The Federated Governing Body of Canewdon Endowed and St. Nicholas CofE (VC) Primary Schools.

Our governors have a wealth of experience and expertise in many different areas, not just education and are committed to helping Canewdon School become the best it can possibly be.  

School Governors play an important role in the strategic leadership of the school.  

The Federation has a single governing body that strategically leads Canewdon Endowed and St. Nicholas CofE (VC) Primary Schools.  

From September 2021, governors Katie Boulahlib and Martin O'Rourke jointly chair our governing body. Our Governors may be contacted through the school office. 

Katie Boulahlib

I have two sons at St Nicholas and two more soon to join the school, meaning I have a vested interest in ensuring the schools continue to provide the best environment for every learner to excel.
I am proud to be a part of the Governing Body so that I can take a more active role in supporting the schools with the challenge of being the best that they can be. I became Co-Chair of the Governing Body in September 2021.
I am currently a full time mum to four, but am a secondary school teacher of science, and prior to this have ten years experience in the financial sector in London.

Martin O’Rourke

I have been a Governor at the school since 2017, and became Co-Chair of the Governing Body in September 2021.

I have 2 children at St Nicholas. My eldest starting Yr 5 and my daughter starting Yr 2 in 2021/22

In my professional life, I having worked in the IT industry since 2001, in large corporates and small consultancies as a HR & Payroll technical specialist.

 I feel I bring ideas, drive and enthusiasm to every challenge

I am proud to support our schools and its pupils, and to be a part of their learning journey.

James Hay

I became a co-opted Governor recently and have always very keen to be involved in my children’s education. I have 2 daughters at the school and a wide circle of friends whose children also attend St Nicholas. I thoroughly enjoy being involved in education and it is a huge privilege to work alongside such dedicated professionals in our school and see the progress and achievements of the children.

I have lived in Rayleigh since 2006 and have been a serving Police officer in London for the past 28 years.

My strengths lie in my enthusiasm and desire to help in ensuring our school provides the best opportunities for every child in school.

Mike Clay

With my son Oliver starting reception in 2018 I was keen to apply for the parent governor role when it became available.

As a local resident and a parent of two, I’m happy to involve myself in the governance of the federation and will hopefully provide some stability to the post as we all seek to provide the best education and experience for all the students.

As Head of PE and former Head of Year at a further afield secondary school, I’m hoping my experience of 10 years teaching will be of use and I’m looking forward to learning more about the role.

In my free time I’m a member of a local running club and I also enjoy playing cricket.

Sam Willis

I am the Executive Headteacher of Canewdon Endowed (CofE) VC Primary School and St. Nicholas (CofE) VC Primary School. 

It is a joy to work with the children at both schools and I look forward to each opportunity that I get to work with the Governing Body.

Before I was appointed as Deputy Headteacher of Canewdon (the role I had before becoming the Executive Deputy Headteacher, and now Executive Headteacher), I was a teacher at Downhall Primary School.

I am married and have two super boys in years 6 and 9.

Nathan Jones

I am the Executive Assistant Headteacher of Canewdon Endowed (CofE) VC Primary School and St Nicholas (CofE) Primary School and the SENCo for both schools.

I have a passion for outdoor education and how we can use the grounds that we have at each school to inspire the children in their learning. I enjoy taking the children on their residential trips, as the children can learn new skills in a different setting.

I am married and have two boys, both currently at pre-school. In my free time my family and I like to go out Kayaking.

Revd. Richard Jordan

I have been the vicar at Rawreth since 2011 and in 2017 also took responsibility for St Thomas’ at Hullbridge and All Saints at Rettendon. I was a governor at St. Nicholas School for nearly four years before joining the new Governing Body for the federated schools.

I thoroughly enjoy being involved in the life of the schools and find that children often ask more searching questions than adults, and they don't accept easy answers!

I have two grown up children and love sailing.

Revd. Gary N Edwards

I have been a curate at Canewdon and part of a wider team serving six other churches in the area. I have been a Foundation Governor since autumn 2020. I have lived in the Southend area all my life and professionally, prior to entering the Church have previously held several roles - as an Insolvency Practitioner, Police Officer and Lecturer (FE and HE). I am committed to supporting the school, its head teacher, pupils and staff in every aspect and area of their school life. I believe that education is a journey, essential for in providing opportunity for growth and development and wellbeing of the individual. I am married with two adult children and a new grand-child.