Governors

Local Governing Board

Our Governing Body

School governors are people who want to make a positive contribution to children’s education. Governors are one of the most substantial volunteer forces in the country and have an essential part to play in raising school standards. The role of the governing board is key to the effectiveness of a school. The purpose of the Governing Body is to provide strategic management, and to act as a “critical friend”, supporting the work of the headteacher and other staff. School governing bodies are responsible for working with the school to ensure that it delivers a good quality education. Together with the head teacher, who is responsible for day-to-day management, they set the school’s aims and policies.

Chair of Governors

John Dorrington 

Term from 01/05/2022 to 30/04/2026

I am John, I've been on the Local Governing Body for 6 years now. I'm currently in my third year as chair of the local governing body at Mountnessing. I have also joined the Local Governing Body at Shenfield St Marys to work across the trust. I have 2 children both of which are currently at Mountnessing Joseph in year 6 and Isabelle in year 4, they are the 4th generation of my family to attend the school. My day-to-day job is a store manager for the Co-operative and also a pension Trustee within the business.

Headteacher
Holly Obank (Staff)

I have been the headteacher of Mountnessing CE Primary School since September 2012, although I have worked at the school since 2009. I have seen the school through many changes and currently through our expansion. I love being part of the local community and thoroughly enjoy being the head teacher of such a family orientated school. 

Stephanie Hedley Barnes 

Term from 05/12/2022 to 04/12/2026

I became involved with Mountnessing C of E Primary School when our daughters attended the school. I now serve as both Governor and Vice Chair on the Local Board having previously Chaired this for 2 years. I have a range of experiences in education, Local Authorities and nationally that I hope will assist me in the new role of Trustee for the Mid Essex Anglican Academy Trust.

I am currently a Secondary School Teacher after retraining when my children were young. Over the last 18 years I have been an elected District Councillor and managed committees, delivered projects. I have also worked with families of children with life limiting conditions and a range of special educational needs. Specialised in areas of deprivation. Managed Lottery Funded Projects and advised Local Authorities Nationally on Government Policy including at the House of Commons and to release DfE Policy nationally.

Annie I’Anson 

Term from 01/05/2022 to 30/04/2026

I have been a Governor for c15 years.  Mother of 1 child who attended the school and now at University of Birmingham.  Currently working for a Multi Academy Trust based in Greenwich but work in Braintree.  During the years of governance I have 'looked after' finance until the school converted to academisation.  I now have responsibility for two subjects - computing and Modern Foreign Languages.

Lucia Possamai (Parent)

Term from 12/04/2021 to 11/04/2025

I have been a Parent Governor of Mountnessing C of E Primary School since April 2021. I moved to Essex in 2018 and my three children have all attended Mountnessing Primary School. Currently my daughter is in year 5 and my son in year 1.

I am a Consultant Hepatologist and General Physician at St Mary’s Hospital London and an Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London. I have roles in undergraduate and postgraduate education at Imperial College.  I have experience of educational and clinical governance, project management and strategic development through my professional roles.

My motivation to become a Governor was to be able make a constructive contribution to the school community and help to support positive development of Mountnessing Primary School as it continues to fulfil its vision of offering an outstanding educational experience and unlocking each child’s potential.  

Alice Murray (Staff)

Term from 08/02/2021 to 07/02/2025

Tim Lee (Licensed Lay Minister)

Term from 16/10/2023 (Ex-officio governor)

I am the Focal Minister for St Giles Church Mountnessing along with the churches of Buttsbury and Margaretting. Focal ministers are a relatively new idea in the Church of England - Licenced Lay Ministers who have responsibility for a church and parish. In 2009 I took early retirement from a multinational company, a career which included positions in purchasing, IT and project management. I am married to Viv. I was a church youth leader for twelve years. As a church governor I am keen to ensure that Mountnessing School keeps its distinctive Christian character.

Nawaz Mohamed (Parent)

Term from 10/02/2023 to 09/02/2027

I'm Naz and I am Ava and Leo's dad and husband to Charlotte who works in the school office.

I wanted to become a governor as I have a vested interest in our school and want to work towards achieving the best possible outcomes for all children and families at Mountnessing. I feel that my experience as a senior director within investment management for the last 20 years would work well and benefit the school greatly.

I hope to be a friendly face that you all feel you can express your concerns to.

Historic:

Josie Collins

Term from 12/02/2020 to 28/09/2022

Rita Harries 

Term from 01/05/2018 to 30/04/2022

Sally Beckett (Staff)

Term from 12/02/2020 to 05/11/2021

Attendance Record for Local Governors at Local Board Meetings at Mountnessing from 01/09/23 to 31/08/2024