Local Governing Body

Caroline Thayre

As the Executive Principal of Robsack Wood Primary Academy and the Teaching School Alliance, I am delighted to be focused on addressing national and local priorities in terms of school improvement through effective system leadership. I am passionate about initial teacher training and strategically lead the East Sussex Teacher Training Partnership which operates as a School Centred Initial Teacher Training, SCITT.

I am a National Leader of Education and am currently working with the Department for Education as part of a national recruitment and retention strategy including the coaching and mentoring of early career teachers. My role also includes working across the multi-academy trust as part of the school improvement team.

Louise Evans

My name is Louise Evans and I am happy to have been appointed as a Parent Governor of Robsack Wood.

I work part time for a local business which provides family holidays across the country and my role is focussed on staff training and operational processes within the business.  Prior to this I worked in both primary and secondary school settings where my role involved pupil behaviour and attainment.

In my spare time (when I’m not playing taxi for my son) I enjoy socialising with friends and am currently completing a qualification for my own personal development

As a Parent Governor I feel I will be giving back to the community- something I am keen to do.  This is an important role in supporting the steps to success for all of our children and it would be great to have others join me!

I look forward to working with the staff, pupils and parents to help make Robsack Wood be the best it can be.

Sarah Broderick

Hello, my name is Sarah Broderick and I am delighted to be a parent governor at Robsack Wood.

I work part-time as an English teacher in a local secondary school. I have been teaching ever since I graduated, which feels like a long time ago! I’ve worked in a number of different educational settings, including a year working in Spain and Italy teaching both adults and children.  

With a background in education, I’m keen to use my role alongside the governing team, to support the school in providing a high-quality education for all children. I’m also looking forward to running more social events and activities that involve the children and raise much needed funds for the school.

Having not long lived in St Leonards, I’m currently enjoying exploring the local area with my family and meeting new people.

Please feel free to stop me in the playground for a chat anytime.

Ruth Crosthwaite

Having worked at Robsack Wood Primary Academy for several years now, I am proud to support the Academy’s vision and values to ensure every child succeeds, and be becomes a lifelong learner. I am committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all members of our community.

 As a resident of the local area, I participate in community events, alongside volunteering at our local Air Cadets, and am dedicated to ensuring our young people have access to a range of experiences and opportunities in life.

Jacqui Baughurst

Hi Robsack Wood, I'm Jacqui Baughurst and I am very much looking forward to starting in my role as a Parent Governor. 

I am the Retail Manager for a local Charity which provides support for people and families dealing with Cancer and other life changing illnesses. Previous to this, I worked as a Civil Servant for  the Department for Work and Pensions for many years.

In taking up a Parent Governor post,  I want to support the school with current and future developments and help our children to really enjoy their time at Robsack Wood.  

In my spare time I'm an avid reader, I enjoy Pilates, days out with my family and learning new things, which is currently Crocheting! 

If there is anything you would like me to take forward in the coming year, feel free to stop me for a chat. 

Darren Byrne

Hi, my name is Darren Byrne and I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to become one of the co-opted governors on the Robsack Wood Local Governing Body. My son is currently in year one at RSW. 

I am a director at a commercial services company and have 15+ years experience in operational management. Working with local schools, nurseries, clinical settings and businesses - providing day to day support with their facilities requirements - my current role comprises a broad spectrum of duties, from people management to finance.

Away from work, I love nothing more than spending time with my wife, son and our energetic dog!

As a member of the Local Governing Body, I hope to help boost parental and community inclusion, whilst promoting the trust’s visions and values. I believe it’s important that every child, parent and carer feels supported through their school journey and that each child is given the opportunity to reach their full potential. I look forward to working with my fellow governors and the excellent school team to achieve this. 

If you see me around the school, please do come and say hello.

Priya Makhecha

Hi, My name is Priya Makhecha. My eldest daughter is currently in Reception and I have 2 younger daughters who will be coming to Robsack in the next few years. For me, my commitment to Robsack Wood is one I’ve made for my children for the next 11 years and this was my biggest motivation in wanting to join the Board of Governors. 

Our children spend a lot of time at school and I believe that the school environment can really impact their lives in the long term. I believe this is where their foundations are laid for their future and children should always feel safe. This is not just academically but also mentally and emotionally. 

Equally, I want to be there to support parents as Happy Children = Happy Parents. 

In my professional life, I am a Nursing Sister in the NHS where I work with both adults and children. I have exposure to safeguarding and mental health in children. 

I am really excited to have been given this opportunity and really look forward to working with the lovely staff, members of the Local Governing Body and of course, all the amazing children and parents to make Robsack Wood even more fantastic! 

Please do come and say hello and if there is anything you would like to talk to me about, I am always happy to listen.