Our Governors
Tim Fairbairn (Chair of Governors)
After working for more than 30 years in the City, I ran a micro goat dairy for 10 years. I am now retired and enjoy my time as a School Governor, Parish Councillor and a member of the Diocesan Board of Education. My hobbies include military history and metal detecting. My son has just started at the TGS Sixth Form.
Simon Knight (Vice Chair of Governors)
We moved to Bures from Essex with my partner and her two daughters having visited regularly when walking the dogs. I recently took early retirement from my career in secondary education.
I had the pleasure and privilege of spending sixteen years as Head of a large secondary school in Essex. I currently work part-time as an educational consultant, working with schools in Essex and Suffolk. As a Head, I was always deeply grateful for the help and support I received from my Governing Body, so offered my assistance to the Governors, which they accepted.
Leighton Hammett
I have remained as a co-opted governor at Bures Primary School, after serving four years as a parent governor. My youngest son still attends the school and I have thoroughly enjoyed supporting the school to achieve great things for its pupils.
I am a Chief Superintendent in Essex Police and have over 20 years’ experience in public service. I am keen to support and challenge the school to be the best it can be for the children, ensuring we make decisions with the best interests of the children at the centre.
Rev Daniel Whiffin
Since 2022, I have been the Vicar of Bures (as well as Assington and Little Cornard). Along with this office comes the happy responsibility of being an ex officio Foundation Governor as well as the joy of leading Collective Worship for the whole school each week.
Before training for ordination, I was a secondary school teacher. I taught Maths as well as some Science and Sport in some excellent schools. I also held positions of middle leadership in the Mathematics and Higher Education departments. Mentoring early career teachers was also part of my role. As a CCF Royal Navy Officer I gave students opportunities to learn sailing and experience training on some exciting naval equipment.
Ross McCrory
I am a lecturer in the History Department at the University of Suffolk, although my research also traverses theatre, literature and theology. Indeed, my interest in theatre has led me to become Chair of the Bures Stage Society and to some other work in theatrical circles. Meanwhile, my theological explorations also find expression in my ordained ministry within a small, inclusive and progressive church. In all aspects of my work, including my current research, I am interested in what makes good teaching and in the broader purpose of education. As such, I am very glad to contribute to, and learn from, the Governing Body at Bures Primary School.
James Thompson
My family and I have lived in the area for the past eight years, and I commute into London, where I am a partner in an executive search business. Through this role, I have developed strong skills in leadership, collaboration, and strategic decision-making, as well as a passion for supporting individuals in reaching their full potential. I believe these skills will be valuable in contributing to the school community.
Although I did not grow up in this area, I was immediately struck by the strong sense of community and the close relationship between the school and the families it serves. Our two daughters attend the school, with our eldest joining in 2019, and we have been consistently impressed by the supportive environment and the high standard of teaching. This positive experience motivated me to become more involved, and in 2022, I was delighted to join the governing body as a parent governor.
As a part of my role as a governor, I have been actively involved in supporting the school’s SEND team, a cause particularly close to my heart as my youngest daughter has additional needs. I am committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of their individual challenges, receives the support and opportunities they deserve to thrive.
Heather Whittle
I am a mother of 2 little children that are currently not old enough to be attending Bures Primary School, but hopefully will one day. My family have lived in Bures for many generations with many of them having attended the Primary School when they where children themselves. I am also a secondary school maths teacher that has worked at TGS and am now at Hadleigh High.
Chris Gallier-Trigg
As a father of four, including a child with SEND, I bring a personal understanding of diverse needs. With over 17 years of experience in the Criminal Justice System and qualifications in teaching, I am dedicated to fostering positivity and consistency at Bures Primary School.
Trained in safeguarding, I prioritise the safety and wellbeing of staff and pupils. Beyond my professional life, I have actively contributed to community extracurricular activities, including junior rugby coaching and delivering first aid training.
My goal is to support and enhance the school environment, ensuring it remains a nurturing space for everyone. I am passionate about promoting wellbeing and resilience, striving to help Bures Primary School continue its tradition of excellence and inclusivity.
Michaela Harris (Headteacher)
Rhian Dickeson (Staff Governor)
register of interests bures church of england voluntary controlled primary school.pdf
governors attendance 2023 24.pdf