Local Advisory Board

Roger Theobald

Position and Responsibilities:

Chair of Trustees and Chair of Governors at Wickham Market, responsible for Standards

Brief Biography:

Roger was professionally involved in education over his working life, including time as a headteacher of two Primary schools and as a Senior Adviser, time which included advising headteachers and staff in schools and managing initiatives in several key areas of school improvement. Since moving to Wickham Market in 2012, he has been involved in the governing body of Wickham Market Primary School, as well as the setting up of the Academy trust, and as a volunteer helper at the school. He is pleased to be able to offer both his professional experiences and his commitment to being involved in the community of Wickham Market to both the school and the academy trust.

Helen Murray

Position and Responsibilities:

Headteacher

Brief Biography:

I have been the Headteacher at Wickham Market Primary School since September 2017. Prior to that I worked at Easton Primary School which is part of Avocet Academy Trust. I also had the pleasure of working in an Independent International School in Muscat, Oman for many years as well as an inner city school in Manchester. I feel the breadth of schools I have worked brings an understanding of the unique child. I have been delighted by the warm, family atmosphere, close community links and polite, well-motivated pupils at Wickham Market School. We are blessed with an excellent team of teachers and teaching assistants, together with a very proactive governing body which makes education at the school really enjoyable. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be the Head of School of such a fabulous school. As a small primary school, Wickham Market provides the diversity and challenge I sought when moving to headship and I feel sure that we will continue to be a thriving part of the local community for many years to come.

Joanne Ashburn

Position and Responsibilities:

Community Governor

Brief Biography:

Jo is a community governor with a son currently at the school. She brings 20 plus years of experience as a children’s sports coach and children’s ski school manager. Working in a variety of resorts in New Zealand and USA, she has returned home to Suffolk. She is passionate about a varied curriculum to motivate learning and plenty of physical activity opportunities.

Jo Maghoo

Position and Responsibilities:

Vice Chair, Health and Safety Governor

Brief Biography:

Jo is a parent governor at Wickham market with a son currently at the school. She is a primary school teacher who has taught for many years in a variety of schools both in the UK and Australia.

Louise Turner

Position and Responsibilities:

Vice Chair and Safeguarding Governor

Brief Biography:

I am a parent governor with one child currently at the school, having had two older children previously educated at Wickham. Prior to moving to the village I was a governor at a school in South Yorkshire for many years. I have experience in youth work, journalism and publishing, and currently I co-run a media company. I’m extremely keen to enhance pupil wellbeing and contribute to positive learning across the academy, with particular attention to reading and e-safety.

Ruth Leigh

Position and Responsibilities:

Governor

Brief Biography:

I am a freelance writer and author who lives just outside Wickham Market with my husband and three children.  We moved to Suffolk in 2006 and all three children attended Wickham Market Primary School from Nursery through to Year 6.  I am passionate about community and am always trying to find ways to add value.

Mandy Garland

Position and Responsibilities:

Staff Governor

Brief Biography:

As staff Governor I represent the dedicated team of teachers and support staff that work at Wickham Market Primary School. 

I have worked at our school in various roles from Teaching Assistant to my current position as Family Welfare Practitioner since 1998. Prior to this I trained and worked at the Ipswich Hospital as a staff nurse within the Gynaecology unit before leaving when my son was born and thereafter my daughter. 

Working closely with and supporting our families, in addition to my position as subject leader for Relationships, Sex and Health Education enables me to fulfil my commitment to promoting and supporting the emotional and physical wellbeing of each child within our setting.