Ian Wallace - Vice Chair of Governors

After leaving school at 16 with 9 GCSE’s and starting work in the investment banking world, I have gained numerous industry specific qualifications.

I have been associated with the school for a number of years, as both my wife and daughter work at the school, as well as being part of the governing body for a few years .  I have lived in the Basildon area for 43 years.

I am passionate about preparing children for their future, as part of my role in the bank I work for is to interview potential candidates, and it is obvious those who have had a solid and productive scholastic career as it tends to be those who set themselves apart from the rest.

Fun fact or personal interest: 

In my spare time, I enjoy cycling. I have completed the London to Brighton on a number of occasions.

Mrs Kirkham

I have worked at the school since 2010 and am I am proud to be Head of School. I absolutely love working at the school and being part of the community we serve. I have experience of school governance as both a parent governor and community governor at another Essex school.

Miss Drury

I am the Teaching Staff Governor here at the Phoenix Primary School and Nursery. I have worked at the school since 2011 and I am currently the Deputy Headteacher. I have enjoyed being part of the school's journey and want the very best for everyone. I have experience of school governance, as I was staff governor a few years ago. I can provide an excellent link between staff and governors at our school.

Andrew Day

Qualifications: CIPD in Human resource management

I have worked in HR for over 13 years now and believe the experience I have gained in attendance and behaviour training, as well as a real understanding of learning and development, can be an asset to a school environment.

I attended the school myself when I moved to the area at the age of 5.  I have a real closeness to the school and want to watch it continue to grow.

Fun fact or personal interest:

I have two rescue dogs from the Dogs Trust in Wickford who I spoil like they are my Children. 

Karen Batterham

I have a BA and a counselling qualification.

My background is in secondary education and I was a teacher for 43 years. During that time, I taught a variety of subjects but my passion was always the performing arts.  Teaching drama and producing many school plays and musicals was challenging but immensely satisfying.  I believe that drama and music can be a huge influence on a child's school life.  I was also a Head of Year and thus closely involved with the pastoral side of education and in promoting good attendance.  I believe that close links with parents can be of immense benefit.  In the end, parents and teachers have the same aim: they want the best for their children.

I wanted to become a Governor at Phoenix, because I was impressed with what I have seen since my granddaughter, currently in year 3, joined the school.  The success of the school is something I would like to be part of maintaining.

Fun fact or personal interest:

I enjoy walking- something I can thank the pandemic for, and I am a keen theatre goer.

Lesley Greenaway