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

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.

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.

Alice Murray (Staff)

Term from 08/02/2022 to 07/02/2026

Yusum Chau (Parent)

Term from 24/04/2024 to 23/04/2028

I am mum to Archie and Hunter at the school. I wanted to become a governor of the school as I am invested in my children's social and educational development. I have experience in local authority governance process, strategic development, project management and contract management, and social care practice knowledge within my professional role. I believe every child should access education with reasonable adjustments provided to maximise their learning opportunities. 

Sharon MacCool

Term from 16/05/2025 to 15/05/2029

I have four adult daughters and two grandsons, and after a long and fulfilling career as a finance manager, I retired in December 2024. I am really excited to take on the role of governor at Mountnessing, I know how important a supportive, well-run school is for children and families. With my background in finance and my experience as a parent and grandparent, I believe I could bring helpful skills and a genuine care for the community to the role.

Historic:

Nawaz Mohamed (Resigned)

Term from 10/02/2023 - 30/05/2025

Lucia Possamai

Term from 12/04/2021 to 11/04/2025

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 01/09/24 to 31/08/2025