Carole Bradbrook

Chair of Ratton Local Governing Committee

I am a retired company director whose careerspanned 35 yearsworking across various sectors of the leisure industry. I have two grown up sons who both attended Ratton school and it was during their time here that my governance journey began as a parent governor eventually leading to the role of Chair of Governors. Now a Trustee of South Downs Learning Trust and Chair of the Ratton Local Governing Committee, I have a particular responsibility for supporting the strategies, policies and culture of safeguarding across our schools. I passionately believe that all our children and young people deserve a quality educational experience in a safe and nurturing environment with all the support and encouragement needed to help each and every one of them realise their full potential.

James Woodward

Vice Chair

I have been a school governor since 2015, initially at Ratton School and then also at Ocklynge Junior School from 2017. I currently have a daughter in Year 6 at Ocklynge, who we hope will go onto Ratton afterwards. I work at Drusillas Park as their Head of Education, where my role principally involves hosting school visits and teaching classroom sessions. I have been there for over 18 years and see groups ranging from pre-schools to university groups. As a governor my main role is to monitor the two schools Safeguarding procedures. I am also Vice-Chair of Ratton School, and retain an interest in Wellbeing and Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance, from my previous roles in these areas. I’m originally from Somerset, and attended a comprehensive school quite similar to Ratton, before moving to Sussex for university and settling in Eastbourne.  

Di Clarke

Community Governor

I worked in secondary schools and 6th form settings for 34 years, running SEND departments in mainstream schools, firstly in Inner London and for 21 years in Eastbourne. I have been a Ratton governor for 12 years, whilst still working as a private tutor . My Ratton link areas are SEND, Pupil Premium, Curriculum, Teaching and Learning. I am delighted to be able to continue to update my knowledge of the changes in education and schools, to work with the excellent staff at Ratton and to be able to use any skills learned over the many years of my own career.  

Jason Henham

Community Governor

I have been teaching Mathematics in East Sussex, at secondary school level, for over 25 years. I am passionate about improving the life chances of young people by ensuring that each and every one of them has access to a diverse and enriching curriculum, one that will enable them to achieve their full academic potential and encourage life-long learning. At Ratton, I am the Governor responsible for academic standards and support the school in achieving the aims and objectives set out in is annual raising attainment development plan.

Neil Stocker

Staff Governor

My name is Neil Stocker, and I am Professional Tutor and a full time Teacher of Drama here at Ratton. During my eighteen years at Ratton I have covered many roles and responsibilities including being a Curriculum Leader of Drama for many years but also a Lead Teacher. I am also the father of two boys who have both attended Ratton and have lived in Eastbourne for two decades.’  
 

AMBER WOODWARD BROWN

Parent Governor

As Head of Fundraising and Communications working for a charity within the international sector, I have a wealth of skills to bring to the parent governor role such as being a critical thinker able to challenge established ways of working. This is of course second however, to being a mum and with 3 children schooling locally, I have a commitment to ensuring that I play my part in the school community. Outside of working hours I love our coast, and enjoy walking and sea swimming. I’m an avid gardener and relish time with my family. I am a reiki master and make time to help others access the benefit of holistic therapies.’  

Cathy Dean

I have taught French, German, and Spanish at Ratton since 1983 and for many years oversaw German and then KS4 MFL until I went part time in 2019 so I have seen many changes! I have always been particularly interested in promoting the international dimension across the curriculum and we successfully achieved the International School Award six times. I have also arranged exchange visits to France and Germany and developed many links with schools abroad. I really believe in developing caring, confident, and creative students who strive towards excellence in all aspects of their learning and am hoping my experience will be useful in my role as a governor.

Gavin Peevers

Head of School

It is rewarding, enjoyable and a privilege to serve as Head of School at Ratton School. I joined in September 2019, and part of my role is to work as a governor, alongside all governors and trustees, to improve educational experiences for all our students. Prior to teaching I worked in retail management, and since have wide experience of teaching History, Sociology and RS previously in four schools. Leading whole school priorities as an Assistant and Deputy Headteacher in previous posts has provided varied experience vital in this role. I’m also interested in research, completing a Master’s degree in Education.