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Meet our Governors

Mrs April Grimes

Member Appointed Governor

Term of Office: 16/06/2023 - 15/06/2027

Mrs Rita Adrego

Vice-Chair / Parent Governor

I have two children, both pupils at Forest Academy where they will both complete their primary education.

Following my experience of home educating during the Covid pandemic I became quite interested in education and therefore believe I can make positive contributions to the school's governing body and I am committed to supporting the school in taking it forward as a successful good school to send your children to.

I have well established relations within the school community and therefore believe that puts me in good stead to offer a parent’s perspective to the governing body and help contribute towards the future of the school and ensure that children at Forest Academy receive the best possible education regardless pf their background.

I have a Masters in Chemistry and worked previously as a Research Scientist. In recent years I have focused my attention on raising my young family whilst working on my own digital marketing business part-time. Now with both my children in full time education I am left with more time to dedicate to my volunteer work and our community and I am therefore keen to get involved and support the school and it's different projects.

Term of Office: 20/05/2024 - 19/05/2028

Miss Jasmine Newson

Parent Governor

I applied to be a parent governor at Forest after receiving such a warm welcome when my two children joined the school. I aim to bring a parent’s perspective to the governorship to ensure the school creates the best environment and delivers an excellent education for all pupils, current and future. I currently work in a management role in the NHS and will use these skills I have developed in my role as a governor.

Term of office: 16/09/2025 -15/09/2029

Mrs Charlotte Irlam

Appointed Governor

I am an experienced teacher and SENDCo with eight years of experience across both primary and secondary education. I spent five years working in primary schools, predominantly in Upper Key Stage 2 and mainly Year 6, which has given me a strong and secure understanding of the primary curriculum. During this time, I also worked closely with the local authority as a Year 6 writing moderator.

For the past six years, I have worked within the Brandon community, spending three years at Forest Academy before moving to Breckland, our local secondary school, where I have been Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion and SENDCo for the past three years. This has allowed me to develop a clear understanding of the journey children make from primary to secondary education, and the importance of strong transition arrangements. Maintaining close links with our feeder primary schools is a key part of my role and something I value highly.

My main area of interest is supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as disadvantaged learners. I am passionate about ensuring that schools are inclusive environments where all children feel their needs are understood and met, and where they develop a strong sense of belonging. I firmly believe that every child should be given meaningful experiences that open up future opportunities and enable them to thrive.

As a governor, I am deeply invested in the Brandon community and in ensuring that the education and nurture we provide is right for the families we serve. I am committed to working collaboratively with staff, families and the wider community to support positive outcomes for all pupils.

Term of Office: 10/11/2025 -09/11/2029

Mr David Anderson

Chair/Appointed Governor

My name is David Anderson and I currently work at Tattersalls Bloodstock Auctions in Newmarket, where I have just completed 22 sales seasons.
I have previous experience as a Governor at St Marys CEVAP Academy in Mildenhall and Tuddenham Primary, before it became St Christophers in Red Lodge.
Education is very much part of my family as my daughter teaches at Barnham Primary and my wife as recently retired after 15 years as an assistant teacher at Culford School.
I am pleased to join the Governing Body at Forest Academy and hope that I benefit the school community.

Term of office: 07/07/2025 -06/07/2029

Mrs Margaret Crowther

Co-opted Governor

Forest Academy is close to both me and my family, Three generations of our family have attended the school.
In 1993 when my eldest daughter started in the nursery, I was co-opted as a governor.
I am grateful that the opportunity to join the governing body again has arisen. I bring my previous experience and support to help enable the pupils to have the very best education.
I work locally as an HR Advisor. I have 2 adult daughters and a grandson.
I regularly volunteer for EACH. I love spending time with my family, travelling, reading and gardening.

Term of office: 28/02/2023 -27/02/2027
Member appointed: 16/06/2023

Mrs Danielle Lomas

Co -opted Governor

My name is Danielle Lomas and I am delighted to be a governor at Forest Academy. I have been a primary school teacher for 15 years, working across both the state and independent sectors. During this time, I have taught across all age ranges, qualified as a SENCo and served on the Senior Leadership Team.

I am committed to ensuring every pupil receives high-quality teaching and enriching experiences that build confidence and a love of learning.

Outside of school, I am a proud mum of three children who inspire my belief in the joy and curiosity of learning. I look forward to working with the Forest Family to help every child reach their full potential.

Term of Office: 24/09/2024 -23/09/2028

Mrs Danielle James

Staff Governor

My name is Danielle James and I am a Year 1 teacher at Forest Academy, I am also in the fortunate position as a staff governor.
I have worked in education for many years and joined the Forest Family three years ago. I love working at Forest Academy and I am committed to ensuring that the children here have fun and exciting experiences that encourage lifelong learning.

I love reading and art! I am passionate about early reading and enjoy seeing pupils thrive during daily phonics and reading sessions in Early Years and Key Stage 1. I am looking forward to working collaboratively to support the children to develop a love of
Reading across all key stages. As art lead in our school, I love supporting pupils to express themselves through art and encouraging their creativity to shine through.

Term of office: 24/09/2024 - 23/09/2028

Term of Office ended within last 12 months.
Mrs Meghan Norton

Chair/Co-opted Governor

I am an experienced teacher with over a decade of teaching experience, specialising in Early Years and Key Stage 1. Having previously taught at Forest Academy, I know the school community well and have a strong appreciation for its values and commitment to providing high-quality education for all pupils. During my time at Forest, I was proud to support the school in achieving its Quality Mark in History and Geography, recognising our shared passion for delivering a rich and engaging humanities curriculum.

I currently teach at St Mary’s Church of England School, where I continue to develop my practice and teaching expertise. I hold an NPQ in Leading Teaching, which has deepened my understanding of effective curriculum design, teaching excellence and professional development.

Becoming a governor offers me the opportunity to expand my understanding of the wider strategic and operational aspects of school life beyond classroom teaching. I am particularly keen to contribute to ensuring that Forest Academy continues to offer a broad and balanced curriculum that inspires curiosity, creativity and a lifelong love of learning in every child.

Term of Office: 24/09/2024 -23/09/2028
Resigned: 17/01/2026

Mr Matthew Rickard

Appointed Governor

I attended the school many years ago as did my oldest son and oldest daughter. My younger son and daughter currently attend the academy, so I have a passion for the school to grow and keep it successful. I also used to work for the school as a site manager a few years ago. I am an on call crew manager / firefighter at Brandon Fire Station and have served 23 years at the station and my full time job is a watch manager / firefighter at a company in Stowmarket. With my years of work experience I have good knowledge and experience in the Building industry / trade and health and safety, so feel I have a lot to offer the school.

Term of Office: 28/06/2022 - 27/06/2026
Resigned: 16/09/2025

Mrs Amy Coyne

Vice Chair/Parent Governor

I have two children, the eldest of which is in KS1 at Forest Academy. My youngest will also complete her primary education at Forest Academy; therefore, I have a duty and commitment to support the school and feel I am in a suitable position to be able to offer a parent’s perspective in the role of Parent Governor to help contribute to ensuring the children at Forest Academy receive the best possible education.

I have been a secondary school teacher for 11 years, specialising in Business Studies. I feel my role as a secondary school teacher means I have a good background in and understanding of education and I would be keen to use my skills and knowledge to help support and collaborate on projects across the school.

Term of office: 05/10/2021 - 04/10/2025
Resigned: 21/05/2025