Who we are

Allison Flack – Headteacher Governor (Hurst Green)

I have been working at Hurst Green since 2013, initially as a teacher before becoming Headteacher in January 2020. Prior to working at Hurst Green I taught at schools in East London, Hastings and Bexhill. It has been a privilege and hugely rewarding working with governors, staff and children at Hurst Green over the years continuously improving the school. I am committed to providing the children in our school with the best education and opportunities that I can working together with the whole school community. The children are an absolute delight who never cease to impress me with their determination, hard work and positive attitude to school. I am very proud to work at Hurst Green with such a committed and hard-working staff and have relished the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of developing Hurst Green into the good school it is today.

Rev. Annette Hawkins – Trust Governor

I am the Vicar of Holy Trinity, Hurst Green and St Mary, Salehurst in the United Benefice of Salehurst, Hurst Green and Robertsbridge. I started my working life as a nurse, I then took a degree in Education and went on to work in project management, initially for a small local charity and afterwards for a national charity as the development manager and local authority childcare consultant for East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove. I am married and have four adult children and five grandchildren.

Stephanie Thornton – Staff Governor (Hurst Green)

Prior to working in Education in 2008, I have enjoyed a varied career in business management, healthcare and the fitness industry. I studied history at degree level and taught at schools in Hastings and St Leonards after completing my degree in Primary Education. I have a particular interest in special educational needs and outdoor learning and am passionate about giving every child the opportunity to fulfil their God given potential.  As an avid reader and lover of children’s literature, I am devoted to instill a love of reading in every child.  I am proud to be a member of the Hurst Green teaching team and feel privileged to work with such amazing children and dedicated professionals.  I am married and have two sons and one grandson. In my spare time I love walking and spending time with my four dogs, gardening and aqua-scaping.

Elaine Lambert – Trust Governor – Chair of Governors

My husband and I moved to Etchingham in 2017, following our retirement. I have had a varied career. I started my working life as a computer programmer then became a secondary school maths teacher after starting a family, going on to become a head of department in a Further Education College. I then joined the School Effectiveness team in the London Borough of Bexley as their mathematics consultant. Finally, I worked as a publisher, responsible for secondary school maths textbooks and I have also authored and edited maths resources. I spent 4 years as a parent governor when my children were at their Church of England primary school. I am passionate about helping children to reach their full potential, and as a governor I do everything I can to support the school to enable all our children to achieve this. Other interests include cycling, walking, pottery and my grandchildren!

Helen Winning – Co-Opted Governor

I have worked as a senior manager and CEO in a number of settings, including healthcare, the arts and the charity sector. My original training was in finance and HR. I am currently Director of Healthcare Services at Action for ME, a national charity which provides information, support and healthcare services for people with ME, a chronic illness which affects children and adults.As Executive Director of MakeBelieve Arts, an arts educational charity based in South East London, I saw at first hand the positive difference that creativity can make in children’s lives and the benefits of arts based interventions in primary schools. I am passionate about ensuring opportunities for all pupils to discover their talents and to shine.  I moved to Hurst Green in 2021. I have two grown up children and one primary school age grandchild. I am a member of Holy Trinity Church and am keen to foster increased links between the local church and the school.

Fiona Drury – Parent Governor

Nicola De Havilland – Parent Governor – Vice chair of Governors

I am the mother of three children, two who attend Hurst Green Primary School in Years 2 and 6 and I am passionate about the education of all children who attend the school.  I believe that children deserve the best education we can provide for them and I am committed to working as part of the team to help Hurst Green School continue to develop and grow.  I graduated from university with a 2:1 BA (Hons) Degree in History and Fine Art and studied accountancy for three years. I began my professional career in London, where I worked as part of the management team for a law firm for thirteen years; I was also a director of my own Management Consultancy for three years.  I have lived in Hurst Green for 13 years and thoroughly enjoy being part of this community. I am currently a full time mother to my three children and enjoy dedicating my time, commitment and enthusiasm to my family and my Governor role.  In my spare time, I love to travel and learn about different cultures, I paint, play the piano and enjoy all things creative.  I love visiting the theatre, going to the opera and enjoy gardening. I regularly take part and assist in charitable events.

Should you wish to contact the Chair of Governors, please approach the School Office or email elambert@quercusfederation.co.uk