Rachel Simmonds

Headteacher

I was appointed Headteacher in September 2014 after spells as Acting Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher since joining the school. I am thrilled and proud to be both a leader in our school and a governor at this exciting point in our school's improvement in order that we achieve the best possible outcomes for all of our pupils.

Andrew Rogers

Co-opted Governor

I am a Data Analyst for an American Communications company, working for the past 11 years helping to improve the customer ordering data and identifying and resolving reporting gaps. I am glad to be part of the Governing Body to learn more about the Education System and to my part to make West Blatchington Primary and Nursery School an amazing place for student and teacher.

Julia Collen

I have joined the governors this year, and look forward to working with staff and parents at the school to be the best it can possibly be. I am a trained teacher and now work as a welfare benefits and debt adviser for a local charity. I also previously worked as an education social worker, supporting children and families to improve their attendance, which is so vital for children to get the most from their education and feel safe and part of the school community. I was the secretary of the Parent Teachers Association throughout my son’s primary school career and believe it is vital for parents and carers to be involved with the school and what it has to offer. I hope to use my background to help and support all aspects of school life, and look forward to getting to know you all better.

Julie Pelych

Co-opted Governor - Co-Chair to the Governing Body

I am the MD of a Leadership Development company and a Chartered Member of the CIPD, I hold post-graduate diplomas in HR and in Executive Coaching and Leadership Mentoring. I am a qualified user of a wide range of counselling and coaching techniques.
Prior to setting up my own business, 'GAP Performance', in 1995, I was an HR Director in a blue chip global business and spent 11 years working as an HR professional in the public transport, engineering and FMCG sectors.
I'm passionate about education and providing every child with the best opportunity we can for a great start in life.

Matt Parsons

Parent Governor - Vice Chair

I am a father of two girls who are both currently attending West Blatchington Primary School. I have been teaching for eighteen years and I am currently the Subject Team Leader of Physical Education for a secondary school in Horsham. I hope to use my experiences to help the teachers and children of West Blatchington to achieve their best.

Michael Bellis

Co-opted Governor

I was born and educated in Brighton. I am married with two grown up children and I have four grand children. My grandchildren are all currently going through various stages of the education system. In my working life I was the managing director of a local company that designed, installed and retailed Bathrooms. I retired in 2018. I was given the opportunity to become governor at West Blatchington and I thought that with my business experience I had something to offer and hopefully help the school progress forward and continue its upward trend.

Rahima Begum

Parent Governor

My name is Rahima Begum. I graduated with a 1:1 in Early Childhood Studies (BA Hons) and after recently completing a PGCE in primary teaching, I am now a year 2 teacher. Growing up as a child I attended West Blatchington Infants and Juniors myself, having a fabulous experience. Over the years and especially now I can really appreciate how the environment and community have flourished and merging both sites into a primary school can only mean a positive learning environment! I am looking forward to meeting and working with many parents, staff, children as well as governors to support the betterment of our school’s ethos, values and visions.

Simon Sharron

Co-opted Governor - Co-Chair

I am really happy to have joined school's governing body. I have in the reception class a grandson who totally loves being at the school. I have spent my whole career in education as a secondary languages teacher and then in school management. For the last eleven years I was Headteacher of a mixed 4-18yrs European School in Oxfordshire and Brussels. Previously, I was deputy headteacher at Hove Park School. I look forward to supporting the school in any way I can.