Governors
Ros King, Chair
I am Professor Emeritus at the University of Southampton and have written a number of books and many articles on drama, on poetry and music, and on the arts in society and education. I have taught students of all ages, and at all levels from primary school to PhD.
Every child deserves an education which they find exciting and enjoyable because it stretches them in every possible way, and I believe in the power of practical engagement with the arts to change lives. I have directed plays with casts of undergraduates or young professional actors, run projects for primary and lower KS3 children in inner-city East London schools, contributed to a project run in a US prison, and have advised various theatre companies including English Shakespeare Company, and Shakespeare’s Globe.
I am also a co-opted governor at King Edward VI school in Bury.
Colin Smith, Co-opted Governor
I am an experienced Commercial Manager in the food manufacturing industry with over 20 years experience. I have a strong skill set of financial analysis, relationship building and marketing of products and services.
With two children in the school at present I also volunteer as a Football coach for the Guildhall Feoffment Primary School football club and as an assistant Coach for Moreton Hall Youth Football Club.
I am a strong believer in the link between Sport and class room education and I am very interested in all Children being given the opportunity to find a sport that they will love.
I’m currently the Link governor for Art provision within the School.
Kristian Lee, LA Appointed
I'm an experienced senior leader in the technology sector and currently run a large multi-national team of systems and software engineers as the 'Global Head of DevOps' at Sportradar. My project and people oversight skills are the most important items I can bring to the governor's table, but I also have family who are approaching school age and therefore a vested interest in driving the strategic development of the primary school system in Bury St Edmunds.
I act as link governor for Computing, Extra Curricular provision and Cultural Capital.
Ben Tanner, Parent Governor (Vice Chair)
I am an experienced School Governor with a passion for education and I have two daughters at Guildhall Feoffment Primary School.
My career in education spans many years, with previous roles including Head of Mathematics in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk and most recently, as an Assistant Headteacher in Bury St Edmunds. My degree from Cambridge University in Mathematics and Education further bolsters his expertise and understanding of the field.
I now work for an education technology company and am in daily contact with schools. This enables me to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and innovations in the field of education.
I'm an avid Notts County Fan (which speaks to his character and commitment!) and enjoys keeping fit through regular exercise, particularly running.
Rachel Prior, Co-opted Governor
As a parent myself, I’m passionate that children should feel supported and empowered to strive for excellence.
Professionally, I work in the postgraduate education space, specialising in the recruitment of overseas students. I am currently in post as a Senior Manager at London Business School, leading on the recruitment strategy for the suite of Executive MBA’s. Primary school governance provides me with an opportunity to broaden my own knowledge and experience of the education sector outside of my professional remit. With 10+ years of people management experience, I can confidently provide insights and guidance on personal development plans, appraisals, and recruitment across all levels of the school.
Fiona-Catherine Thompson, Staff Governor and Deputy Head
I have worked within education and children and young people's services for 25 years. Following a career in national media, I managed award-winning projects for the Pre-School Learning alliance, established specialist out-of-school provision for disabled children and launched Summer University programmes in South East London before moving into teaching.
Upon moving to Suffolk, I worked with a number of schools in East and West Suffolk, specialising in leading Literacy, early language development and Phonics, with a passion for music and theatre. I am a former Headteacher of a school in Haverhill and have been Guildhall Feoffment's Deputy Headteacher and SENCO since April 2023.
Outside of school, I enjoy time with my teenage children and singing in various choirs.
Lara Knights, Parent Governor (Safeguarding Governor)
I have over 25 years’ experience of working with children and young people, and have three children at Guildhall Feoffment Community Primary school.
After graduating from Exeter University in 2006, I worked as an Associate Lecturer in Early Years at the Open University, and in an advisory capacity for Suffolk County Council supporting Early Years Providers in delivering high quality, affordable care and education, and ensuring inclusive practices, curriculums, and learning environments.
I joined Guildhall Feoffment Governing Body because I am passionate about the school being the best possible for all our children. I hope my experience and understanding will help the school strategically in maintaining and developing robust systems.
My hobbies include reading, sport, especially running and socialising.
Sumathi Sundram, Co-opted Governor
I am a Finance and Management professional with senior level experience in the NHS, Local authority and Commercial sectors. Additionally, I have lectured in accountancy and business management at undergraduate and masters level.
My experience of managing the finances in the NHS and being a panel member of the Growing Businesses Fund of the Local Enterprise Partnership enables me to review business plans and budgetary controls particularly as part of the public finance regime. Having been a member of working groups on resource allocation at Department of Health, I bring some understanding of the tensions present nationally, in allocating resources for public services such as health, research and education.
I am also a grandmother of a 3 year old, hence my vested interest in understanding and contributing to the developments in primary education.
Reverend Tiffer Robinson, Co-opted Governor
I’ve been a governor since soon after I came to Suffolk in 2009, both of community schools and Church of England. I came to be the vicar of St Mary’s Bury St Edmunds in October 2023 and soon after came on board as governor at Guildhall Feoffment. I also serve as a Feoffee (trustee) for the Guildhall Feoffment Trust, and have been involved as a trustee on numerous charities including the Old School Fund here in Bury St Edmunds.
I am the link governor for Special Educational Needs and Religious Education at Guildhall Feoffment School. I am married to Amy, a local author and storyteller, and we have two secondary age children who keep us very busy.
Andy Matthews, Headteacher
I took up post as Headteacher of Guildhall Feoffment in September 2023, having served as a Head in Cambridgeshire for the past 15 years. I served for 14 years at Hardwick and Cambourne Primary School as both deputy head and then headteacher, before serving for 3 years as head at Newnham Croft Primary in Cambridge. Before that, I worked in teacher training at the Faculty of Education at Cambridge University, whilst also teaching at a Training School in Huntington for 10 years. During this time, I completed a Masters Degree in Educational Research and carried out four years of PhD research into effective mentoring practices. Throughout my career, I've always had a strong desire to forge positive working attitudes in children through exposure to an exiting and vibrant curriculum. It is this, that drives me to keep striving for ever-improving provision and outcomes for the children at Guildhall.
Privately, I have a strong passion for music, and you'll often find me extolling the virtues of some new live band I've discovered!
We also have three associate governors: Christopher Frost, Elaine Hammond and Shan K-Don.
We also welcome two new governors: Meghan Rich and Emma Rees (more details to follow soon).
Vacancies
We currently have no governor vacancies.
Should you wish to contact a member of the Governing Body, please submit your communication via the school office in the first instance.
Contact can be via email to: admin@guildhallfeoffment.suffolk.sch.uk, or in writing to: Guildhall Feoffment School, Bridewell Lane, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1RE.
If your query is of a sensitive or confidential nature, please mark it as such. It will be treated in the strictest confidence.