Governors

The Governing Body of Bentley St Paul's.

The responsibilities of the Governing Body of Bentley St Paul's include:

Setting strategic direction, objectives, targets and policies.
Reviewing progress against the budget, plans and targets.
Approving the school budget.
Acting as a critical friend to the head teacher by providing support and challenge.
Appointing the head teacher.

Governors are responsible for helping to provide an environment in which a good quality education can be delivered. The Governing body meets each term and relies on committees to advise their decisions.

Governors are expected to attend termly meetings and to serve on committees where they have an interest or can add value. Committees address issues such as staffing, finance, curriculum and premises.

	Phil Russell Local Board Governor Date of Appointment: 20/03/2025 Term of Office: 4 years to 19/03/2029 Appointed by: Trustees Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None I joined Bentley St. Paul’s governing body for the first time in 2010 when my son entered reception. I remained a governor for the next 14 years, 7 of which I was chair. My main focus was the financial side but was involved in many aspects of school life. I remained active in the school when I stepped down from the governing body in 2023, but an opportunity has arisen for me to get involved again. Prior to becoming a governor, I spent 18 years in investment banking, stopping when my son was born to become a full-time Dad.
	Louise Putt Head Teacher Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None I joined Bentley St Paul’s as Headteacher in September 2011. I have worked in schools in the Brentwood area since 2002. I love being head of Bentley St Paul's, seeing many changes and developments over the years and consider Bentley to be part of my family. It has been a pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful community for so many years and see many families grow and develop as they move through school.
	Rowena Bere-Brown Local Board Governor - Vice Chair Date of Appointment: 30/07/2022 Term of Office: 4 years to 29/07/2026 Appointed by: Trustees (Parochial Church Council) Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Trustee of Navestock Village Hall and member of Navestock Parish Council I joined Bentley St Paul’s school as a PCC appointed governor in September 2010. Having already spent 5 years at the school as a parent I had experienced what a wonderful place it was and felt I wanted to give something back. Subsequently my other two children attended the school and despite them having long gone onto senior school (and beyond) I felt so connected to Bentley St Paul’s I have stayed on as a governor. During this time my focus has mostly been on pupil outcomes but I have also been involved with finance and for much of my time I have been Vice Chair of governors.
	Julie Hardy Local Board Governor Date of Appointment: 01/03/2020 Term of Office: Ex-officio Appointed by: Trustees Relevant business and pecuniary interests: I lead St Paul’s Church, just across the road from the school. I enjoy coming into school and leading assemblies and supporting the staff where required. The school also comes to the church for special services and events. As part of my role as Priest, I am a governor at the school. Prior to becoming a Priest I worked in Primary, Junior and Senior schools. I have three adult daughters and two granddaughters.
	Claire Cooper Local Board Governor Date of Appointment: 12/02/2024 Term of Office: 4 years to 11/02/2028 Appointed by: Parents Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None I am a mum of 4 and our family has been part of Bentley school since 2019. I have a Law degree and my professional experience has been in recruitment within the Fintech sector. In 2013 I qualified as a primary school teacher. I have attended courses and workshops on how to parent children who've experienced trauma. My husband and I have also both run the London Marathon raising money for Barnardo's Children's Charity.
	William Trump Local Board Governor Date of Appointment: 12/02/2024 Term of Office: 4 years to 11/02/2028 Appointed by: Parents Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Director of Unconventional Wisdom Ltd I have lived in Brentwood since 2013, with my wife and two daughters, both at Bentley school. I have worked in the City, in the insurance industry, for the past 15 years, and recently started my own business, a small behavioural science consultancy. Outside of work, I am heavily involved church (Immanuel Church Brentwood), where I am part of the leadership team. With experience of local community involvement, having served as a Brentwood Borough councillor, elected to represent Hutton North from 2015-2019, I have also been a school governor elsewhere. Outside of work, I really enjoy spending time with my family, going on bike rides and watching good movies.
	Joanna Williamson Local Board Governor Date of Appointment: 21/03/2024 Term of Office: 4 years to 20/03/2028 Appointed by: Trustees (Community) Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None I’ve been involved with Bentley St Paul’s since 2014, when my daughter started in reception. Firstly, with the Friends of Bentley St Paul’s, and then as a parent governor in 2019. My son is currently in year 6. As my term was mainly dictated by the Covid pandemic, I felt that I still had a lot to learn and more to give, so I have now put myself forward as a trust governor. I am a police officer and have been with the Metropolitan Police for 23 years. I don’t have much spare time, but I enjoy reading and staying active.
	Michaela Cebriero Local Board Governor Date of Appointment: 09/10/2025 Term of Office: 4 years to 08/10/2029 Appointed by: Trustees Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None
	Sarah Pegg Local Board Governor Date of Appointment: 05/12/2024 Term of Office: 4 years to 04/12/2028 Appointed by: Trustees (Parochial Church Council) Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None I have lived in the parish for over thirty years, and my family and I are active members of Bentley St Paul’s Church. I’ve also been involved with the church’s outreach group, supporting various initiatives within the local community. My son joined Bentley School in 2024, and I was honoured to be invited by the Church Council to serve as a governor—a role I accepted with genuine interest and commitment. Professionally, I have worked across a range of sectors, from media to transportation, and I am currently an Operations Manager in the fire industry. In this role, I provide strategic counsel at board level, drawing on my strong background in accountancy. I have a keen eye for detail and, in my free time, I enjoy reading, walking my dog, and planning my next holiday.
	Karen Sapsford Local Board Governor Date of Appointment: 07/10/2025 Term of Office: 4 years to 06/10/2029 Appointed by: Staff Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None I have worked in Education for the past 25 years. I am married to Garry who is the Director of Sport at Shenfield High School. I have three children Daniel, Ellie (who is also a teacher) and George who is currently studying A levels and is an ex St Mary's pupil. I have a dog called Buddy and a cat called Ivy. I like to spend my spare time with my family and also enjoy the garden, watching home renovation programmes and spending time outdoors.