Jon Dilley, Chair of Trustees and Member  

Jon works as a Corporate Account Manager for Sedgwick International UK, dealing with Global, Corporate Claims programmes.  Jon has previously been a Governor at Hoddern Junior School in Peacehaven and Chair of Governors at Peacehaven Infants school. 

 Robert Ellis, Headteacher and CEO

CEO and headteacher at Seaford since 2016.  He has previously held the post of Executive Headteacher for Deptford Green school, and Conisborough College in SE London.  Bob led Deptford Green out of Special Measures within 18 months.  Bob has previously been an external advisor / consultant headteacher for East Sussex schools and a chair of the area group of heads in Seaford, he is currently a lead reviewer for the SSP of peer reviews across East Sussex and is a coach for Future Leaders.  Bob holds an NPQH and NPQEH (tbc) and an MA in leading changes in education.

 Margaret Rooms

Margaret is Chair of Seaford Head Governors with responsibility for monitoring: English, SEND and Vulnerable Children.  Margaret works as a consultant for Nisai Education Trust developing online literacy programs.  She has also recently completed the NGA Chair’s course.

 James Hollingsworth

James is vicar of the Seaford Parish and has 20 years of experience as Governor in Primary Schools, and 5 years of experience as a Governor of Secondary school.

 Sarah Speedie

Sarah is currently East Sussex County Council’s Head of Education for SEND. She is responsible for leading and co-ordinating countywide, strategic priorities for SEND.

Sarah moved into this position following a very successful career teaching in schools. Her journey started as a Teacher of English, and she progressed through a number of middle and senior leadership positions including a Deputy Headship role where she was responsible for developing and leading a school sixth form. Sarah had been serving as a Head teacher in East Sussex before taking on her current role for the Local Authority.

In all her varied roles in education, Sarah has been committed to fostering an inclusive culture where every young person is valued. As an outward facing educational leader, with a wealth of experience, Sarah is a valued member of the Trust Board. She is currently the Deputy Chair of the Board. 

 Chris Mercer

Chris is currently co-chair of governors at Chyngton School with responsibilities including governor impact and evaluation, governor training, monitoring school standards in writing and headteacher performance management. Chris is a consultant physiotherapist and is responsible for leading a team of 50 within an NHS setting.  Chris’s role involves expert clinical practice for half the time but also involves teaching, research, and strategic planning/quality improvement. Chris is also the national clinical lead for NHS England primary and community workstream for the Best MSK Health programme, which is a national strategic policy making role, involving analysis of data, quality improvement projects, integration of workforce planning and development programmes and measurement of impact.

 Jacky Cross

Jacky is currently a co-Vice Chair of Chyngton Primary School with responsibilities for curriculum and careers. Self-employed working part-time as Education Consultant for two Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programmes, supporting and mentoring trainee teachers and Hub Leader for Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM).  Jacky has previously worked as a science teacher in East Sussex Secondary Schools and as a Teaching & Learning Consultant for East Sussex County Council, supporting school improvement in primary and secondary schools.  She has also previously worked as a Programme Manager for the East Sussex ITT programme, leading training for trainees and supporting mentors.