Alison Lindsay - Chair of Governors

Alison Lindsay has been a governor at St Mary Church of England Primary School since 2022. With over two decades of experience in education and leadership, she brings a wealth of strategic planning and problem-solving skills to the governing board. Alison is passionate about ensuring that every child receives the highest standard of education, and she is particularly interested in curriculum development, excellent teaching and learning staff well-being.  As a member of the local church community, she deeply values the role that faith-based education plays in the development of children, fostering both academic achievement and spiritual growth. Alison is dedicated to promoting the Christian ethos of the school, ensuring that the school's values of love, respect, and service to others are embedded in all aspects of school life.

A long-time resident of the local community, Alison actively supports school events and regularly engages with parents and teachers to ensure transparent communication. Her background in teaching enables her to contribute effectively to the board, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently to enhance student learning and development. She also champions inclusivity and has been a vocal advocate for special educational needs provision within the school as well as ensuring that all students who are disadvantaged have the best educational chances that they possibly can.

She is especially committed to supporting the emotional and spiritual growth of pupils, understanding that every child is unique and deserves the opportunity to flourish both academically and in their personal faith journey. In her role as a governor, Alison works closely with school leadership to maintain a strong relationship between the church and the school, contributing to the development of religious education programs where possible. As the parent of a child at the school, Alison is actively involved in the community and ensures that her voice as a parent and governor reflects the concerns and aspirations of other parents.     

Daniel Bryant - Vice Chair (LA Governor)

Carolyn Evans - PCC Governor

My name is Carolyn Evans and I have been a Governor at St. Mary's for a number of years.  I live in Southend, having moved to the area in 1989, and both of my two grown up children were born and raised locally, and attended St. Mary's School- they have therefore always been really keen for me to remain involved!  I am an active member of St. Mary's Church, having also been the Electoral Roll Officer in the past, as well as a Churchwarden. As a result I have close links with both the School and Church- my son was married there in 2022 and my grandson was also baptised there last year. As a result I hope that I have sufficient knowledge to make me a useful asset to the St. Mary's Governing Body!

I have recently retired following a 40+ year career with the Probation Service and in 2019 I was fortunate enough to be awarded an MBE for my services to both Probation and Community Safety. I am now planning to devote my time between my family, in particular my two young grandchildren, and my voluntary roles within the School and a local Christian charity, for whom I am also a Trustee.  Safeguarding and risk management have been key to my working life, and I am seeking to ensure that all our children have access to a safe, nurturing and positive environment in which they are able to flourish and achieve their full potential.

My focus is very much to continue to work to build and maintain the links between Church and School, to support our Christian ethos and values and to promote the journey in faith of our School Family, as a guardian of our spiritual wellbeing.

Paul Mackay - Foundation Ex-Officio Governor

Reverend Paul Mackay is the vicar of St Mary’s Church Prittlewell and has served as a Foundation Governor on the governing board of St Mary’s Primary School since he became vicar in 2016. In his role, he helps to ensure that the school’s Christian values remain at the heart of its vision and daily life. Reverend Paul is actively involved in leading collective worship, supporting the spiritual development of pupils and staff, and contributing to the school’s strong sense of community together with his colleague who is employed by St Mary’s church as their Children’s and Family Worker. He is passionate about creating an environment where every child is encouraged to grow in character and confidence, helping those who have a Christian faith grow in their following of Christ whilst acknowledging other faiths are also part of the school’s ‘family’. Reverend Paul also works closely with the school to strengthen the partnership between church, school, and families.

Graham Fuller - Parent Governor

I have been a Parent Governor since February 2025. As a proud parent of a child thriving at this school, my connection runs deep, having once walked the hallways as a pupil myself and later returned as an LSA and completed my teacher training here as well. I have a deep-rooted connection to the St. Mary's community and its values – I essentially bleed blue. It was at the age of 7, whilst at East Street, that I decided that I wanted to be a teacher – in part due to my Year 2 (and later Year 4) teacher, Mrs Albon. I, of course, considered other possibilities but it always circled back to teaching.

I have been in the Education Sector my entire working life in some form or another. Every role within a school is vital and has an impact so it is important everyone is supported, looked after and encouraged. With over a decade of experience as an SEN Teacher at a local Special School, I am passionate about advocating for every child's right to thrive in school, particularly those who require additional support. I hope that my knowledge and experience will benefit the school in providing support, advice and challenge in relation to SEN, which is one of my key areas to monitor as governor.

Whilst the school may have undergone several changes over the years, its essence and heart have always remained the same. I know what a special, safe, and nurturing place St. Mary’s is – I experienced it first-hand; I was then a part of creating it, and now I confidently entrust it with educating and nurturing the next generation.

By serving as a governor, I aim to provide thoughtful challenge and contribute positively to decision-making processes, ensuring that all voices and viewpoints are heard and considered. I look forward to helping shape and push St. Mary’s on into its next chapter. Together, we can create a dynamic educational experience that promotes excellence and most importantly champions every child's potential.

Amy Shearwani - Parent Governor

Amy has been a Parent Governor since February 2025.  She has two daughters currently in Year 4 and Reception.  

She has spent many years working in insurance, but in recent years has been focusing on more community orientated work. Amy is an experienced Breastfeeding Support Worker and is currently studying to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), with aspirations to help increase the provision of free (at point of access) breastfeeding support locally. 

Amy also volunteers for the Southend Care Bank, Prittlewell 1st Girl Guides and is the current Chairperson for SMASH PTA.

As a Parent Governor, Amy is committed to representing the views of parents and ensuring that all children receive the best possible education and support. She brings her passion for community work and advocacy to the role, contributing to strategic decision-making, school improvement initiatives, and safeguarding policies. With her background in support work and volunteering, she aims to help create an inclusive, nurturing school environment where every child can thrive.

Andrew Withams - Staff Governor

My name is Andrew Withams and I have been a member of the teaching team at St Mary's since 2008. Having started my teaching career in 1989, I have a wealth of experience in many senior roles working in schools in South East Essex before coming to Southend.

Music is my passion and I was the Head  of Service for Music on Sea, the Music Service and Hub for Southend for nine years before returning to St Mary's full time in 2024. As strategic lead, I worked closely with the Arts Council to deliver the National Music plan to schools and the community in our area through projects, events and leading a team of tutors, all within the requirements of, and managing, our ACE grant. I continue to be a lead in music across the city as long time Musical Director of the annual SEESMA Junior Schools music festival at the Cliff's Pavilion.

I currently teach music across the year groups at Boston Avenue for three days a week, spending the other two days teaching a lovely class of Year 3s, and it is from this continued connection with the classroom, that I can bring that expertise to the Governing Board representing all the staff and children of St Mary's. I like to work logically and logistically but keep it real!

I like to contribute to the all-round life of the school and for our young people and have a responsibility for creating opportunities and making memories leading the very active school choir and being an integral part of our top-quality drama productions and concerts.

Away from school, I am Chairman and life member of Great Baddow Cricket Club (and still try to play every weekend) and am a season ticket holder at Chelmsford City FC, travelling most weekends home and away. I have also played the violin since childhood and am a member of Southend Symphony Orchestra, who, co-incidentally, rehearse weekly in our Boston Avenue hall!