St Mary's Church of England Academy
Here at St. Mary's we provide the highest possible quality of education, underpinned by our Christian ethos and values however we pride ourselves in the fact that we are mixed faith with a rising number of multi faiths through our school
Governing Body
The Venerable John Cox - Vice Chair of Governors
"I was ordained over 50 years ago and during my ministry have served in parishes near Liverpool, in Birmingham and London; at Church House, Westminster; Southwark Cathedral and finally as Archdeacon of Sudbury. On retirement I was asked to be Diocesan Director of Education responsible for about 90 Church schools throughout Suffolk. I did that for four and half years. Over the years I have been a governor in more than a dozen schools. I am married to Diane, have two children and four grandchildren".
email: john.cox@smpsac.org
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Dr Mark Woodroffe
"I grew up in West London and have lived in Cheshire, Essex and Suffolk. After completing my first degree I worked for Fisons Ltd and BT at Adastral Park, Martlesham. I then gained an MSc in Computing and a PhD in Artificial Intelligence, both from the University of Essex. These enabled me to become an academic, lecturing at three Universities, most recently for The Open University (OU) where I worked for 23 years. During my time with the OU I mainly wrote teaching material and line managed tutors who supported the students. I also gained an MBA and was made Head of School for Computing and Communications. I have a passion for teaching, in particular for providing the best possible educational experiences for everyone, whatever their background, needs and ability".
email: markwoodroffe@smpsac.org
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Dr Jeanette Hobbs
"I have always had a keen interest in the education of children throughout my time working in academia and the corporate world. I have lived in the local community for many years, and am an active member of St Mary's Church in Mildenhall and a GirlGuide Leader. I am committed to supporting the head teacher, staff and governors to ensure our children at St. Mary's learn to the best of their abilities in a great environment. I recently changed careers last year to train to become a teacher and am now working as a chemistry specialist-science teacher at Mildenhall College Academy, so I can bring my own experiences and viewpoints from my experiences and training in both the private and public sector. By working towards our vision we will make St. Mary's Academy an engaging and positive experience for all children."
email: jeanettehobbs@smpsac.org
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Joyce Crawford
"Following a long career at Barclays Bank, I have worked as a School Bursar throughout Suffolk for 17 years. This involves training, covering absent staff and supporting Governors and Heads. I am an active member of The Ark Church in Isleham. I live locally in Mildenhall and my 'unpaid' job is leading a walking group each week exploring our wonderful County".
email: joyce.crawford@smpsac.org
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Jay Blackford
Originally I am from London but spent several years in Canterbury studying Primary Education at Canterbury Christ Church University. Post qualifying I was able to work in a variety of schools in the outer regions of London to include mainstream schools and a PRU. Several years ago I decided to relocate to the Suffolk area but instead of teaching I took a post working for the United States Air Force at RAF Lakenheath, which is currently where I work. I thoroughly enjoy working with our American brothers and sisters and see it as unlikely I will ever leave. I still, however, have a passion and joy surrounding children and their education journey which is what has led me to be a part of the great team at St Mary's CofE. I am an introvert by nature, which, I am told, is ironic as I have great people skills. I am always willing to stand up for those who deserve it and am a firm believer in servant leadership.
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Luke Hamill
I am a local business owner of a small contracting company, carrying out landscape maintenance activities for local authorities, commercial organisations and residential customers. Prior to starting my own business, I was an operations manager and latterly the Directors of Operations and Development for a regional company, where I gained experience in a wide range of facilities management requirements.
In total I have spent 23 years in the industry, gaining various management, health and safety and environmental qualifications along the way.
I have lived in Mildenhall the majority of my life and I am a former pupil of St Mary’s which my son now attends.
I love running and fitness in my spare time, volunteering at Junior Park run and supporting local clubs where we can.
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Katie Farnham
I graduated from The University of Hull in 2010 with BA Hons in English Language and Literature. I then proceeded to complete a PGCE in Primary Education and thereafter gained a Masters in Education both at The University of Cambridge. I am proud to say that my first teaching post was at St Marys and it has a special place in my heart, so I am really looking forward to supporting the school in this role as governor. I am now an experienced teacher and leader and have formed part of a senior leadership team for the past 10 years. I have a wide range of experience across primary education but I currently lead Early Years and reading across 2 schools in a Multi Academy Trust. I am experienced in coaching teachers and support staff and mentoring Early Careers Teachers. I look forward to bringing my experience and expertise into this role.
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Joanne Wilcox
I have lived in Mildenhall for most of my life and went to school at St Mary's. I currently have two children in Key Stage 2 and have been volunteering at the school since 2017.
I run my own salon and have been in business for almost 30 years.
I am an active member of St Mary's Church and a current member of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) so am keen to get more involved with the community.
With a business mindset, a proactive nature and an overall determination to see things through I believe I can really support the school in my role as Parent Governor and look forward to this new challenge.
I am also a Run Director for the Mildenhall Junior Park Run which continues to gain momentum.
I am looking forward to working alongside everyone to ensure that the children at St Mary's have the best possible educational environment.
Joanne Human
I have been living in the area for 11 years now and am originally from Cambridge. I have two children currently in St Mary's and they love going to school and the welcome they receive every morning is something I really want to be part of. My background is social care supporting adults and SEN children in residential. I have a passion for advocating and supporting children to access education and extra curriculum activities and believe that all children can and will be able to thrive with the right adults around them. I am keen to support the school to achieve the best for all children attending and that education is a positive experience for all.
joanne.human@smpsac.org