See below for a pen portrait to tell you a little about our Governors.  We are often at the school gate or school events (eg parent evenings or open days). If we are wearing our white Governor lanyard - please do speak with us - we love to hear feedback about our school.

    Andrea Griffiths - Chair of Governors and Foundation Governor

I joined the Governing Board of Sissinghurst VA Primary School in November 2024.

Having moved to Sissinghurst from East Sussex in July 2023, I was keen to become involved in the local community and when the role of Foundation Governor came up I expressed my keen interest through Trinity Church.

I live in Sissinghurst with my husband, 3 dogs and a rabbit.  My daughter and grandchildren live in Staplehurst and I am a willing and involved grandparent in their lives, keen to ensure they are fulfilled in their educational experiences as well as having fun and happy upbringings with their extended families. 

I retired from an IT career in 2022 having worked in largely corporate organisations where I led some large teams and suppliers in an IT role where I was responsible for setting strategic direction and ensuring IT services were resilient and reliable.  A lot of that experience is something I can lean in to in my Governor role and I am very much enjoying being part of the School and wider Sissinghurst community.

 

      Peter Denyer - Vice Chair of Governors and Foundation Governor

I have been involved with Sissinghurst Primary School for many years, first through the FOSS committee and, since 2016, as a Foundation Governor. All three of my children have been through the school, from start to finish with my youngest now in his final year. They have each benefitted enormously from the teaching, care and values of the school, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give something back through my role on the governing board.

Professionally, I have a background in finance, data and organisational leadership. I bring this strategic and analytical experience to my work as a governor, with a particular focus on budgeting, financial oversight and ensuring that the school’s resources are used effectively to support the best possible outcomes for all pupils.

     Poppy Edmunds - Parent Governor

I became a parent governor at Sissinghurst in July 2024 and have two children currently at the school. I work for a large publishing house and have had the opportunity to work closely with children’s publishers, as well as organisations such as the BookTrust, to gain a strong insight into the indisputable benefits of reading and literacy to children.  I hope that I can bring some of this knowledge and enthusiasm to my role as a governor. 

    Charlie Tweddle - Parent Governor

Hi everyone — I’m Charlie Tweddle, and I’m really pleased to have joined the Governing Board of Sissinghurst VA Primary School in December 2025.

Both of my girls have attended or are attending Sissinghurst school as we have been living nearby for over 15 years now. Being able to help with the governance of the school is very important as it gives me the opportunity to give back to a very special learning environment.

Having over 25 years’ experience in the Education sector in operational, commercial and leadership roles I believe I have much to share with the Governing body and school leadership to help take the school from good to excellent.

       Zoe Murton - Foundation Governor

As a keen member of Trinity Church in Sissinghurst, I was delighted to become a Foundation Governor at Sissinghurst Primary in November 2025.

I’ve lived just outside Sissinghurst since 2019, when my family returned from an overseas posting in DR Congo. I have two children at the school, who keep me busy! I also run two local toddler groups (Trinity Tots in Sissinghurst and Little Lambs in Frittenden), and help lead the Sunday School at Trinity and St Mary’s churches.

After completing a PGCE in 2004, I worked in secondary schools for a number of years as a careers adviser. I then moved into charity communications, and currently work as a freelance editor. I’ve also trained as a counsellor, and am passionate about ensuring each child at Sissinghurst Primary is given a loving, supportive environment where they can truly ‘let their light shine’.

    Rachel Vinton - Foundation Governor

I joined as a Foudation Governor at Sissinghurst VA Primary School in January 2025 given my involvement at Trinity Church Sissinghurst. I also wanted to get involved in the governance of a local primary school. I have a variety of skills to offer given my background in the finance industry and more recently, the philanthropy sector. I am the lead Training and Development Governor and add value here in terms of thinking about how best to lead the school. My husband and I have lived outside Sissinghurst since August 2021 and have three young children.

 

         Elaine Highwood - Foundation Governor

I am a dedicated education professional with over 20 years of experience across the sector, bringing a deep and sustained commitment to learning, teaching, and continuous improvement. Passionate about education, I am particularly interested in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and ensuring high-quality provision for all learners.  Motivated by a strong sense of community, responsibility and the desire to give back, alongside a genuine enjoyment of ongoing professional development and the opportunity to continually expand knowledge and skills,  I was delighted to be asked to be a Governor of Sissinghurst primary school. It's a role I particularly enjoy and it's wonderful to be part of the school's journey.

 

 

Edward Westlake - Foundation Governor

 

 

     Emily Hill - Local Authority Governor

I currently serve as Sissinghurst’s Local Authority Governor and have done since 2019. I am Deputy Head at Bethany School in Goudhurst, and I have a strong commitment to ensuring that children can thrive in school and are well prepared for their next steps. I am the lead Safeguarding Governor and monitor the Quality of Education and Early Years. It is a great privilege being a governor and having the opportunity to play a part in ensuring that the children of Sissinghurst are well looked after and have the best educational opportunities.

      Sharmila Desai - Staff Governor

I have been Deputy Headteacher at Sissinghurst since September 2022. With extensive experience in education, I am passionate about the transformational power of teaching and learning, and remain, at heart, a teacher first and foremost. I am committed to ensuring every child thrives - academically, socially, and emotionally - so that each is supported to “let their light shine.” It is a privilege to work alongside both pupils and staff, supporting them to reach their full potential.

 

     Sarah Holman - Ex Officio Governor -  Headteacher

I have been Headteacher at Sissinghurst since April 2023 and in that time we have seen a period of rapid improvement as a school in all areas. I have over twenty years experience in leading schools of different sizes and enjoy seeing a transformation plan come into full effect!  I am a teacher at heart and always hold this dear to me, considering the children and how to let their light shine in every decision made at school.