energetic young boys and two excitable dogs - weekends involve lots of sport, walks and family fun!

• Mrs Joanne Herbert (Chair)
  Trust Academy Committee Member - 01/09/23 - 31/08/27
  Mrs Joanne Herbert (Chair)

  I have been a Governor and now Academy CommitteeMember for many years. I feel deeply that Gt Bentley Primary School is an anchor point of our village. By being on the Academy Committee, I learn about how our children are taught and get an opportunity to witness the ever evolving education landscape, our dedicated teaching and support staff work around, to allow our children every opportunity available to them now and in their onward journey.

• Mr Kevin Plummer (Vice Chair)
  Trust Academy Committee Member - 01/09/23 - 31/08/27
  Mr Kevin Plummer (Vice Chair)

• Mrs Mary Barber
  Trust Academy Committee Member - 01/09/23 - 31/08/27
  Mrs Mary Barber

  My background is in primary education working in schools in East London, Essex and Thurrock. I also spent the last four years of my career working as a Personal Tutor for an Initial Teacher Training College. It is a wonderful opportunity to be involved in the education of young children again and I am grateful to the staff and children at Great Bentley for making me so welcome.

• Mr Luke Edwards
  Trust Academy Committee Member - 01/09/23 - 31/08/27
  Mr Luke Edwards

  I’ve previously been a Governor at Great Bentley for many years and now a member of the Academy Committee. I’m deeply committed to providing Great Bentley’s pupils with the best possible experience whilst at the school so they can learn, develop and thrive.

  Working in a corporate environment, it’s so refreshing and energising to be able to play an active role at Great Bentley Primary, I always get the sense the whole building is alive whenever I get the chance to visit. Having previously been a Parish Councillor for many years I’m passionate about Great Bentley’s community and the School is really at the heart of it.

• Mr Henry Fairbanks
  Trust Academy Committee Member - 01/09/23 - 31/08/27
  Mr Henry Fairbanks

  I am a proud East Anglian at heart. I have 1 child currently at Great Bentley Primary School and two elder children who also previously attended.

  My career has been in hospitality that dates back more than 20 years, primarily in the pub sector, working for such notable groups as – Enterprise Inns, Realpubs, Metropolitan Pub Company, Heineken UK & Adnams. I am now proud to be COO of ‘Chesnut’ since 2020 - the opportunity to join the Philip Turner led group to oversee its growth was an incredibly rare opportunity.

• Mrs Charlotte Stubbs
  Trust Academy Committee Member - 01/09/23 - 31/08/27
  Mrs Charlotte Stubbs

  I grew up in the Tendring area and am privileged to have been in the teaching profession for over thirty years!

  I am a full-time class teacher and senior leader at one of our local Trust Schools, Frinton-on-Sea Primary, where I lead English and the EYFS.

  My experience in primary education enables me to bring a wealth of knowledge and insight to discussions. The period I spent serving as a parent governor in my children’s school also provides me with an additional valuable perspective.

  I am passionate about working in partnership to improve outcomes for all children and it is a privilege to be a part of Great Bentley Primary School’s ongoing journey – a thriving, outstanding school, always striving for excellence.

• Mr Scott Young
  Trust Academy Committee Member - 01/09/23 - 31/08/27
  Mr Scott Young

  Scott has been a governor at Great Bentley for around 12 years now, both his two children attended the school which provided them with a great start to their education. Scott is a project manager in insurance and has worked for a number of large companies including AXA and Capita, he is now head of technical operations at Pen Insurance which is the underwriting arm of Gallagher Insurance. He has a love of sport and is an active runner at his local running club. Scott has lived in Aingers Green, a stones throw from Great Bentley, for 25 years.

• Mrs Claire Bourne
  Staff Academy Committee Member - 01/09/23 - 31/08/27
  Mrs Claire Bourne

• Mrs Vicki Brooks
  Parent Academy Committee Member - 06/12/23 - 05/12/27
  Mrs Vicki Brooks

  I am a parent of two children, the eldest of which has recently started at the school.

  I am keen to support and contribute to the school as a Parent Academy Committee Member. I strongly believe that the right opportunities, experience and guidance at a young age really helps to shape a child’s future. Starting the role of Parent Academy Committee Member in January 2023 role, I am thoroughly looking forward to the challenge and working with the school to help in all aspects.

• Mrs Mel Milburn
  Parent Academy Committee Member - 06/12/23 - 05/12/27
  Mrs Mel Milburn

  I am a mother of two, my eldest currently at Great Bentley Primary School and enjoy family days out, performance arts and playing netball.

  I am very passionate about the education children receive and as a primary school teacher myself, I feel I have a lot to offer but even more to learn. I have always had a particular love for teaching English and I'm committed to leading the development of phonics and writing approaches in my current teaching role.

  I am keen to support the school to continue their ‘outstanding’ path to provide all of our children with an educational journey that will inspire them, allow them to fulfil their potential and give them lasting happy memories of their school days. My husband and I love being able to bring our children up in a village that has such a caring and strong community spirit. Volunteering as a parent committee member is my way of contributing to our community that we’ve come to appreciate so much.