Membership of the Academy Committee (ID 1269)

• Mr Daniel Wilkinson
  Head of School - from 01/09/26
  Mr Daniel Wilkinson

  I was absolutely delighted to join Great Bentley Primary School as Headteacher in September 2026. Throughout my teaching career, I have had the privilege of leading across the primary age range and managing a diverse array of subjects, including Maths, PE, Science, RE, and English. Since arriving, I have been incredibly driven to lead the school through this next chapter, embracing our exciting expansion into a larger, two-form entry primary school while passionately preserving the inclusive and nurturing ethos that makes our community so special. Working closely with our fantastic pupils, families, and staff, I am thoroughly enjoying driving the school forward to ensure everyone strives to be the best they can be. Outside of the classroom, I continue to keep just as active and creative by exploring the world on different holidays, building Lego, and running a variety of distances, and it has been wonderful getting to know you all as we embark on this brilliant journey together.

• Mrs Joanne Herbert (Chair)
  Trust Academy Committee Member - 01/09/23 - 31/08/27
  Mrs Joanne Herbert (Chair)

  I have been a Governor and now Academy CommitteeMember for many years. I feel deeply that Gt Bentley Primary School is an anchor point of our village. By being on the Academy Committee, I learn about how our children are taught and get an opportunity to witness the ever evolving education landscape, our dedicated teaching and support staff work around, to allow our children every opportunity available to them now and in their onward journey.

• Mr Kevin Plummer (Vice Chair)
  Trust Academy Committee Member - 01/09/23 - 31/08/27
  Mr Kevin Plummer (Vice Chair)

• Mrs Mel Milburn (Vice Chair)
  Parent Academy Committee Member - 06/12/23 - 05/12/27
  Mrs Mel Milburn (Vice Chair)

  I am a mother of two, my eldest currently at Great Bentley Primary School and enjoy family days out, performance arts and playing netball.

  I am very passionate about the education children receive and as a primary school teacher myself, I feel I have a lot to offer but even more to learn. I have always had a particular love for teaching English and I'm committed to leading the development of phonics and writing approaches in my current teaching role.

  I am keen to support the school to continue their ‘outstanding' path to provide all of our children with an educational journey that will inspire them, allow them to fulfil their potential and give them lasting happy memories of their school days. My husband and I love being able to bring our children up in a village that has such a caring and strong community spirit. Volunteering as a parent committee member is my way of contributing to our community that we've come to appreciate so much.

• Mrs Louise Eastbrook
  Staff Academy Committee Member - from 01/09/24
  Mrs Louise Eastbrook

  I am extremely proud to join the team at Great Bentley Primary School as Assistant Head and SENCO. I completed a BSc (Hons) in Childhood and Science at the University of Durham, and moved to Essex to start my teaching career.

  Prior to joining Great Bentley Primary, I have enjoyed teaching and leading across the primary age range from 3 to 11 years in a variety of schools in Essex.

  I have a wonderful family, and enjoy walking our dog, swimming and dancing. I attend my local church regularly where I also lead Sunday School.

• Mrs Vicki Brooks
  Parent Academy Committee Member - 06/12/23 - 05/12/27
  Mrs Vicki Brooks

  I am a parent of two children, the eldest of which has recently started at the school.

  I am keen to support and contribute to the school as a Parent Academy Committee Member. I strongly believe that the right opportunities, experience and guidance at a young age really helps to shape a child's future. Starting the role of Parent Academy Committee Member in January 2023 role, I am thoroughly looking forward to the challenge and working with the school to help in all aspects.

• Mrs Emma Newstead
  Trust Academy Committee Member- 22/02/25- 21/02/29
  Mrs Emma Newstead

  As someone who grew up in the village and went to Great Bentley Primary School, I am passionate about giving back to our community and ensuring young people today have great opportunities. I have worked for a non formal education charity for nearly two decades and understand the importance of early education and so am excited to be involved in the primary school as an Academy Committee member to help the young people at the school to be GREAT!

• Mr Patrick Murphy
  Trust Academy Committee Member- 22/02/25 - 21/02/29
  Mr Patrick Murphy

  I am a parent to one child who recently started Great Bentley Primary School and next year my second child will also start. I am very much looking forward to being part of the Academy Commitee and hope my involvement will have a positive impact within the comittee and school as a whole.

  My background has been in the construction industry for the last 15 years with a large amount of the projects I have managed being within the education sector. I am the Commercial Director of a large construction company and have a big passion for promoting this industry into the school set-up and the need for pupils to take an interest in the fantastic trades and opportunities we have in the sector.

• Mrs Lucy Gould
  Trust Academy Committee Member- 05/01/26 - 05/01/30
  Mrs Lucy Gould

  I became a governor at Great Bentley Primary School in 2025 after moving to the village with my family. My child joined the school that same year, which has given me a strong personal connection to the school and its community.

  I work as a Director at a law firm, and through my role I have experience in leadership, decision-making and governance. I'm keen to use these skills to support the school, work alongside staff and fellow governors, and help ensure every child has the best possible experience at Great Bentley Primary School.

  I'm really pleased to be part of the governing body and to be able to give something back to the local community

• Miss Sophie Brown
  Staff Academy Committee Member - 01/09/25 - 31/08/29
  Miss Sophie Brown

  Miss Brown joined Great Bentley Primary School in September 2025 and led Year 2 in her first year with the school. She is currently teaching in Year 5, being an experienced teacher across both Key Stage 2 and 1.

• Mrs Eleanor Carter
  Trust Academy Committee Member - 01/09/26 - 31/08/29
  Mrs Eleanor Carter

  I moved to Great Bentley with my family in 2025 and am really pleased to have the chance to get involved in the local community as part of the Academy Committee. I work in the NHS as Deputy Managing Director for the Shelford Group, where I lead national programmes and work with a wide range of people across health, education, research and industry. Through this, I have built experience in planning, governance, managing projects and budgets, and bringing people together to make things happen. I hope to use these skills to support Great Bentley Primary School and help make sure children continue to learn in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.