John Bateson-Cooper

Co-Chair of Governing Body

Strategy Committee Chairman

Finance and Resources Committee Member

Maths

Health & Safety

John is a self-employed electrician in the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors across Kent and London. He has a degree in Chemistry and a Masters degree in Environmental Sciences. He has tutored maths and has a keen interest in the learning skills now employed in schools. John has a daughter with Trisomy 21 at Brunswick, and she has fuelled his interest in special educational needs provision. He is particularly experienced in the education and welfare of children with complex learning needs.

Ellie Dunnet

Finance and Resources Committee Chairman

Strategy Committee Member

Safeguarding

Equality 

Ellie is a qualified accountant and currently works in local government. She has previous experience of working in both the public and private sectors, and began her career working in Human Resources for a central government regulator. She holds a degree in Modern Foreign Languages from Leeds University and is a professional member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. Ellie has been a governor since November 2014. In her free time she enjoys swimming, reading and live music. She has one son who has been a pupil at Brunswick House since 2014. 

Debbie Feast

Learning and Development Committee Member

RRSA / Curriculum / Values Curriculum / Pupil Voice

Attendance

Debbie has been working at Brunswick House as a full-time teaching assistant for over three years; and three years previously as a volunteer.  Prior to joining this school she worked as a full-time manager for Tesco- principally in training and personnel.  She also ran a children’s theatre company, with which she produced and directed many musical productions in local and West End theatres.  Debbie has a degree in English with Drama from Greenwich University.  She is an avid musician and singer and has bought this enthusiasm to Brunswick, by leading the Musical Theatre and Music Ensemble clubs and teaching whole class recorder lessons across year three.  Debbie is keen to represent the staff’s views in a fair and positive manner, whilst keeping the pupil’s learning, perspective and well-being always at the forefront.

Jill Hogan

Vice Chair of Governing Body

Strategy Committee Member

Learning and Development Committee Member

Early Years Foundation Stage

The Arts

Pupil Questionnaire

Parent Questionnaire

Community Engagement

Jill runs her own marketing and PR consultancy in Maidstone, with a diverse client portfolio. She has over 15 years experience leading marketing communications programmes in the arts, design, education and business sectors. She holds a drama degree and postgraduate diplomas in arts management and PR. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and a director of the South East London Chamber of Commerce. Jill was formerly chair of the BBC Trust’s South East Regional Audience Council and a member of the BBC Trust’s Audience Council England. Jill has a child who attends Brunswick House. 

Nicola McLeish

Learning and Development Committee Member

Pupil Outcomes

Sport 

Nicola has worked in local government for nearly 20 years.  She is currently a Contract Manager at Kent County Council, working in Adult Social Care.  Previously she has experience in commissioning, highways, disability access, planning and sustainable travel.  She has a degree in Politics and Sociology from the University of Kent, and postgraduate qualifications in Management and Commissioning.  She is also a qualified childminder.  She is a parent to two children at Brunswick House and has been part of the school community since 2011.  She is particularly passionate about engaging parents to work in collaboration with the school to improve outcomes for pupils.  Nicola has been a governor since March 2017

Nadia Pennell

Learning and Development Committee Chairman

Strategy Committee Member

English

Pupil Premium

Nadia currently works as Office Manager for St Francis Primary School.  Previously she worked at the University of Kent for the Collections Management team, where she dealt with library data and working to financial budgets.  Nadia has also worked at the Kent Business School supporting the accreditation process and the School Business Manager.  Nadia worked in the public sector for 11 years, working for the legal advice service for Trading Standards, as part of their management team.  Nadia then progressed to the education team at Kent County Council, where she developed her knowledge of school admissions; the school transport system.  Whilst, at Kent County Council, Nadia gained experience in managing staff, training and development and human resources.  Nadia has two children at the school and has been part of the school's community since 2012 and will enjoy sharing her experience with the school.  Nadia has a degree in French which she gained at Goldsmiths University of London and a retail management course.

Wendy Skinner

Strategy Committee Member

Finance and Resources Committee Member

Learning and Development Committee Member

David Stead

Finance and Resources Committee Member

SEND including High Achievers

Website

David is a qualified accountant and has worked in various full time positions, both in finance and general management roles, for manufacturing and service companies in UK, Ireland and Europe. For the last 8 years of full time employment he was Executive VP & CFO, based in Brussels, for a large multi-site packaging business with 220 sites across Europe, followed by an advisory role in a European growth businesses for the last 3 years. He has previously supported schools as PTA treasurer for 7 years and football team manager for 6 years, and is currently a trustee and treasurer for a UK charity supporting Malawi, for the last 3 years. He is enthusiastic about joining Brunswick House Governors and has 3 children, one being a teacher at Brunswick House school. 

Laurel Townend

Co-Chair of Governing Body

Strategy Committee Member

Learning and Development Committee Member

Leadership / School Development Plan

Staff Questionnaire

Laurel has recently taken early retirement from the deputy headship of a secondary school and has worked in Kent state schools for 35 years, employed as a senior manager for the past 19 years. She qualified as a teacher after a degree in History and more recently completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Inclusive Education as well as holding the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers. Her three children (now all adults) went to schools in Maidstone, and Laurel was a primary school governor for 12 years when her children were at the school. She is a member of a local Methodist Church, and is currently its Safeguarding Officer, as well as being involved in other community work.