Governors

Hayley Smith-Prior

Chair of Local Board of Governors 

Date of Appointment: 12/07/2023

​Term of Office: ​4 years to 6/06/2026

​Appointed by: ​Trustees

Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None

I have lived in Navestock (a Brentwood parish) since 2008 and have been involved with Bentley St Paul’s C of E Primary School since my sons attended the school (from 2015).  I first became a Parent Governor in 2018, and more recently was elected Chair of our Local Board of Governors in 2023.   I have a range of experiences in the private sector, working for a large global investment bank and more recently as the Strategy Partner for a London based Private Hire operator.  My main areas of professional interest are in strategy, research and insights, innovation, and product development.  Outside of work my passions are trail running (now a four time Ultramarathoner), music and spending time with my family (and dog).

Louise Putt

Head Teacher 

Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None

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.

Pauline Drew

Local Board Governor 

Date of Appointment: 21/09/2021

​Term of Office: ​4 years to 20/09/2024

​Appointed by: ​Trustees

Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None

I have lived in Brentwood since 1992. I am a retired teacher and have taught in primary and two special schools. I have worked as a Primary National Strategy Literacy Consultant and a Primary National Strategy Manager – managing and deploying teams of consultants to raise standards in primary schools.  I have also been a local authority Adviser for English, EAL, and SEND & Inclusion, and have been a Primary English Lecturer for a SCITT. I have two grown up children and three lovely grandchildren.  I am a very keen gardener with an ongoing ambition to create a wildlife-friendly garden.

Richard Latham

Local Board Governor 

Date of Appointment: 30/07/2022

​Term of Office: ​To 29/07/2026

​Appointed by: ​Trustees (Parochial Church Council)

Relevant business and pecuniary interests:

I am a Principal Lecturer at the University East London. By profession I am a Land Surveyor, and my teaching specialises in Geospatial Surveying for mapping and civil engineering. In my work I am also responsible for quality assurance matters in my faculty. I became a governor at Bentley St Pauls when my own child was in key stage one. Though no longer a Bentley parent I retain my interest in the importance of educational experiences for everyone.

Claire Holdgate

Local Board Governor 

Date of Appointment: 29/06/2020

​Term of Office: ​4 years to 28/06/2024

​Appointed by: ​Trustees

Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None

I have been a governor at Bentley St Paul’s primary school since 2016. With my first child starting at the school back in 2015, I realised that I wanted to contribute to the community and assist the school. Coming from an office management background and a wealth of administration experience, I have the skills to assist the school with their development and to make a positive contribution to the success of the school.

Emma Stewart

Local Board Governor 

Date of Appointment: 23/05/2021

​Term of Office: ​To 22/05/2024

​Appointed by: ​Trustees (Parochial Church Council)

Relevant business and pecuniary interests:

I have been governor for the past 8 years at Bentley St Paul’s.  Both of my children have been through the school.  I’m passionate about ensuring that the children have a great experience, and we build those broader skills and confidence that they can take through life.  I bring skills and experience from my background in NHS strategy, reporting and leading on reducing health inequalities.

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.

Joanne 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 4. 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.