Miles Dyton

Chair of Governors

Foundation Governor 

I am trained as a geologist, and spent many years working in places as far- flung as Angola and Norway.

For the last 16 years, I have worked in sales, business development and management roles in the UK.

My hobbies include cooking, camping and running.

For me, serving on the governing board is all about St Mary’s: the children; the staff; and the community. Seeing children thrive in a diverse, friendly and nurturing environment is what it’s all about… and being part of that community.

Lorna Buckwell

Foundation Governor 

I am a foundation governor and have started my second term of office on the board at St Mary’s.

I became governor because I wanted to use my professional skills to give something back to our lovely school in ensuring the implementation and maintenance of our strong vision and ethos; keeping the children at the centre of everything we do.
 

I have recently stepped down as chair of governors having been in post for 4 years and am now supporting our new chair. I enjoy being part of a team who all care deeply about our children, staff and school community.
 

I have a legal background, having worked in law firms in London and locally for most of my career. I qualified as a solicitor in 2007 and practised at a local law firm for over a decade specialising in personal injury law, advising and helping clients navigate the legal system in order to achieve a positive outcome following their experience of often very difficult circumstances. Although I have now taken a break from practising law, the skills I gained during this time are invaluable to my role on the governing board and in my current job working as a governance professional (also known as a clerk to governors) at another primary school in East Sussex.
 

Outside of work, I am keen on keeping fit and regularly attend kickboxing and kettlebell classes at a local gym. I also like taking long walks with our family dog (a crazy cockapoo) in the beautiful Ashdown Forest.

Ian Hartwright 

Foundation Governor 

My interest in governance comes from a broad career in education and education policy. A former teacher and curriculum manager, I later lead education in a grade 1 listed historic visitor attraction, before becoming a senior manager in the Civil Service.

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I served as an elected national executive member for the FDA union and now work for the UK’s largest trade union for school leaders, where I am responsible for a range of policy areas.

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My son was fortunate to attend St Mary’s before going onto secondary school and I am committed to playing my part in ensuring that the school, its pupils and its staff continue to thrive.

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As a foundation governor, my role is to support (and challenge) our school to maintain a clear strategic vision and direction that delivers a great education for its pupils and to preserve and enhance its unique Catholic mission and ethos.

Cormac O’Boyle

Foundation Governor

I worked in the hospitality industry overseeing many establishments before deciding to train as a teacher.

I have over 15 years teaching experience including working in the Cayman Islands at an International Catholic School. I have spent the last 5 years teaching Science at Beacon Academy.

I am delighted to be part of the governing board at St Mary’s which provides such a diverse and nurturing environment allowing children to become resilient and independent learners whilst developing into kind and conscientious young people.

David Barton

Associate Member

First and foremost, I’m a dad to my wonderful 3 daughters, all of which now attend St Mary’s.

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I work as a Commercial Manager for a construction management company and with my free time I love to try my hand at almost any sport, socialize and am currently involved in helping a number of charitable organisations. I am also very passionate about developing young people as this was something that benefitted me in my younger years.

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I’ve been on the St Mary’s Governing board for several years now and have been delighted to be heavily involved with the improvements recently made to the premises and the change in financial reporting to ensure the long-term future of the school. I am also very pleased to have been part of the recruitment of 2 of the 3 new senior leadership positions appointed at the school. 

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What I value most at St Mary’s is its caring ethos. It can be clearly seen in every person in the school and comes through in all aspects of what the children learn and what staff and governors hold in such high regard.

Carol Scanlon

Headteacher

Ex-officio

David Neill

Assistant Headteacher 

Ex-officio

As Assistant Headteacher, I am an Associate Governor and work closely with the Governing Board and Mrs Scanlon as Headteacher in providing strategic leadership for the school. I meet regularly with members of the Governing Board to share the work happening within school and to liaise on the implementation of the School Development Plan. It is a privilege to work with the Governing Board to ensure St Mary's continues to be a forward-thinking, exciting school for the wonderful children and families we serve.

Cathy Gregory

Local Authority Governor

I am the local authority governor and I have two children at the school. 

For the last 17 years I have worked in Social Housing, predominantly in dealing with high level anti-social behaviour and safe guarding issues. I hope to bring some of this knowledge when looking at the well-being of our children and staff at the school.
I have experience of being a governor for a primary school previously in Hastings, where I served for 7 years before moving to Crowborough. 
Outside of work and home-life I enjoy playing netball, going for dog walks, going to concerts, festivals and comedy shows.

Hilary Blake

Foundation Governor & Vice Chair

My links to St Mary’s date back to my children’s primary education and the start of my teaching career. Fast forward a few years and my recent retirement from Catholic headship finds me with (a little) time to spare.  

I am delighted to serve as a foundation governor and hope to use my experience in primary education, and in Catholic education specifically, to support the head and her team in their stated aims for the benefit of every child. 

St Mary’s is my parish family and I look forward to putting names to familiar faces as I work with the latest generation of St Mary’s pupils and staff. 

Sarah Cook

Staff Governor

I am the staff governor at St. Marys. I am also the Year 3 teacher and have a keen interest overseeing the delivery and development of maths across the school. I have been teaching for 19 years and have worked in London and in international schools, teaching across Key Stages 1 and Key Stage 2. This is my first year at St. Marys and I am absolutely loving it - the warm welcome I receive everyday from my bubbly class and colleagues is wonderful, and I instantly felt happy and at home. I am excited by the new challenges of being a school Governor, helping to shape and direct our wonderful school on it's journey forward.

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When not in the classroom, I enjoy swimming and cycling, and although I'm trying to get into running to complete the triathlon set - I'm not sure I ever really enjoy it. I am certainly loving exploring the Ashdown forest though and am glad this wonderful resource is on our doorstep. I also love cake!

Anna Crossley

Associate Member

Naomi O'Keefe

Associate Member

Brian Cornford

Foundation Governor

Freddie Piper

Parent Governor

Clare Satchell

Parent Governor