Jane Hyde - Chair of Governors

My husband Simon and I live on the outskirts of Hintlesham with our children Luke, Alex and Oliver. Our pets are the ponies, Jake and Casper; cats, Buffy and Spike and chickens and duck.

I was a marine cargo broker for Willis group for 8 years before starting work in 2002 for NFU Mutual Insurance agency in Ipswich. I became an Agent of the office in 2008, managing the business with two partners until 2014, when I left to spend more time with the children and horses!

I now work at the NFU Mutual office in Lavenham 2 days a week which is a good compromise of work life balance. I became a parent Governor in March 2014.

I have no pecuniary interests and am not related to any staff member.

Anne Gardner - Vice-Chair

I was born in Derbyshire and moved to Suffolk in my second year of teaching. I have taught in a number of different schools across the county and have really enjoyed working with children and hopefully inspiring them to develop a passion for learning.

 More recently I was a headteacher in a middle school, which was closed in 2014 when schools were reorganised in Suffolk. Since then I have worked as an interim headteacher and performance advisor.

 I live in Ipswich with my husband and my dog Cassie. My daughter lives in Chester and my son lives in London.

 I have no pecuniary interests and am not related to any staff member.

Elaine Burdiss, Headteacher

I was born in London, moved to Essex at the age of 10 and moved to Suffolk 9 years ago.

I am married with 3 children and 5 grandchildren.

My career has been in the Civil Service (Lord Chancellors Department) as Judge’s Clerk and in Education.

I enjoy time with my family and visiting friends. I love learning and am always trying to extend myself, which I believe is vital in my role as Head teacher.

I have no pecuniary interests and am not related to any staff member.

Kristina Irwin, Teacher Governor

I have been a primary school teacher for 33 years and have worked at several schools within the county.

I particularly enjoy being a class teacher as the learning environment is varied and the children are always so enthusiastic to discover new things. I have now taught the majority of the children at Elmsett school and I love to see them grow as they move through the older age ranges.

I am married to Nick and have three grown up sons.

I have no pecuniary interests and am not related to any staff member.

Andrew Rowe - Co-opted Governor

 I became a governor at Elmsett in November 2014.

I have a degree in Education from Manchester University and work brought me to Suffolk 30 years ago. In all that time, I’ve worked for Suffolk County Council, mostly in the Ipswich area.

I want to use all the knowledge and experience of the education sector I have gained in my professional life to help our school continue to improve.

I enjoy walking and cycling in the Suffolk countryside.

I have no pecuniary interests and am not related to any staff member.

Dr Nigel Askew – DBE Foundation Governor

I became a Foundation Governor in May 2016.

I have lived in Aldham with my wife Lynne for over thirty years.

My career has included working for British Aerospace in the Middle East and teaching Physics at Upper Schools in Ipswich.

I am now retired and enjoy playing guitar, cycling and riding my motorbike. My ongoing struggle to learn Greek is not going well.

I have no pecuniary interests and am not related to any staff member.