Who We Are - Governor Profiles | St Mark's CE Primary School

Christine Bartley

I have more than 15 years’ experience as a governor of a primary school and was Chair of St Andrew’s C of E primary school in Hove for 8 years.

I am a Local Leader of Governance in Brighton and Hove. I have a background in policy development and I am currently Head of Finance in an IT company.

I am Chair of the Admissions Committee.

Sophie Brinkworth - Vice-chair

I joined the St Marks governing body in February 2018 as parent governor; I have one daughter in school and I and currently co-chair alongside Amanda Healey. I originally come from South Wales but have lived in Brighton for over 15 years now. I work as an audiologist in NHS children’s services and also provide audiology support at a local specialist school for deaf children and young people.

Sebastian Dawson- Bowling

Pen Portrait and photo to follow

Rosie Doyle

I started as a Local Authority Governor at St Mark's in May 2022. I grew up in East Sussex and went to the University of Southampton where I studied English and French. I was previously a teaching assistant in Lewes before starting the role of primary school partnerships coordinator for Brighton at the educational charity IntoUniversity. I worked with several local schools including St Mark's to deliver a range of workshops and trips to pupils. My current role sits within the national IntoUniversity team managing one of our social mobility programmes. As a governor, I am looking forward to getting to know the school community and ensuring pupils are at the heart of the school's strategy.

Jane Fendley - Headteacher

I am immensely proud to be the Headteacher of St Mark's. I joined St Mark's in 2005, as Year 6 teacher and KS2 lead. I had been Deputy and SENCO at my previous school in London, and became the Deputy Head and SENCO at St Mark's in 2007.

It remains a privilege to serve the St Mark's community. Our children are at the heart of everything that we do. We strive to nurture their natural curiosity, creativity and enthusiasm for learning-and vow to hold on to those qualities all the way up to Year 6, through our engaging curriculum and the strong nurture that we provide.

I work closely with the governing body to ensure we continue to drive standards forward and give our children and families the best possible school experience.

Let Your Light Shine!

Amanda Healey

I have been a Foundation Governor at St Mark’s since September 2017 and am currently Co-Chair. I also have responsibility for safeguarding.

I studied French and Norwegian at university, then trained as a primary school teacher at the University of Sussex. I taught in primary schools in Sussex for over 30 years, the last 19 as a headteacher. I took early retirement, but still teach French and am a volunteer at the charity Into University where I support primary school pupils from across the city. I enjoy travelling and am involved in several local music groups. I come into St Mark’s regularly to help with trips and other activities.

Archdeacon Martin Lloyd Williams

Pen portrait to follow

Helen Mapa-Murch

Parent governor

I became a parent governor in July 2023. I have a son in the school. I work as a nurse at the Royal Sussex County Hospital for over 10 years and really enjoy my job. I am originally from Birmingham but have travelled around before settling in Brighton.

Jess Murch

Staff governor, pen portrait and photo to follow

Allistare Smedley - Co-chair

Pen portrait to follow