Our Governing Body
The Governing Committee is responsible for the strategic direction and leadership of the school.
The Governing Committee usually meets termly to monitor how the school is progressing against its stated objectives.
The Governors at The Brent have a variety of skills and backgrounds, with experience in Education, the world of Business, Community Work and the Arts. Governors work closely with the Headteacher to ensure high quality learning is accessible to all our children, according to their individual needs. This is achieved by monitoring results and the children's learning progress, ensuring the school is a safe and welcoming environment, delivered within the confines of the school's budget. Some were pupils at the school; some have had/have children at the school. Their backgrounds are many and varied.
However they all have a common purpose: to support and challenge the Headteacher to ensure that our school delivers a curriculum that gives our children the skills and abilities to succeed in a challenging and fast moving world, delivered in a safe, holistic and enjoyable way that encourages our children into a lifetime of learning. Below are some details about our Governors, who you may recognise around the school at different times.
To enquire about any governor vacancies at The Brent Primary school, please contact either Mrs Rye or Mr Stephenson via the school office and they will happily tell you about life as a school governor. Should a vacancy become available at The Brent you will be informed and you can put yourself forward. Please also visit http://www.inspiringgovernors.org/ to learn more about why schools need volunteers like you and the benefits and rewards of becoming a Governor.
Who Are We?
Our Governing Body consists of:
- The Headteacher
- Two elected Parent Governors (By the parent body)
- Up to six Co-opted Governors (Appointed by the Trustee Board)
- Two elected Staff Governors (By The Brent staff)
Governing Body - Key Priority Monitoring Schedule
Acting Chair/Co-opted Governor - Mr B Stephenson
Headteacher - Mrs S Rye
Co-Opted Governor - Mrs N Guthrie
Co-Opted Governor/Vice Chair - Dr S Lam
Co-Opted Governor - Mrs A Adeoye
Co-Opted Governor - Mrs J McDonald
Staff Governor - Miss C McNally
Parent Governor - Mrs K Yoong
Parent Governor - Miss H Robson
Further Information
Chairs Statement on behalf of the board of Governors 2023-24
The Brent Annual Statement of Governance 2022-23
The Brent Annual Statement of Governance 2021-22
Cygnus Academies Trust Annual Statement of Governance 2022-23
Cygnus Academies Trust Annual Statement of Governance 2021-22
Cygnus Academies Trust Financial Reports
Memorandum of Association; Articles of Association; Funding Agreement
Mrs Sarah Rye
Head of School
Date of Appointment 20.11.2017 - Term of Office ending ex officio
I graduated with a BA in Education from Goldsmiths University and have worked in 4 schools in Kent and Medway since 1997. I have teaching experience across KS1 and KS2 and leadership experience across 3 schools over the last 15 years. I became headteacher of The Brent in February 2018 when we were a two-form entry school, supporting the school staff, parents and children over the last 6 years as we have grown to three-form entry.
Mrs Jo MacDonald
Date of Appointment 2022 - 4 year Term of Office ending 2026
Area of responsibility - Safeguarding, Years 3 & 4 (Lead)
Dr Sophie Lam
Acting Vice Chair of Governors & Co-opted Governor
Date of Appointment 27.09.2023 - Term of Office ending 26.09.2027
Area of responsibility - Safeguarding (Lead), Years 1 & 2 (Lead)
I was elected as a Parent Governor in February 2020 and have since been co-opted for a second term. I have two children in Year 4 and Year 6.
I work locally as a Consultant Paediatrician and draw from my professional experience in my role as Safeguarding Governor. I studied medicine at Cambridge and Oxford Universities and have completed my postgraduate training at hospitals in London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. I have relevant training in safeguarding, neurodiversity and mental health. I am used to working with other schools and agencies in the area to support patients and their families.
With the rest of the governing body I am committed to ensuring that our pupils are happy and reach their full potential. I applied to be a governor as I wanted to help set the strategic direction of the school.
I also volunteer at local Brownie and Rainbow units.
Mrs Nicola Guthrie
Co-Opted Governor
Date of Appointment 18/11/2021 - Term of Office ending 17/11/2025
Area of responsibility - SEND and EYFS.
I am an Early years practitioner and Co-manage a preschool in Wilmington. I am very passionate about early years, SEND and learning in general. I feel very strongly about child led learning and following children's interests to help with their growth and development. I believe that The Brent Primary school embodies these values, therefore I am very happy to support the school by being on the board of Governors.
Both of my children are currently at The Brent so I have a good understanding of the school, staff and parental viewpoint.
I am very happy to be extending my passion and learning working with The Brent Team.
Mr Barry Stephenson
Acting Chair of Governors & Co-opted Governor
Date of Appointment 01.09.2022 - Term of Office ending 31.08.2026
Area of Responsibility - Years 5 & 6 (Lead)
I graduated with BSc honours in Engineering Physics from Loughborough University, a PGCE from University of London, Institute of Education, and have 21 years experience as a science teacher, including school leadership experience as a Deputy Headteacher in two schools, including a Masters in Educational Leadership (MEd). This experience has provided me with an insight into the challenges that schools face and the elements of effective governance.
I have been a Co-opted school governor at the Brent Primary School since September 2022, and recently I was delighted to take on the role of Acting Chair of the Governing Board. The governors are committed to working closely with the school’s leadership team to drive the strategic direction for the school to progress its community confidently into the future.
Outside of my professional commitments, I am a keen competitive runner and a proud father of two children at The Brent Primary School.
Mrs Abimbola Adeoye
Co-opted Governor
Date of Appointment 06.07.2023 - Term of office ending 05.07.2027
Area of Responsibility - Years 5 & 6
Working closely with the school governing body when I joined the leadership team in one of the schools I worked at piqued my interest and as a result, I Co-opted to become a school Governor for Brent Primary in September of 2023. Since then, it's been a privilege to be able to draw on my wide range of knowledge and experience to support the Brent Primary LGB, school leaders, staff and parents.
My background is in science and for the past 22 years I have enjoyed teaching this wonderful subject to students in secondary schools.
Aside from work, I am a member of my local athletics club, keen park runner, and love taking walks.
Miss Clare McNally
Staff Governor
Date of Appointment 30.10.2023 - Term of office ending 29.10.2027
I joined The Brent Primary School in September 2023 as Deputy Headteacher, after 14 years experience in other Primary schools both in Bexley Borough and Medway. I have teaching experience in all year groups from Nursery-Y6 and 10 years of leadership experience. I originally gained my degree from the University of Leeds and then completed my teaching qualification (PGCE) at the Institute of Education, London and a Masters in Education at the University of Greenwich.
I am privileged to have the role of staff governor which enables me to work closely with the governing body to ensure they have a thorough understanding of the school, challenge us as leaders and to work strategically together to ensure the development of the school towards our key priorities and long term vision.
Mrs Kawsey Yoong
Parent Governor
Date of Appointment 15.12.23 - Term of office ending 14.12.27
Area of Responsibility - Pupil Premium
I'm Kawsey (pronounced Cow-sey) and I have been a Parent Governor at the Brent Primary School since December 2023.
I work for the Government Commercial Organisation (GCO), which is part of the Cabinet Office, where I head up Talent Mobility. This involves me supporting individuals in reaching their career aspirations. Prior to this, I have worked in a number of HR roles within fashion and FMCG organisations.
After leaving school I went on to study Commercial Law and later went on to complete a short course in makeup at the London College of Fashion.
I have a son who is currently in year 2 and I am passionate to do all I can to ensure that every child at the Brent Primary School has the opportunity to thrive, irrespective of background, special educational needs or disabilities.
My aim is to be a ‘critical friend', someone who can provide a unique perspective when looking at the school’s strategic goals and priorities, offer critique where needed and who isn't afraid to have challenging conversations to ensure that the children are always at the forefront of every decision made.
Mrs Hayley Robson
Parent Governor
Date of Appointment 15.12.23 - Term of office ending 14.12.27
Area of Responsibility - Sports Premium & Pupil Premium
Information about Governing Bodies including The Governor MagazineTo enquire about any governor vacancies at The Brent Primary School, please contact either Mrs Rye or Mr Stephenson via the school office and they will happily tell you about life as a school governor. Should a vacancy become available at The Brent you will be informed and you can put yourself forward. Please also visit Inspiring Governance or Governors for Schools to learn more about why schools need volunteers like you and the benefits and rewards of becoming a Governor.
