Meet our Governing Body

Mr A J Knights (Co-opted Governor, Chair Of Governors) 

Appointed July 2023

I am a married father of 5 grown up sons and have 3 grandchildren.  I have been an  Essex School Governor for over 10 years after working in and around Essex schools.  I  spent 10 years as a Local School Sports Coach and Sports Co-ordinator working for the  WDF Partnership. I have learnt to appreciate how important education is for all our  young people.  I value the role that governors take in supporting and challenging schools  to be the best they can be.  I believe I have the experience and expertise to fulfil this  role for Collingwood Primary School.

Mr P Yates (Partnership Governor, Vice-Chair and Chair of Finance and Resources) 

Appointed July 2022

I have lived in the Essex area for the last 32 years, and have resided in South Woodham Ferrers for the past 12 years. I am married and have both children and grandchildren living in and around the local area. Professionally, I have worked in Banking, predominantly in Investment Banking, where I have held senior management positions In Operational and Risk Management  functions. As part of my professional work I have also worked overseas on occasions in the US, Europe and Asia.  I am now semi-retired and undertake contract consultancy work on an occasional basis, for both banks and consulting firms. I hope that by being a school governor I can use my experience to help the school to be the best it can be.

Mrs A Buckland-Garnett (staff)

Appointed September 2006

I was appointed as Headteacher at Collingwood in September 2006 and have seen the school through many changes since then.  I have taught at 5 schools ranging from a small village school in rural Essex to a very large Primary in South London.  I am also a Mum and have been a governor at two other primary schools. I believe that our governors bring a variety of skills and experiences to the school and are vital in providing a different perspective and new ideas for improving the work of the school aimed at meeting the bespoke needs of our pupils and the rest of the Collingwood Family, as well as ensuring that the school fulfils its statutory duties, is accountable and allocates its resources effectively.

Mrs H Phelps-Knights (Co-opted Governor, School Led Improvement Partnership Governor) 

Appointed July 2021

I am a mother to 5 grown up sons and have 2 grandchildren. I have been a teacher for 29 years and I am in my 17th year of headship in a large Primary school in Essex. I am also the Chairperson of the Essex Primary Heads Association. After working for such a long time in schools I appreciate how important a good education is for all our young people, primary schools are the foundation for this. I always valued the role that governors have in supporting and challenging their schools to be the best they can be. Now I have the opportunity to give something back and be a governor myself, I’m enjoying seeing the work of the school through a governor’s perspective and the different challenges that brings.

Mrs C Burrell (Co-opted Governor) Appointed November 2024

As a resident of South Woodham Ferrers for over 20 years, I am delighted to be part of the Collingwood governing body, where I can support the team in providing the highest quality education for the children. I am currently the Headteacher of a large primary school in Braintree, and I bring over 25 years of teaching experience. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of teaching children across all year groups, from nursery to Year 13. I have also developed specialisms in safeguarding and finance.

Before entering education, I started my career as a mechanical engineer at Bradwell Power Station, which sparked my passion for STEM subjects and the importance of challenging gender stereotypes. Outside of work, I am a proud mother of two, both of whom have established careers in Law and Engineering. 

I am excited to see the wonderful work happening at Collingwood and look forward to contributing to its ongoing success.

Ms S Cross (Co-opted Governor)

Appointed July 2023

I have been a resident of South Woodham Ferrers for over 35 years and have two children who attended local primary schools.  I ran the local play centre for 12 years, which gave me a good insight into families of the local community through the economic changes during this time.  This is where my interest in the need for better children’s physical and mental health started.  I joined Collingwood as a member of staff in April 2018 and taught PE across 5 different year groups each week and LSA in KS1, as well as many other roles as and when needed.  Afterschool and during the holidays I also a clubs and have good communication with the other local primary schools. My aim is to help share the viewpoints of staff, be a voice for the children and  to support the Head Teacher in developing new initiatives within our school to maintain and improve standards including progress, achievement and behaviour, ensuring our children have the best possible education. I am very proud to be part of the Collingwood family and am passionate about its future.

Mr J Kennard (Co-opted Governor) 

Appointed September 2023

I have lived in Essex all my life and became a resident of South Woodham Ferrers a few years ago. I am also the father of two young boys, one of whom is currently at Collingwood Primary School, and the other will be joining him soon, when he is old enough.  I am a teacher at a secondary school in Chelmsford, where I hold curriculum and pastoral responsibilities as a secondary teacher is see the importance of primary education as I teach students from a wide range of schools and see and hear about their different experiences. 

I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to be involved further with Collingwood Primary School as a governor and be a part of its development. I hope to try and benefit the school with my experience professionally, and more importantly, as a parent.

Mr J Robinson (Parent Governor, Health, Safety and Premises Governor) Appointed September 2023

I joined the governing body of Collingwood in September 2023, coinciding with the start of my sons journey at the school. My involvement in governance is not new, as I have previously served on the committee of my local hockey club, where I also took on the role of treasurer. This experience has equipped me with valuable insights into organisational operations and financial management. My career has spanned multiple sectors, including legal, financial, and health and safety. These roles have honed my skills in critical thinking, compliance, and strategic planning, which I believe are crucial in a governance context. My diverse professional background enables me to bring a well-rounded perspective. As a Parent Governor, my aim is to leverage my experience to offer meaningful assistance and guidance to Collingwood. I am committed to ensuring that the school provides a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for all students. By collaborating with fellow governors, staff, and the wider school community.

Mrs N Spearman (Parent Governor, Safeguarding Governor) 

Appointed September 2022

I was appointed as Parent Governor in September 2022, and am excited to have the opportunity to support Collingwood Primary School in its future development. With my experience as a secondary school deputy headteacher in charge of teaching and learning, I hope that my skill set will complement those existing on the board, to benefit the Curriculum and Student wellbeing committee. I understand the importance of a happy and healthy primary school experience in nurturing the whole child, but also their academic development to give a strong foundation to their future learning and success. I wholeheartedly believe that the home-school partnership is important and that parental engagement with the school is central to a child's development. As a Mum, I am overjoyed that my child gained his place at Collingwood, and I am delighted that he will grow up in a safe and warm environment that will stand him in good stead for his future.