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

Joint Vice Chair  (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

Andrew Saunders

Joint Vice Chair (Co-opted) 

I became an Associate member in 2014 and a full governor in 2015. I joined the Patcham Junior Governing Body to lend my expertise on all data related matters.  I am also Chair of Governors at Patcham High.

I have three children, two at University and another at Patcham High.

I work as an Actuary for an Reinsurance company in the City of London working primarily on analysing Marine and Aviation insurance data.

I have a passionate belief that all children should be helped to reach their full potential regardless of their background or academic ability. I firmly believe that the school will continue its upward trajectory.

In my spare time I enjoy running and other fitness activities.

Current term of office:  15.7.2019 to 14.7.2023.  Andrew was originally co-opted 15.7.2015.

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.

Co-opted Governor

Two vacancies.  Could this be you?  If you are interested please contact the Chair of Governors MarionRajan@patchamjun.brighton-hove.sch.uk  We look forward to hearing from you.

EMILY STEELE

Staff Governor 

_{I am a year 5 class teacher and the maths lead at Patcham Junior School. I am also part of the Maths Hub as a Primary Maths Mastery Specialist (cohort 8).}

_{I have 9 years of teaching experience and have held numerous subject leadership positions whilst teaching within a Junior school.} 

_{My firm belief is that every child can achieve when given the right tools and fairness is not about everybody getting the same, but everybody getting what they need in order to be successful.    Term 13.1.22 - 12.1.26}

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

EMILY ESLICK

Parent governor

I am a parent governor who recently joined the team in 2020.  My eldest child attends 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 20.10.20 - 19.10.24 (elected by parents).

Derrick Davis

Co-opted governor

I have lived in Patcham since 2000 and my two children attended Patcham Junior School. I previously worked for over 25 years as a Business Manager for a large multi-national company, running a number of premises and dealing with the day-to-day operations.

Outside of work, I enjoy most sports and have played football and rowed to a nationally-ranked level. I also enjoy music, am an American Football season-ticket holder and have qualified for The Times National Sudoku Championships each year since 2011

My years of running a business have given me an understanding and insight of the many components required to achieve sustainable success. We are a foster family and this has given me a greater appreciation why education  is important to all children, from all backgrounds.

The school has worked hard to ensure that the children are given the tools and resources to maximise their potential but also develop as more rounded  individuals.  My personal interests coincide with some of the school's curriculum agenda and I look forward to supporting them in whichever manner needed. 

Current term of office:  13.11.2022 to 12.11.2026.  Originally appointed as co-opted governor by the governing body 13.11.2014

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  10.12.19 to 9.12.2023

Jason Weber

Co-opted governor

I joined the team as a co-opted governor in 2019. I have two young daughters, both attend Patcham schools. My eldest attends the junior school and my youngest is currently at the nursery, but in September will join the infant school.  

I work full time for a London based, Swiss Private Bank. I have worked in finance all my adult life, in the UK, but also in the Channel islands and Caribbean. Outside of work I love sport, watching more now than playing, although I played national league hockey and also representative level in tennis, rugby and cricket (in my younger years). Now…. I am proud to be a dad and support my girls however I can with their interests (Dance!).

I am hugely passionate about children's welfare but also in their development.  Not just academically but also in sports and life.

Current term of office: 10.12.19 to 9.12.2023

HENRIETTA PIKE

Parent Governor

After 8 years as Vice Chair of a charity in Hove, I joined as Governor in January 2022. Working for Hilton for over 20 years in various roles. I am now responsible for designing and delivering training for the 18 brands globally - so I believe I can bring my corporate experience to this governor position.
My son attends the Juniors and requires additional support to access mainstream education.  I have gone through the motions of obtaining and maintaining an EHCP and parenting a child with beautiful differences, and therefore I believe I can bring empathy and an experienced voice to our PJS families and teachers focusing on SEN. 

Term 1.10.21 - 30.09.25

TAMSIN HINTON-SMITH

Associate member

Term 16.7.20 - 16.7.24

Senior lecturer at Sussex & Brighton Universities and Sussex Learning Network. Originally parent governor (2016) 

Assists the governing body with matters relating to pupil premium and disadvantaged groups.

 J JOHNSON

Clerk to the Governors

Recent governors

Ruth Nilsson - Co-opted governor latest term 7.5.20 to 29.3.22

Name and date of appointment

Nature of interest and date of commencement if it does not predate appointment

Amy Clarke 1.12.21

Teacher Newick Primary School till Aug 2022

From 1.9.22 Headteacher Ditchling CE Primary and Nursery School

Derrick Davis 13.11.14 latest term commenced 13.11.22

Retail Manager BP Express Shopping. 

Emily Eslick 20.10.20

Employed by East Sussex County Council as Manager of training team for Children’s services

Henrietta Pike 1.10.21

Senior Manager Global Hotel Sales, Hilton

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. 

Andrew Saunders15.7.15, latest term commenced 15.7.19

Employed by Swiss RE Insurance co.

From Sept 21 Chair of Governors at Patcham High School. Governorship pre-dates appointment.

Danny Simpson 9.11.06, latest term commenced 19.3.22

Principal Auditor at East Sussex County Council.

Spouse of 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

Angela Jane Walden 10.12.19

Retired Careers advisor

Jason Weber 10.12.19

Head of Lending at Credit Suisse UK Limited.  

Governors in last year:

Ruth Nilsson 27.4.16 original appt

Teacher at Davison High School, latest term commenced 7.5.20.  Resigned 29.3.22