The Federated Governing Body of Canewdon Endowed and St. Nicholas CofE (VC) Primary Schools.

Our governors have a wealth of experience and expertise in many different areas, not just education and are committed to helping Canewdon School become the best it can possibly be.  

School Governors play an important role in the strategic leadership of the school.  

The Federation has a single governing body that strategically leads Canewdon Endowed and St. Nicholas CofE (VC) Primary Schools.  

Our Governors may be contacted through the school office. 

James Bennett

My Son, Charlie, started at St. Nicholas in September 2014 and I became the Parent Governor for St. Nicholas at the same time. My experiences of governance have been exciting and I have learnt how busy life can be as a school governor! Within the last year I have become Chair.

My wife and I moved to Rayleigh in 2009 and we chose the town on the recommendation of work colleagues and because of the friendly environment we found on our numerous visits before moving here.

I am a qualified accountant and worked in London for 10 years, I now run a bookkeeping company.

I believe that by working together with the local communities, both schools can become "outstanding". Places where pupils continue to be eager to learn, develop and places that pupils leave with fond memories.

Revd. Richard Jordan

I have been the vicar at Rawreth since 2017 and recently also took responsibility for St Thomas’ at Hullbridge and All Saints at Rettendon, I am also Area Dean for Rochford area. I was a governor at St. Nicholas School for nearly four years before joining the new Governing Body for the federated schools.

I thoroughly enjoy being involved in the life of the schools and find that children often ask more searching questions than adults, and they don't accept easy answers!

I have two grown up children and my hobby is sailing.

Martin O’Rourke

With my son started at St. Nicholas in September 2016 and my daughter not too far behind, I am keen to take an active role in supporting the school federation and excited at the opportunity of joining the Governing Body.

I feel I bring ideas, drive and enthusiasm and look forward to helping the school federation to grow.

In my professional life, I having worked in the IT industry since 2001, in large corporates and small consultancies as a HR & Payroll technical specialist

James Hay

I became a co-opted Governor recently and have always very keen to be involved in my children’s education. I have 2 daughters at the school and a wide circle of friends whose children also attend St Nicholas. I thoroughly enjoy being involved in education and it is a huge privilege to work alongside such dedicated professionals in our school and see the progress and achievements of the children.

I have lived in Rayleigh since 2006 and have been a serving Police officer in London for the past 28 years.

My strengths lie in my enthusiasm and desire to help in ensuring our school provides the best opportunities for every child in school.

Mike Clay

With my son Oliver starting reception in 2018 I was keen to apply for the parent governor role when it became available.

As a local resident and a parent of two, I’m happy to involve myself in the governance of the federation and will hopefully provide some stability to the post as we all seek to provide the best education and experience for all the students.

As Head of PE and former Head of Year at a further afield secondary school, I’m hoping my experience of 10 years teaching will be of use and I’m looking forward to learning more about the role.

In my free time I’m a member of a local running club and I also enjoy playing cricket.

Sam Willis

I am the Executive Headteacher of Canewdon Endowed (CofE) VC Primary School and St. Nicholas (CofE) VC Primary School. 

It is a joy to work with the children at both schools and I look forward to each opportunity that I get to work with the Governing Body.

Before I was appointed as Deputy Headteacher of Canewdon (the role I had before becoming the Executive Deputy Headteacher, and now Executive Headteacher), I was a teacher at Downhall Primary School.

I am married and have two super, young children.

Nathan Jones

I am the Executive Assistant Headteacher of Canewdon Endowed (CofE) VC Primary School and St Nicholas (CofE) Primary School and the SENCo for both schools.

I have  a passion for outdoor education and how we can use the grounds that we have at each school to inspire the children in their learning. I enjoy taking the children on their residential trips, as the children can learn new skills in a different setting.

I am married and have two boys, both currently at pre-school. In my free time my family and I like to go out Kayaking.

Katie Boulahlib

I have two sons at St Nicholas and two more soon to join the school, meaning I have a vested interest in ensuring the schools continue to provide the best environment for every learner to excel.
I am proud to be a part of the Governing Body so that I can take a more active role in supporting the schools with the challenge of being the best that they can be.
I am currently a full time mum to four, but am a secondary school teacher of science, and prior to this have ten years experience in the financial sector in London.

Revd. Richard Jordan

I have been the vicar at Rawreth since 2011 and in 2017 also took responsibility for St Thomas’ at Hullbridge and All Saints at Rettendon. I was a governor at St. Nicholas School for nearly four years before joining the new Governing Body for the federated schools.

I thoroughly enjoy being involved in the life of the schools and find that children often ask more searching questions than adults, and they don't accept easy answers!

I have two grown up children and love sailing.

Karen Huckle

I’m new here, and I have just become a co-opted governor. I am married with three grown up children, and I work for HMRC. I have no connections to either school but have always been interested in education and being involved - I took an active interest in my own children’s education, I have worked as a Learning Support Assistant, and I recently took part in a mentoring program between several schools and an organisation called career ready. I am so pleased to have been accepted as governor for the school federation, and I’m looking forward to helping out and contributing wherever I can. I hope that I can be an asset to the governing body, and that I can help the school to flourish.