Mrs April Grimes
Member Appointed Governor
Term of Office: 16/06/2023 - 15/06/2027
Term of Office: 24/09/2024 -23/09/2028
Mrs Rita Adrego
Parent Governor
I have two children, both pupils at Forest Academy where they will both complete their primary education.
Following my experience of home educating during the Covid pandemic I became quite interested in education and therefore believe I can make positive contributions to the school's governing body and I am committed to supporting the school in taking it forward as a successful good school to send your children to.
I have well established relations within the school community and therefore believe that puts me in good stead to offer a parent’s perspective to the governing body and help contribute towards the future of the school and ensure that children at Forest Academy receive the best possible education regardless pf their background.
I have a Masters in Chemistry and worked previously as a Research Scientist. In recent years I have focused my attention on raising my young family whilst working on my own digital marketing business part-time. Now with both my children in full time education I am left with more time to dedicate to my volunteer work and our community and I am therefore keen to get involved and support the school and it's different projects.
Term of Office: 20/05/2024 - 19/05/2028
Mrs Margaret Crowther
Co-opted Governor
Forest Academy is close to both me and my family, Three generations of our family have attended the school.
In 1993 when my eldest daughter started in the nursery, I was co-opted as a governor.
I am grateful that the opportunity to join the governing body again has arisen. I bring my previous experience and support to help enable the pupils to have the very best education.
I work locally as an HR Advisor. I have 2 adult daughters and a grandson.
I regularly volunteer for EACH. I love spending time with my family, travelling, reading and gardening.
Term of office: 28/02/2023 -27/02/2027
Member appointed: 16/06/2023
Mrs Danielle James
Staff Governor
My name is Danielle James and I am a Year 1 teacher at Forest Academy, I am also in the fortunate position as a staff governor.
I have worked in education for many years and joined the Forest Family three years ago. I love working at Forest Academy and I am committed to ensuring that the children here have fun and exciting experiences that encourage lifelong learning.
I love reading and art! I am passionate about early reading and enjoy seeing pupils thrive during daily phonics and reading sessions in Early Years and Key Stage 1. I am looking forward to working collaboratively to support the children to develop a love of
Reading across all key stages. As art lead in our school, I love supporting pupils to express themselves through art and encouraging their creativity to shine through.
Term of office: 24/09/2024 - 23/09/2028
Mr David Anderson
Appointed Governor
My name is David Anderson and I currently work at Tattersalls Bloodstock Auctions in
Newmarket, where I have just completed 22 sales seasons.
I have previous experience as a Governor at St Marys CEVAP Academy in Mildenhall and
Tuddenham Primary, before it became St Christophers in Red Lodge.
Education is very much part of my family as my daughter teaches at Barnham Primary and
my wife as recently retired after 15 years as an assistant teacher at Culford School.
I am pleased to join the Governing Body at Forest Academy and hope that I benefit the
school community.
Term of office: 07/07/2025 -06/07/2029
Mrs Danielle Lomas
Co -opted Governor
Term of Office: 24/09/2024 -23/09/2028
Miss Jasmine Newson
Parent Governor
Term of office: 16/09/2025 -15/09/2029
Mr Matthew Rickard
Appointed Governor
I attended the school many years ago as did my oldest son and oldest daughter. My younger son and daughter currently attend the academy, so I have a passion for the school to grow and keep it successful. I also used to work for the school as a site manager a few years ago. I am an on call crew manager / firefighter at Brandon Fire Station and have served 23 years at the station and my full time job is a watch manager / firefighter at a company in Stowmarket. With my years of work experience I have good knowledge and experience in the Building industry / trade and health and safety, so feel I have a lot to offer the school.
Term of Office: 28/06/2022 - 27/06/2026
Resigned: 16/09/2025
Mrs Amy Coyne
Vice Chair/Parent Governor
I have two children, the eldest of which is in KS1 at Forest Academy. My youngest will also complete her primary education at Forest Academy; therefore, I have a duty and commitment to support the school and feel I am in a suitable position to be able to offer a parent’s perspective in the role of Parent Governor to help contribute to ensuring the children at Forest Academy receive the best possible education.
I have been a secondary school teacher for 11 years, specialising in Business Studies. I feel my role as a secondary school teacher means I have a good background in and understanding of education and I would be keen to use my skills and knowledge to help support and collaborate on projects across the school.
Term of office: 05/10/2021 - 04/10/2025
Resigned: 21/05/2025
I retired from active service as an officer, logistician and educator with the U.S Air Force in 1985. I served in Asia, Europe, and the USA at various levels including at a NATO headquarters and an aviation repair depot. I have taught a wide variety of subjects (business, logistics, management, technology, systems, mathematics, government, and others) for eight universities. I taught primarily adults in non-traditional (nights, weekends, in classroom, online discussion forums and video simul-cast formats) as well as traditional modes. I have also volunteered in various roles for local churches, scouting groups, and schools including a couple of years as a governor of a primary school in Thetford. I have published a number of articles, written and edited newsletters, and co-authored a book on research methods and statistics. My interest in education, technology and good governance has led me to volunteer as a community governor at Forest Academy where I hope to contribute on the teaching and learning subcommittee as well as focusing on math education in our primary school. My wife, who recently retired from some 50 years of teaching, and I have lived in central Norfolk for over 25 years and we have ‘retired’ here. Our two adult sons consider London home. While one works there, the other lives and works in China for a British company and has done for over 20 years.
Term of office 15/06/2020 - 14/01/2025