Governance
St Andrew's Primary Academy is part of the Canonium Learning Trust, and as such, the Trust Board is responsible for the overall governance of the Academy supported by the Local Governing Committee.
Canonium Learning Trust has a governance structure that places great importance on local governance arrangements and therefore the Academy also has a Local Governing Committee (LGC).
The Local Governing Committee comprises individuals from the local community, including parents and members of staff. They are responsible for providing oversight of the Academy's educational performance, ensuring that its policies and procedures are appropriate, and promoting the welfare of its students. The LGC works in partnership with the Trust Board to ensure that the Academy operates in line with the Trust's values and objectives.
While the Canonium Trust Board has ultimate responsibility for the governance of the Academy, the Local Governing Committee has a more direct and local focus providing a link between the Academy and the local community and ensuring that the Academy is responsive to the needs of its students, parents, and staff. The LGC also plays an important role in providing feedback to the Trust Board on local issues, which can help inform the Trust's strategic direction.
In addition to the monitoring of educational performance, the LGC also has specific responsibilities working closely with the Academy's senior leadership team to ensure that these areas are managed effectively and that resources are used efficiently.
For more information about the Trust and the board of directors, please visit the Canonium Learning Trust website, here
Local Governing Committee
Co-Chair
Malcolm Bailey
I moved to Marks Tey in 1991 and became a Governor at the school in 1997. I have retired after working for 39 years in the Banking industry where over the years I have led a number of teams in the Retail and Commercial sectors. It is a privilege to be Chair of Governors at the school supporting the pupils, staff, parents and other governors as together we continue to develop an outstanding learning environment for our children. In 2014, I joined the Governing Body at Ramsey School which is part of a multi academy trust with Great Notley School. I am married with two daughters (both who attended St. Andrew's) and two step children. My hobbies including running, swimming, badminton (I am also an England Badminton umpire) watching football (I am a proud Colchester United season ticket holder) and cricket. I also enjoy reading and listening to music.
In 1997 Malcolm became part of the Governing Body of St. Andrew’s Marks Tey, eventually taking on the role of Chair of Governors. When St Andrew's joined the Canonium Learning Trust in October 2023, Malcolm joined the Trust Board of Directors in December 2023.
Having dedicated over 39 years to the Banking industry, particularly with Midland Bank/HSBC, Malcolm held various leadership positions across Retail and Commercial sectors. His retirement eventually led to taking on the mantle of Chair of Governors at Ramsey School, Halstead, part of a Multi-Academy Trust, a position he has held since 2019.
Outside his professional life, sports are a significant part of Malcolm’s routine. While he retired as an England Badminton umpire two years ago, he remains actively engaged in running, serving as the General Secretary of the Essex Athletic Association, and contributing to a local parkrun at Marks Hall Estate. His passion extends to supporting Colchester United and Essex CC. reading and music round out his leisure pursuits.
Co-Chair
Su Moakes-Cooke
Whilst living in Marks Tey, I joined the parish council where I enjoyed setting up community events as well as being involved with helping the parish in general. I was asked to co-opt onto the governing body and jumped at the chance to be involved. After working in the Insurance industry for 14 years, I have formed a good working appreciation of risk management, monitoring, evaluation and root cause analysis; following a move to Marks Tey, my husband and I decided to set up our own IT enterprise consultancy which was a completely new area for me. The various challenges of new clients with differing backgrounds allows me to assess and support fields which I may not be an expert in, but for which I can help from a critical review or support plan as needed. Whilst we no longer live in Marks Tey, my son still attends St Andrew's because I believe the collaboration and incredible spirit the school has is outstanding and is also why I am delighted to be part of the team.
Vice Chair
Reverend Ian Scott-Thompson
I was trained in mathematics and physics, and worked for a few years in defence and electronics research. I have been a vicar in Hampshire and Surrey before arriving in 2010 to enjoy North Essex. I am Rector of Marks Tey which automatically includes being a Governor at the school. I enjoy being a Governor with our wonderful headteacher, staff, and children. The school is continually improving but the best thing is the atmosphere of friendship and fun in learning. I am married to Jane, and we have two wonderful daughters in their twenties in London and Portsmouth. My hobbies including rowing, skiing and tennis, walking and birdwatching, advanced driving, computing and reading. Oh, and bad jokes!
Parent governor
Sally Czezowska-Savill
I have lived in Marks Tey since 2015 and currently have two children attending St Andrew's. I am qualified as a primary school teacher and previously worked in a supply role across Essex and Suffolk. Although I no longer teach, I am looking forward to using my experience and knowledge to contribute to the running of the school. I can often be found lending a hand at FoStAPS events despite not being an official member.
Parent governor
Gemma Ward-Strong
My family and I moved to Marks Tey in 2014 and I have two sons at St Andrew's, with another son to join in the future. I am a secondary school History teacher and have been teaching since 2004. I love the ethos of St Andrew's and the focus on bringing out the best in every pupil. I am really excited to be able to use my knowledge of teaching and learning in the role of parent governor. In my free time I like to watch football and explore new places with family and friends.
Parent governor
Karen Litterick
I have lived in Marks Tey since 2020 and grew up in Feering. I am a qualified primary teacher, with a degree in Education Studies and Early Childhood Education. My son is a current pupil at St Andrews, and my husband and I both work at the University of Essex, having previously lived and worked at universities in Germany and in New Zealand. I believe my administrative and education background makes me well-placed to appreciate school needs and issues.
I enjoy singing and dancing, playing the piano and clarinet and cake decorating in my free time (when I have any). I have also organised and run a number of events, including quizzes and two variety shows, raising money for cancer charities.
Community governor
Bill Aylett
I have been involved in education for around forty years as a teacher, consultant, deputy headteacher and finally as a headteacher for the last sixteen years. During my career I have not only lived and worked in the UK but also in Lesotho, Germany and Cyprus. I retired from my final headship at Montgomery Junior School in Colchester in 2018 and, after a short break, began working part-time for Colchester Teacher Training Consortium as a Lead Mentor for trainee teachers. I have also worked for the Alpha Teaching School Hub as a Facilitator for the Early Career Framework, leading sessions with ECT mentors across Essex.
I am married and am lucky to have three wonderful grown-up children.
Since taking semi-retirement I have developed a passion for landscape photography taking what chances I can to travel to some of our most stunning locations. I am also a keen cook and try to keep fit. This, together with my four lovely grandchildren, keep me pretty busy.
Staff governor
Claire Edwards
I have lived in Marks Tey for over 20 years and I have been working at St Andrews School in the role of a learning support assistant since 2014. I have worked with all year groups throughout my time at the school, but I especially enjoy working with the key stage one children, which is where I am currently based. I have 3 children, 2 of which attended St Andrews and I have previously been a parent governor at Lexden Springs school, which my eldest son attended before going to a residential school. I hope my previous experience of being a governor will help me in my new role as staff governor. I love doing many types of crafts, especially cross stitch and I enjoy cooking, baking and walking my 3 dogs.
Head of School
Keith Birbeck
I started my career, just over 13 years ago at a small Colchester village school teaching in year 5 and year 1. From here, I joined a two-form large primary school teaching year 3, 4, 1 and year 2. The next part of my teaching career was in Dubai, where I taught in a large through-school (ages 3-18), teaching in year 2 and leading this year group of 8 teachers. I moved back to England and joined St Andrew's. Since joining the school just over 6 years ago, I have taught year 3 and, for the majority of the time, year 6 as well as being Deputy Head. In September 2023 I took on the role of Head of School and feel proud to have the opportunity to support the children and staff to work and flourish together.
In my career I have been a governor before and over my time have been PE, French, Computing and English lead within school.
I am a keen reader, enjoy keeping active through swimming, running and playing football and I very much like to travel experiencing new culture and food!
Executive Headteacher
Martin Hawrylak
Martin Hawrylak is an experienced teacher, headteacher and Special Needs Coordinator. Martin was appointed as the Executive Headteacher in September 2023. Martin also leads Stisted Primary Academy and Finchingfield Primary Academy.