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

My work background is in accounts and administration. My three children are now grown with children of their own. I worked various jobs whilst my children were young, but I was lucky enough to stay at home whilst they were little. I started back at work when my youngest was five years old. At first, I worked in retail, but after taking a computer course I went back to an admin role. I spent the last 14 years of my working life at The Phoenix, learning all the different roles in the office and then helping with the HR administration. I retired in February 2024.

I was a Scout Leader for over 20 years and really enjoyed watching the young people grow and develop, especially when doing activities and taking them on camps. I have a great respect for teachers as I remember how hard it sometimes was to teach the Cubs and Scouts. Phoenix is lucky to have a wonderful team of teachers and learning support assistants. They are backed up by lots of support from cleaners, cooks, midday assistants, maintenance staff and administrators, who all work to make the school a safe and happy placed to be.

I believe education is very important, so I became a Governor to support all the staff with their daily roles, helping the young people achieve their full potential.

Fun fact or personal interest:

My children and grandchildren are the most important things to me, and we spend lots of quality time together. Now that I have retired, my husband and I have started travelling more around the UK and abroad.