Governing Body | Patcham Junior School

Meet the Governors

Marion Rajan

Chair of Governors
(Co-opted)

I am now Chair of Governors having previously been the Curriculum committee chair and Vice Chair of Governors. Both my sons attended PJS some years ago and by taking on the school governor role my aim has been to “give something back” to the school by using my professional skills and experience.

I qualified as a Social Worker over 35 years ago, and since this time have gained extensive experience of direct work in Child Protection, Fostering, Adoption, Residential, and Psychiatric settings with children of all ages. I eventually moved into Social Work operational management, and in recent years to strategic management in Safeguarding for children. I have several management qualifications, including a Masters Degree in Public Service Management.’

Current term of office: 18.3.2022 to 19.3.2026 Marion was originally appointed as local authority governor 1.3.2011.

Danny Simpson

(Co-opted)

I have served on the governing body of Patcham Junior School since I was elected as parent governor 9.11.2006.

I have two sons, both of whom attended Patcham Junior School and I attended Patcham Junior School himself, when it was known as Patcham Middle School.

I work for East Sussex County Council as a principal internal auditor and have extensive experience in working with schools and with the Children’s Services Department more generally.

Outside of work, I am keen on sports photography and take pictures for my local rugby and cricket clubs.

Current term of office: 19.3.22 to 18.3.26

Alister Sutherland

Headteacher

I have been the headteacher of Patcham Junior School since September 2017 and I have the absolute honour of leading this vibrant, hardworking and successful school.

Prior to starting at Patcham, I worked in two very large, then middle schools, in a neighbouring local authority. During my 14 years there I worked as a class teacher, subject leader, year group leader and assistant headteacher across both schools.

Working in education has always been a privilege much more than simply a job. In this ever changing world, I consider it essential that we celebrate (and make irresistible) a life long love of learning which enables all pupils to be as well prepared as they possibly can be for whatever their lives have in store for them. To be responsible for even a small part of that education journey is wonderful.

Mark Rodericks

(Co-opted)

I am deputy headteacher of the school.

I have twenty years of teaching experience, working in three different local authorities, as well as taking the opportunity to teach in America. I have held a variety of different teaching and leadership positions within a Junior School.

I have also worked for Brighton and Hove authority as a leading practitioner in mathematics.

I am very interested in getting the best outcomes for all children, ensuring that the curriculum is fun yet purposeful. I also believe very strongly in promoting life long learning.

Current term of office: 22.2.2022 to 21.2.2026. Mark was originally elected as staff governor 18.10.2013.

Shaili Thakkar

Co-opted Governor

The governing body is pleased to welcome Shaili Thakkar as co-opted governor. Term 7.12.23 to 6.12.27

Jade Powell

Staff Governor

I have been a teacher for 5 years and spent 3 of those at Patcham Juniors. I have spent many years working with children including time in America teaching children to swim and being a manager at a summer camp. I lead PE at school and love seeing the children thrive in this area. I am excited to become a governor and bring a staff voice to the governing body at Patcham. Term 20.09.24 to 19.9.28.

Amy Clarke

Local Authority Governor

I am delighted to be the Local Authority Governor for Patcham Junior School. Both of my children currently attend the school and thoroughly enjoy their education under the care of nurturing and experienced staff. I believe strongly that education is very important for all children and am I pleased to be able to play a part in supporting that aspect of our community. I am the Headteacher of Ditchling CE Primary School, a school in the East Sussex local authority. I have been a governor across a few schools for over the past 5 years and hope that I can bring that experience to help support the education of Patcham Junior School. Term 1.12.21 to 30.11.25

Richard Enticknap

Joint Vice Chair

Co-opted Governor

With nearly two decades of experience in primary and secondary education, I have had the privilege of working in a range of settings that have shaped my approach to teaching. After starting my career in mainstream primary schools, where I held roles as Head of ICT and Maths Lead, I moved on to work for five years in a specialist setting for children with mixed and complex needs in a variety of middle and senior leadership roles, before moving to my current position at a Primary PRU. I have found working with children with SEMH difficulties to be incredibly rewarding. I am passionate about supporting the development of young people and feel privileged to be part of their learning journeys.

My child attends Patcham Juniors and believe all of my experience and skills will allow me to offer a unique perspective to help continue the school’s impressive development. I am excited for this new role and look forward to contributing to the ongoing success of the school.

Term of office is 17.10.24 to 16.10.28

Emily Eslick

Co-opted Governor

I am a parent governor who recently joined the team in 2020. My eldest child attended Patcham Junior School and I am keen and enthusiastic to take an active role in helping to shape the school’s future direction and ethos. I am also keen to be more involved in the community in which I live and support the important role that the school plays in supporting this strong and active community. I currently work for East Sussex County Council in their children’s services department and am interested in children’s education and wellbeing.

Term of office 16.9.24 - 15.9.28 (Originally parent governor, term commenced 20.10.20)

Jim Hughes

Co-opted Governor

Following a period as governor at Patcham Infant School, I joined the Governing Body of Patcham Junior school in 2023. Both of my children currently attend Patcham Junior School and I am keen to support the school in providing an excellent teaching environment and support for all of our pupils. Our governing body has an important role to play in supporting the school be the best that it can be and to be a school that the local community can be proud of.

I am currently the lead governor covering maths and PE and throughout my time as governor at both schools, I have been involved in financial monitoring, audits plus observing strengths and opportunities to improve.

I work for a large housing association, working on compliance and audit matters.

In my spare time, I coach the local under 8's cricket team, St Matthias, who play at Horsdean Recreation Ground. I also enjoy playing cricket, listening to music, growing fruit and veg on my allotment and supporting my children with their various clubs and activities.

Term 21.9.23 - 20.9.27

Katherina Keaveny

Parent Governor

I joined Patcham Junior School as parent governor in February 2023. My daughter attends the school and I am really keen to work together with the fellow governors, to help make Patcham Junior School the best it can be.

My studies and background have been in humanities, education and teaching and I have taught Greek and English as a foreign language both in language schools and as a private tutor. I have also worked as an Examiner for the American University in Greece, covering both the islands and mainland.

I’m a Senior Business Analyst with Legal and General in Hove and in addition to this role I worked as a Business Guide to Year 9 students from Hove Park school, acting as both mentor and coach to help students realize their potential, and prepare them for life after school. I’m also a mentor in a Talent Development Programme within Legal and General, and last year I completed my mentoring qualification for developing young talent. In 2022, I volunteered to work as a teacher at the Greek school of the Holy Trinity in Brighton for Year 5 & 6, on a part-time basis, that my daughter also attends as she is bilingual.

Through my background, studies and experience both as a professional and as an ever-learning parent of a curious child, I strongly believe that I have a lot to offer through my work as a parent governor.

Term of office 28.2.23 to 27.2.27

Louise McCusker

Joint Vice Chair

Co-opted Governor

I joined the governing body in September 2024 as a co-opted governor. I have a child at the school and another due start in September 2025. I previously worked in the NHS in adult mental health services and, after leaving this role, I was keen to join the governing body and contribute to the local community. I now work in a self-employed capacity as a Clinical Psychologist and have particular expertise in working with trauma and emotion regulation. I understand the key role education and early life experiences have in future mental health and wellbeing and want to support the shcool to ensure a thriving and healthy community. I am the lead governor for music and also for equality and diversity.

Term 16.9.24 - 15.9.28

Vacancies

Co-opted governor vacancy [1]. Parent governor [1]

Nominations for the parent governor vacancy will be sought in the autumn 2025 term.

Please contact either the clerk - janetjohnson@patchamjun.brighton-hove.sch.uk or the Chair of Governors, marionrajan@patchamjun.brighton-hove.sch.uk if you are interested in either role.

Jane Walden

Co-opted governor

I am a retired ex Careers Adviser and teacher. I moved to Brighton just under 5 years ago and have found lots to keep me busy in retirement. I have always maintained a connection with young people and schools, even when living in America, where I made the costumes for the local High School Musical!

Term of office 7.12.23 to 6.12.27 (original term commenced 10.12.19)

J Johnson

Clerk to the Governors

My main function is to support the governing body by being its administrator, information manager and governance professional. I do not have a vote. I also provide advice in and outside meetings to ensure the governing body works in accordance with the legal framework and uses its time well to benefit pupils in the school. I am proud to work with such a dedicated team of volunteers and school staff.

REGISTER OF GOVERNOR INTERESTS AND DATES OF APPOINTMENT

Last updated: 21.7.25

Governors and associate members (if any) disclose their interests at the time of application or appointment. Thereafter interests are disclosed annually and at each meeting. They withdraw from the meeting during any item under discussion in which they may have a conflict of interest and are not allowed to vote on that item.

Name and date of first appointment	Nature of interest and date of commencement if it does not predate appointment
Amy Clarke 1.12.21	From 1.9.22 Headteacher Ditchling CE Primary and Nursery School
Richard Enticknap 17.10.24	Employed by Brighton and Hove City Council as Teacher at Central Hub Primary PRU
Emily Eslick 20.10.20 latest term commenced 16.9.24	Employed by East Sussex County Council as Manager of training team for Children’s services/ Sept 24 - ESCC Learning Portal
Katerina Keaveny 28.2.23	Employed by Legal and General as Business Analyst
Jim Hughes 21.9.23	Employed by Clarion Housing Group
Louise McCusker 16.9.24	Self-employed Clinical Psychologist operating a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy service
Marion Rajan 4.4.14, latest term commenced 19.3.22	Employed as a Wedding Celebrant by West Sussex County Council
Mark Rodericks 4.4.14, latest term commenced 22.2.22	Deputy Headteacher Patcham Junior School.
Danny Simpson 9.11.06, latest term commenced 19.3.22	Sept 19 Principal Auditor at East Sussex County Council. Spouse is teaching assistant at Patcham Junior School. Dec 2008
Alister Sutherland 1.09.17	Headteacher Patcham Junior School from 1.9.17. From 1.9.22 wife, Claire Sutherland is a class teacher at Patcham Junior School
Shaili Thakkar 7.12.23	Sept 24 Pharmacist Manager - Boots UK Ltd - employee Sept 24 Prescribing Pharmacist - Well BN - employee
Angela Jane Walden 10.12.19 latest term commenced 10.12.23	Retired Careers advisor
Governors and any associate members in last year:
Henrietta Pike 1.10.21 - 17.7.25 Parent governor	Senior Manager Global Hotel Sales Learning, Hilton, Watford
Diversity of the Governing Body	Diversity is important and we want the governing body to be increasingly reflective of the community we serve. The diversity information is confidential but is regularly analysed by the governing body and considered in recruitment and training.