Meet the Governors of Highfields Primary School

Please find below information on our Governing Body, how the Governing Body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.

You will also find information on Governor attendance to committee meetings and full governor meetings, the current register of Business Interests, subject responsibilities and Annual Statement.

Malcolm Gentry- Chair

Member of the Personnel, Finance and Strategy Committees I have been a governor at Highfields for over 20 years. I have had the honour of being chair for the majority of this time. (To be honest I can’t quite remember when I first became chair).

My wife and I have lived in the area since 1986 and have two sons, now both adults. Both my sons were former pupils of Highfields and it would be fair to say that I am a governor because I wanted to give something back to the school that played a part in their development.

I am now retired but prior to this was an employee of BT plc. I was the Principal Commercial Manager for BT Enterprises. I have many years of managerial experience with large teams and with commercial responsibilities for large budgets.

Gaius Phillingham

In May 2007 we moved into the area and our eldest son took a place at Highfields.  A year or two later I became a governor and although both our children have moved onto High School; I don't want to leave!

I have recently been asked to serve as Vice Chair of the whole governing body, am chair of the Premises Committee and sit on the Finance Committee too.  I am the Pastor at a local church and so really enjoy my subject responsibilities of Music and Religious Education.

It has been a privilege to serve the school during the time that we have achieved an Outstanding rating from Ofsted. 

Dr Fiona Brayshaw

I joined as a Governor in 2022, not long after my daughter started at the school. I am a Clinical Psychologist specialising in working with children and families. I worked for over 12 years in the NHS and now run my own private practice, as well as working in the role of Deputy Clinical Lead at an organisation which supports children with brain injuries. I am also an Honorary Clinical Lecturer at University College London.  I have a special interest in child development in the early years (0-5) and am excited to be part of the Curriculum Committee, linking in with the Foundation Stage teaching staff. 

Martin Bright

I joined the Board of Governors in autumn 2024, I live in Manningtree with my wife and two daughters. My eldest started at the school in the 2024 intake, and my youngest is set to join in 2025.

I run my own business as an independent Mortgage and Protection Broker in Manningtree, authorised directly by the Financial Conduct Authority. I’m passionate about helping local families, and first-time buyers settle in this wonderful area. In addition to my professional life, I’m a member of the Manningtree Business Chamber and serve as Club Secretary for a local football club.

I’m excited to be part of the Board of Governors at Highfields and am eager to help the school and its community maintain its outstanding reputation.

Matthew Embrey

I was welcomed onto the Highfields governing body in 2023 after our eldest son started school there the previous year. I joined the finance committee and I support the subject leads for Design Technology and Computing & Internet Safety 

I am a Commercial Director at Dole plc, a global produce corporation, working in our UK retail division looking after fruit imports for high street supermarkets. Having worked in the produce industry for over a decade, I specialise in new business tenders and strategic development and am looking forward to bringing some of my experience to support this outstanding school.

Kathryn Glover

I chair the Premises Committee and take governor lead for health and safety, website, remote learning and PE. I have two children who both went/go to Highfields. I became a governor because I wanted to support Highfields to become the best it can be. I work as a senior civil servant at the Department of Health and Social Care.

Amy Hutchings

I grew up in the area and moved back after 18 years in London in 2021. We love Manningtree and are keen to get involved in the local community as much as possible. I have one daughter who attends the school.

I am Strategy Director at Open, an agency that works with charities including NSPCC and Great Ormond Street Hospital. I’ve worked in fundraising and communications at charities for over 15 years. In my spare time, I write both fiction and non-fiction, and am particularly interested in literacy and supporting the school to bring a love of books to the next generation. 

Christine Meadway

I’ve been a governor since my youngest son was a pupil at Highfields and I think I’ve served on the Premises Committee for most of this time.  I also serve on the Personnel Committee and because I used to work in the community health services with children with additional needs I’m now the governor with responsibility for children with SEND, working closely with the school SENCO, Mrs Bowden.  I also have governor responsibility for monitoring the way Pupil Premium is spent within the school and ensuring that the school and its environment is a safe and happy place for everyone who studies and works here. 

One of my greatest pleasures as a governor is seeing our children being encouraged to grow in confidence and develop their skills and talents, whatever they may be.

Russ Seeley

Appointed as a governor on 25 June 2024.  More information to follow. 

Rob White

I am proud to have been a governor since 2019 and I sit in on the finance committee.

My three children all attend Highfields and I myself attended Highfields after moving to the area from the East Midlands. Hilary and the staff at Highfields made my family and I feel welcome from day one as we settled into a new community, and I’m delighted that the same focus on caring and kindness remains at the core of the school’s values today.

I currently work as the head of compliance for a national insurance broker. I have prior experience in project management, regulatory compliance and conduct across banking and insurance, and in consulting for one of the world’s largest professional service firms.

The Governing Body 2024 - 2025

Governing Body Members for the current and previous academic year who have stepped down

Mike White- Associate Governor 

Name and address of Chair of Governors & Clerk to Governors:

Chair of Governors: Malcolm Gentry

Clerk to Governors: Beverley Kekwick

Both can be contacted via the school:

Highfields Primary School,

Colchester Road,

Lawford,

Manningtree,

Essex CO11 2BN

Telephone: 01206 392223

Information supplied by Governor Services EES

Membership of Committee Highfields Primary School

Governing Body 2024 - 2025

If you are not a member of a particular committee but are interested in the agenda you may attend any meeting as an observer.

Governor Subject Responsibilities/Support 2023- 2024

Governor Attendance Academic Year 2022- 2023 

NB: * Where a governor has joined/resigned part way through the academic year, attendance is recorded from/until the date of their appointment/resignation