Sam Wilding - Headteacher

I became the headteacher at St Andrew’s Primary School at Easter 2021. I have been in education for fourteen years and have enjoyed teaching both Key Stage and 1 and Key Stage 2 children. Prior to taking up this post, I have been a senior leader for seven years, much of that time being spent working with children in areas of deprivation. This is my first headship and I am thrilled to be a part of such a warm and inclusive community – an ethos I fully intend to uphold going forward. I have a daughter in Year 6 at a small church school in Colchester and we have two lovely guinea pigs – Ollie and Theo. I love the outdoors and enjoy cycling and playing tennis.

VACANCY - Staff Governor

Su Moakes-Cooke (Vice Chair) - Co-opted Governor

Whilst living in Marks Tey, I joined the parish council where I enjoyed setting up community events as well as being involved with helping the parish in general. I was asked to co-opt onto the governing body and jumped at the chance to be involved. After working in the Insurance industry for 14 years, I have formed a good working appreciation of risk management, monitoring, evaluation and root cause analysis; following a move to Marks Tey, my husband and I decided to set up our own IT enterprise consultancy which was a completely new area for me. The various challenges of new clients with differing backgrounds allows me to assess and support fields which I may not be an expert in, but for which I can help from a critical review or support plan as needed. Whilst we no longer live in Marks Tey, my son still attends St Andrew's because I believe the collaboration and incredible spirit the school has is outstanding and is also why I am delighted to be part of the team.

Reverend Ian Scott-Thompson - Foundation ex-Officio

I was trained in mathematics and physics, and worked for a few years in defence and electronics research. I have been a vicar in Hampshire and Surrey before arriving in 2010 to enjoy North Essex. I am Rector of Marks Tey which automatically includes being a Governor at the school. I enjoy being a Governor with our wonderful headteacher, staff, and children. The school is continually improving but the best thing is the atmosphere of friendship and fun in learning. I am married to Jane, and we have two wonderful daughters in their twenties in London and Portsmouth. My hobbies including rowing, skiing and tennis, walking and birdwatching, advanced driving, computing and reading. Oh, and bad jokes!

Malcolm Bailey (Co-Chair) - Foundation PCC

I moved to Marks Tey in 1991 and became a Governor at the school in 1997. I have retired after working for 39 years in the Banking industry where over the years I have led a number of teams in the Retail and Commercial sectors. It is a privilege to be Chair of Governors at the school supporting the pupils, staff, parents and other governors as together we continue to develop an outstanding learning environment for our children. In 2014, I joined the Governing Body at Ramsey School which is part of a multi academy trust with Great Notley School. I am married with two daughters (both who attended St. Andrew's) and two step children. My hobbies including running, swimming, badminton (I am also an England Badminton umpire) watching football (I am a proud Colchester United season ticket holder) and cricket. I also enjoy reading and listening to music.

Martin Smith (Co-Chair) - Parent Governor

I am a Software Engineer Professional with considerable experience of computer programming. I am married with 3 children and moved to Marks Tey in 2008. As my children started to attend St Andrew's School, I was eager to become involved with the running of the school and hence became a parent governor in 2015, as well as being reasurer of FoSTAPS since 2013. When I have any spare time, I enjoy cycling, running, reading and spending time with my family.

Mrs Sophie Hunt – Local Authority Governor

Further information to follow.

Mr Roger Abo-Henriksen - Co-Opted Governor

I have spent 45 years in education with over 15 years’ experience as headteacher in three different schools. I was head of Essex School Improvement Services and Head of Strategic Development as well as having trained as an OfSTED Inspector. I am the independent Chair of both the Harlow Education Trust and Lewisham Learning and an External Tutor for Essex Teacher Training. I continue to undertake a range of consultancy work with both primary and secondary schools, as well as being a trustee and a Governor.

Ms Shelly Lawton - Clerk to the Governors

Further information to follow.

VACANCY - Foundation DBE

Mrs Sally Czezowska-Savill - Parent Governor

I have lived in Marks Tey since 2015 and currently have two children attending St Andrew's. I am qualified as a primary school teacher and previously worked in a supply role across Essex and Suffolk. Although I no longer teach, I am looking forward to using my experience and knowledge to contribute to the running of the school. I can often be found lending a hand at FoStAPS events despite not being an official member.

Gemma Ward-Strong - Parent Governor

My family and I moved to Marks Tey in 2014 and I have two sons at St Andrew's, with another son to join in the future. I am a secondary school History teacher and have been teaching since 2004. I love the ethos of St Andrew's and the focus on bringing out the best in every pupil. I am really excited to be able to use my knowledge of teaching and learning in the role of parent governor. In my free time I like to watch football and explore new places with family and friends.