Our Governors

Welcome to The Deanes Governing Body

Our membership includes parents, staff and professionals selected to bring their expertise and experience to the team. Together we form the strategic leadership of the school, working in partnership with our Senior Leadership Team.  We set the vision of iMatter because we believe everyone has a part to play in making The Deanes a success and as a team, each individual matters.

What do Governors do?

A school’s governing body is a group of volunteers whose main responsibility is to determine the aims and conduct of their school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement. Individual governors bring their own experience and expertise to the group

The governing body holds the school to account for the quality, standard and effectiveness of the teaching and learning and is accountable to the South East Essex Academy Trust, the parents of the students and to the wider community. In practice, the governing body works with the headteacher to determine how the school should develop to ensure continued improvement, and with the head and staff agrees plans, policies, targets and procedures that work towards that development. The governing body is also responsible for evaluating the progress of the school, making sure that effective monitoring is taking place and making strategic decisions on the basis of this evaluation.

The Local Governing Board's key responsibilities are set out in the Scheme of Delegation.

THE DEANES LOCAL GOVERNING BOARD - SEPTEMBER 2026

chair of governors

Mr Simon English
Joined October 2015, current term expires October 2027

Chair, HT Appraisal & Governor for Curriculum

Trust Appointed

"I became a Parent governor as I am driven to improving on the foundations established within the school and community for the benefit of all our children.  I am married with 4 children and have lived in Thundersley for over 10 years, having moved from Rayleigh.  I work in IT for a large financial institution and have an interest in IT applications and software.  My hobbies include photography and motorsports, especially those on 2 wheels."

Trust Appointed

Vice Chair of Governors

Mr David Coaker
Joined December 2011, current term expires September 2027

Governor for Behaviour and Attitudes

"I have one child currently at The Deanes and one who left in 2015.  Being a governor can be challenging but very rewarding as you help inform strategic decisions to achieve the school's targets and goals  Over the last 7 years my knowledge of school life has increased immensely!  I am responsible for monitoring the Maths and English faculties."

trust appointed governors:

Mrs Gill Baynes
Joined July 2011, current term expires September 2027

Governor for Safeguarding and Attendance

"I am currently a Co-opted governor and was previously a Parent governor at The Deanes for 4 years.  I am married with 3 children, all of whom attended this school.   My business background is in pensions law and administration and I have worked in this industry for over 30 years.  I am a Professional Trustee and have a Pensions Actuarial and Administration business based in Hadleigh and I also work for @Sipp Limited a large Pensions Administration firm."

Mrs Katy Kollasch

Joined March 2026, current term expires March 2030

Mrs Denise Bottom

Joined April 2023, current term expires March 2027

staff Governor:

Mrs Z Harrison

Joined February 2020, current term expires January 2027

Governor Responsibility: Website

Parent Governor:

A Parent governor is elected by parents / carers of the school.

Mrs Charlotte Ditton
Joined January 2026, current term expires February 2030

Governor for Pupil Premium and Equalities and Diversity

Executive Headteacher and head of school:

A Headteacher is a member of the governing board by virtue of office.

Ms K Corp

Acting Headteacher
Joined the Local Governing Body September 2026.  Attends all Local Governing Body meetings and committees.

Clerk to governors:

Louisa Usherwood

LGB Terms of Reference 

Register of Business Interests

Scheme of Delegation