Laura Sargent

Chair of Governors

I have had the privilege of serving as a governor at Friar’s for the past eight years, and I am honoured to take on the role of chair this year. My journey began when my daughter joined Friar’s Grove in 2014, sparking a deep commitment to supporting our school community.

As chair, I am eager to further develop my understanding of the educational landscape and play a pivotal role in shaping the school’s future.

I believe that my expertise in financial management and governance will significantly enhance my contributions as chair, allowing me to collaborate effectively with the governing body to support and challenge the school in ways that benefit every child at Friar’s Grove.

Term End: 31st August 2029

Jeremy Gush  Local Authority

I have been a governor at Friars Grove for about 20 years, initially as a parent governor at the former junior school, then staying on as a local authority governor and assisting the school through the amalgamation process to become a primary school.

I have a long career background within local authority finance, the majority of which has been spent dealing with schools and other education settings in one capacity or another. I currently work full-time within Essex County Council for Essex Music Service, which serves to provide music lessons to students across the county through in-school tuition and out of school community provision.

Both my children attended Friars Grove and The Gilberd and then went onto university. My daughter trained to become a class teacher and now teaches in a junior school. My son studied computer games design and now works in the computer games industry.

I chose to represent Friars Grove as a member of the inaugural governing body that helped to establish Queen Boudica Primary School a number of years ago, and I remain committed to ensuring that governors continue supporting Friars Grove Primary to move the school forward for the benefit of its pupils and staff alike.

Term End: 31st August 2026

Helen McCombe Co-opted

I became a parent governor at Friars Grove when my daughter entered the Junior School in 1997. After she left the school I became a local authority governor. I have served as Chair of Governors at the Junior school and worked with other governors to bring about the amalgamation of the Infant and Junior schools into Friars Grove Primary. I have a long career with the Civil Service and am able to bring my professional experience and knowledge to my role as governor. I am proud to be associated with this highly successful school and enjoy my role in supporting and helping to drive forward a culture of continuous improvement whilst ensuring a supportive and friendly environment for pupils and staff.

Term End: 30th September 2026

Martyn Mellis  

Co-opted

I joined the governing body when my daughter was in year 1, she is now at university. I also support Friends of Friars Grove at activities they run. I honestly feel Friars Grove is a great school - I am particularly impressed that although some children come from out of catchment that it has retained a strong community feel. I have been a civil servant for 34 years and currently work within HR. In my spare time I can be found on my allotment.

Term End: 30th September 2026

Ian Levinson

Co-opted

I have been a co-opted governor at Friars Grove Primary School for a number of years. My son, now at secondary school, spent seven happy and rewarding years at Friar's Grove. I have over 20 years of teaching experience in the secondary and post-16 sector and I teach Politics at the local Sixth Form College. I have also planned and run numerous educational trips, visits and exchanges including trips within the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands and an annual trip to Krakow, Poland and the Auschwitz concentration camp museum. I hope to use my educational experience for the benefit of all the staff, pupils and governing body at Friar's Grove.

Term End: 3rd April 2028

Christine

McDonald

Co-opted

I first became associated with Friars Grove in the 80s through my Godchildren and then my children in the 90s where I assisted with maths groups, reading, swimming, costumes for plays, was secretary for the PTA and also ran the Brownie Pack for 25+ years. My husband was also a Governor. Throughout my varied working career I have been employed as an LSA, also teaching English, EASL and Alternative Curriculum under the SEN umbrella at a local Academy. Though I enjoy my long awaited retirement, I feel I still have a lot to contribute towards improving the education and welfare of our youngsters.

Term Ends: 08^th September 2026

Melissa Jethwa-Flack

(Vice Chair)

Term Ends: 21st November 2027

Helen Taylor

Parent Governor

I am a Qualified Early Years Teacher and Managing Director of a  Preschool for 17 years. I have over 26years of experience in Early Years and 22 years as  a SENDCo. I am passionate about ensuring all children are included and supported and strive to ensure that children achieve their full potential.

I have 3 children, who all attended Friars Grove, and outside of work I enjoy running, reading, crafting and walking my dog.

I am looking forward to supporting Friars Grove in the coming months and years where I hope my experience with Early Years and special Education Needs will support the school in there vision.

Term Ends: 22nd September 2029