Academy Committee
What does an Academy Committee Representative do?
Would you like to positively influence our fantastic schools, and provide challenge and support as Bournes Green Schools strive to be the best we can be for our children, staff, parents, Trust and wider community? If so, you may be interested in becoming a member of our Academy Committee.
Typically, the commitment in terms of time is around 25-30 hours per year, but you are very welcome to commit more if you can!
If this may be of interest to you, and you would like to learn more about how you can help support our schools, please email Amelia Morgan (Chair of AC - amorgan@bournesgreen.secat.co.uk) or Katy Love (SECAT Governance Manager - katylove@secat.co.uk).
Current Academy Committee Members
Chair - Amelia Morgan
Vice Chair - Peter Hawkins
Executive Headteacher - David Denchfield
Staff - Shelley Crumbie
Staff - Emma Goy
Community - Nicki Westbrook
Community - Nadia Stillwell Parent - Iain Watkins
More about our Academy Committee Members
Amelia Morgan
- I have lived in Thorpe Bay since I was 5 and went to Southend High School for Girls and then onto to University where I read Law with Psychology.
- I studied the Legal Practice Course and trained as a Solicitor in a local law firm specialising in residential and commercial property. I have worked for the firm since 2004 and became a Partner there in 2017.
- I became a Governor of Bournes Green Infants School in December 2017 as I wanted to give something back to the community that I had grown up in and I was always aware of the very good reputation Bournes Green has even when I was 11.
- I was made vice chair of Governors of BGI in September 2018 and remained in the role until May 2021.
- I was voted co vice chair of the new Bournes Green Academy Committee in May 2021 and became Chair in October 2024.
- I have two children, one attended Bournes Green and is now at a local secondary school and the other is in Bournes Green Juniors.
Peter Hawkins
David Denchfield
- BA (Hons) in Business Studies, Law and Economics (1996) and PGCE (1997).
- First teacher role in 1998.
- Served in 8 schools in Havering and Essex, including being a member of 6 Governing Bodies.
- NPQH in 2012.
- Been a HT of one school, EHT for three schools, prior to joining SECAT in 2023.
- Successfully led schools through four OfSTED inspections as a HT, all of which were very strong reports and securely good.
- Overseen three school expansion projects.
- Member of many influential educational groups (e.g. DET Member, LIFE Trustee, Billericay SCITT Strategic Board, Director of LIFE Education Trust, Cluster Chair, Funding Forum, Havering Academy of Leadership, Chairs and Reps Group, Havering Transition Group).
- National and international recognition at Benhurst Primary School through its influential work with SMART. This included being named SMART School of the Year and being nominated twice for the TES School of the Year for IT.
- Particular passion for providing all children with a wider Personal Development offer, a range of competitive and non-competitive sports and creating a school that allows every child to be happy and achieve their academic best.
Shelley Crumbie
- BA (Hons) in Early Years Education (2008) and GTP (2009)
- First teacher role in 2009.
- Served in 4 schools in Southend and Essex teaching across KS2
- MaST (Mathematics Specialist Teacher) 2014
- Supported schools to improve the teaching of mathematics across Essex and Southend in my Mastery Specialist role
- Phase Leader for Y5/6
- Passionate about raising standards in maths by supporting and further developing teachers and class-based staff to improve their knowledge and pedagogy. This has led to me supporting a hub of local schools in Southend and Essex.
Iain Watkins
- Worked in financial services for 20+ years, mostly in large corporations.
- Experience includes building and leading teams, managing big transformation programmes, and more recently, focusing on improving company culture and behaviours.
- Passionate about how organisations approach climate issues and how they treat their clients—making sure we’re delivering what really matters.
- As a parent at the school, I care deeply about making sure it’s delivering the best possible experience for our children.
- Currently training to become a therapist—driven by a strong desire to give back and support people through tough times.
- I’m outgoing, people-focused, and really keen to make a positive difference.
- I am committed to using my experience and passion to support the school, provide a fresh perspective, and contribute to its continued success.
Emma Goy
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BA Ed (Hons) QTS in Primary Education with mathematics.
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Deputy Headteacher at Bournes Green Infant (2017) and Junior (2021) Schools.
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Safeguarding and Inclusion Lead at Bournes Green Infant and Junior Schools.
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Teaching children across the primary age range in Southend schools for 25+ years.
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National Award for SEN Coordination (Qualified SENCO).
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Enjoy working with families in our community to secure the best experiences and outcomes for our children.
Nicki Westbrook
Nadia Stillwell
- I have lived in Thorpe Bay for over 30 years and have a long-standing commitment to the local community. I attended local schools and have developed both personal and professional roots in the area.
- I am a solicitor with over 15 years’ experience, having worked in both City and regional law firms. My work often involves advising on complex legal matters, risk management, and strategic outcomes — skills which I bring to my role as a school governor.
- I was appointed to the Academy Committee in 2023. I strongly believe in the importance of primary education and want to play an active role in supporting the school’s leadership and continued success.
- I contribute to the oversight of governance, compliance and school improvement, offering a professional perspective on decision-making and stakeholder engagement. I am particularly interested in promoting pupil wellbeing, safeguarding, and equality of opportunity for all children.
- My daughter will shortly be starting at Bournes Green, and I am proud to be part of a school community with such a strong and well-deserved reputation for nurturing, excellence, and ambition.
- I am fully committed to supporting the school’s strategic vision and ensuring that it continues to deliver high-quality education in a safe, inclusive and inspiring environment.