Governor Profiles

Eileen Clucas

I have had a long and varied career. After 13 years employed in international banking in the City, and following the birth of twins, I studied at Essex University. This led into a thirty year academic career developing, delivering and managing research.

My experience includes: researching education methodology and developing e-Learning tools; being a founding member of UK’s premier longitudinal study measuring and analysing how people’s lives change over time, working on methodological design, managing business development and knowledge transfer; building a European network of scientists to undertake research  under the auspices of the European Commission Framework programmes; finally, five years assisting an international neutron science and technology institute in France to build and manage a portfolio of EU funded projects.

I hold graduate and post graduate degrees (Maths and Politics) and professional qualifications (HNC).

Emma Donegan

I am a qualified primary school teacher and SENCo. My current role is Inclusion Leader, SENCo and Designated Deputy for Safeguarding at Spring Meadow Primary School in Dovercourt.

I decided to become a governor because firstly I am a past student, as was my Dad before me, and my daughter is a current student, therefore the school is a big part of our family and I wanted to be able to help and support the school.

Professionally I am finding the governance role to be stretching, of immense interest and providing me with further development opportunities. I have so far found the role to be interesting, rewarding and challenging.

Linda Exley

I retired in summer 2024 after 37 years teaching in Essex and Suffolk secondary schools. At my retirement I was Deputy CEO of The Alpha Trust and Executive Headteacher of The Gilberd School and The Trinity School. In addition, I have worked with Governing Bodies for over 30 years, I am also a Governor at a Primary School and am on the Management Committee of a Therapeutic Educational Department.

I have always enjoyed working with the students at Manningtree, I have found them to be positive, polite and willing to get actively involved. Staff do their best to ensure students make progress and are committed to the growth of the individual child. In the role of Governor, I would hope to support the school community, drawing on my diverse experiences in teaching, learning, student support, HR, training, building projects and school improvement. I look forward to working as part of the Governing Body.

Richard Fern

I am passionate about education and the transformative impact it has on young people’s lives. As a parent of three children, I have a strong personal interest in helping education providers create an environment where every learner can thrive. Becoming a governor offers an opportunity to contribute my professional expertise to the local community and support the school in achieving its vision.

I currently hold a senior financial leadership position at the University of Essex and have over 20 years’ experience within finance related roles. My current role has a broad remit that extends beyond typical finance functions, including internal audit, procurement and risk management.

Emily Jones

I have recently joined the Manningtree community, starting my role in January 2024. Until two years ago, when I moved to Manningtree, I lived in Hampshire where I trained and developed my teaching practice.  My 12 years of teaching experience in various roles includes: Head of Year, Head of Faculty and secondment to SLT. I am passionate about students having opportunities to strive and fulfil their potential. In my role as staff governor, I would like to engage with the wider community to understand the views of different stake holders.

Paul Lewis

I am  married with three children, one whom attended several years ago, and one is currently studying at the school.

I worked for the ambulance service for 16 years and held various senior roles which involved both clinical and educational governance, sitting on several nationwide groups and developing the national apprenticeship programme curriculum. My academic interests are clinical education, quality assurance and preceptorship.

I moved to Anglia Ruskin University in 2019 as a senior lecturer practitioner, currently teaching on a variety of programmes and I have retained a contract with the ambulance service to undertake frontline ambulance work.

My interests outside work are woodworking, a very beaten-up land rover and helping to coach the mighty U11’s team at Mistley rugby club.

Sarah Rees - Chair of Governors

My professional background is in teaching - I retired in 2017 after 14 years as a primary headteacher, continuing in a part-time capacity as CEO of a small MAT until fully retiring in August 2018.

I have significant experience of primary teaching, leadership, school improvement and training, working with both primary and secondary colleagues. In addition, I have over twenty years experience as a governor and MAT trustee, in a variety of schools.

I am also a parent of four and grandparent of seven, which keeps me fairly busy in my retirement, and I enjoy reading, music and travelling in my spare time.

With a continuing interest in education, I aim to work with Manningtree High School to support the school to be the best it can be, with students at the core of every decision we make.

Peter Taplin - Vice Chair of Governors

My child has just started in Year 7, and I am an Assistant Head Teacher at a school in Chelmsford. I am a keen advocate for all students getting a full education, from both academic subjects but also the Sports and Arts. I would hold the interests of the students and staff at the core of the role and would welcome the challenges and opportunities to support the school and the community.

Rebecca Tilley

I am a Primary Deputy Headteacher working for a local multi-academy trust and hold a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Management. Having worked as a SENCo for 15 years, I am deeply passionate about inclusive practice, special educational needs, and building strong partnerships with parents to secure the best possible outcomes for all children. Additionally, I have served as a lead facilitator on the Maze Parent Programme, supporting families across our local community.

As a parent with two children currently attending Manningtree High School in Years 9 and 11, I have a strong personal connection to the school community. I am excited to bring my extensive primary leadership and SEND experience to the governing body, support the school in its continued success, and further deepen my knowledge of secondary education.