Graham Brownett - Co-Chair of Governors

I first joined the Local Governing Body as a concerned parent governor back in 1996 when things were very different. For most of that time, I have chaired the Finance Committee in its various guises. I have worked closely with the Headteachers and Business Managers during that time to ensure financial stability and value for money for the various stakeholders.

I am a retired Company Director and bring strategic thinking, leadership, finance and personnel experience to the Board as well as an unflinching desire for continuous improvement.

Ian Coombes - Parent Governor

I have been a parent governor at a local school for over four years and an opportunity to join St Catherines board which I wanted to join.

I have children at the school and I wanted to be able to add my ideas to the governing board to drive the school forward.

Being part of the governing board is a great chance to see how the school is being run and being able to add my views is important to me.

Catherine Finn - Foundation Governor

I have been involved with St Catherine's College for over 15 years, initially as a parent. I then served as a Parent Governor as I wanted to give something back to the school and influence changes from a parental perspective. My 5 children benefitted from attending St Catherine's, both academically and from being part of a supportive community. Now that all my children have left the school I am excited to be serving as a Foundation Governor.

Elizabeth Foster - Co-Vice Chair of Governors

I have been a governor for many years following my children through school, both primary and secondary. Both children have now completed their time at St Catherine's and are in further education, having both achieved excellent results at GCSE.

Richard Holste MBE - Business and Community Local Governor

When I was the Senior Manager for NatWest bank in the area I was approached by Sussex Downs College (formerly ECAT) to become a Governor as they were about to become self-governing, after previously being run by East Sussex County Council. They sought both corporate and financial expertise and I met their requirements. I have served as a Governor for 25 years, the last 7 years as Chair and after Ofsted judged them as Outstanding following an inspection, I retired from the Board. I was awarded an MBE in 2013 for services to Further Education.

Whilst a Governor at Sussex Downs I was asked in 1994 by the then Chair of Governors at Bishop Bell School to join their Board as they wanted additional financial expertise. I served as Chair of Finance for several years and then took on the role of Safeguarding Governor a position I still hold both here and at The Eastbourne Academy.

In 2013 I was awarded a Lifetime Achievers Award from the Eastbourne business community.

David Linsell - Co-Chair of Governors

I have worked in education for over 40 years.  My experiences include a number of Primary and Secondary Headships.  I have also been responsible for Local Governance, Curriculum, Pupil Premium, complaints and communications in a large Multi Academy Trust. I am an active member of the Church of England.  I have become a Governor at St Catherine’s because it is a Church of England school and the school I hope my grandchildren will attend.

Colin Newall - Business and Community Local Governor

I am a semi-retired Company Director, having run a local company for the past 35 years. I hope to support the school in its aims, objectives and any areas where I can be of help utilising my experience in business, finance, and organisational knowledge. 

As a former pupil of Bishop Bell, now St Catherine’s College, the school has always had a long-term connection to me.

Emma Pavey - Staff Governor

I have been teaching Geography for 26 years. After completing my teacher training in London I moved to the south coast and have taught at a variety of schools in and around Eastbourne.  I am Head of Department at St. Catherine's.  I have two children who are now grown up. I have a passion for refugees and spent two years volunteering once a month in the Calais 'jungle' with migrants and asylum seekers. I also volunteered for two years as a Beachy Head chaplain and was trained in working with people who are at their lowest.  

I have a passion for teaching about climate change. I trained as a UN accredited climate change teacher and was one of the first in the country which led to my appearance on Sky news to talk about climate change education in schools. 

In my free time I enjoy travelling, adventure, long distance trial running and my cat.

Alan Powell - Business and Community Local Governor

I joined the Board of Governors in September 2018. I am now largely retired following a long career in education. I graduated with a BA in Modern Languages and went on to undertake a MA in Education. I started my career in Inner London, before moving to Kent and subsequently to East Sussex in 2004. I was a headteacher for 17 years, leading a school in Kent before moving to East Sussex.

I was a National Leader of Education and have been seconded to schools in challenging circumstances twice as well as carrying out school improvement work for the Local Authorities in both Kent and East Sussex. I still undertake some consultancy work in schools and, until recently, school inspections in the south east.

My other interests are principally based around sport but more now as a spectator rather than as a participant. My aim is to play an active role as a trustee providing both support and challenge to leaders as well as helping the school achieve its ambitions in any way I can.

Elizabeth Still - Business and Community Local Governor

I am new to St Catherines College in the role as a Community Governor. I have a background in clinical health research and education, senior NHS management and governance - including both national and regional boards. 

I have lived locally since 2001 and had 2 children who benefitted from education in local schools and colleges. 

I hope to be able to bring expertise that will support SCC and its aims.

Christos Stylianou - Associate Governor

As a devoted parent of an SCC student, I am strongly committed to enhancing the educational journey for every student. Drawing upon my professional background and experience, I hope to make significant contributions in various areas, particularly in strengthening community connections.

I have managed a wide variety of businesses since 1997, and since 2015 I have been the Managing Director of an Eastbourne based company.

As an Associate Governor on the Business & Finance committee I will use my business, finance, marketing and management skills to help SCC when required.

Sandy Wooton - Co-Vice Chair of Governors

With five of my children having benefited from attending St Catherine's College and the ten years of working at the school, I understand its importance and long-term impact on the local community. 

Serving as a governor helps me to give something back to the school. It enables me to bring my experience of working as a Senior Leader in several different school contexts, together with volunteer experience within Governance and Trustee positions, and use it to help the school achieve its vision.

As the only Church of England Secondary School in East Sussex, I believe the Foundation Governor role is important so as to maintain this school’s unique standing as a Church School.