The Local Governing Board
The Governing Board meets termly. Its purpose is to monitor key aspects of the school in accordance with the Trust’s strategic plan; safeguarding of pupils & staff, local stakeholder engagement; admissions; exclusions; panels; community relations; standards.
Clerk to the Governors. Rita Skinner – clerk@cavendish.cet.uk
Become a Local Governor at Cavendish School
Are you passionate about education and keen to make a positive contribution to our school community? As a local governor, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the young people in our school. Our governors work alongside the Headteacher/s to ensure accountability in key areas of safeguarding and pupil outcomes and make key decisions that benefit our pupils and staff.
Our local governing board brings diverse skills and perspectives that strengthen the connection between our school and the wider community. It can also provide opportunities for you to develop your own skills and gain valuable experience that may support your professional life.
We welcome interest in our governor vacancies from all backgrounds, whether you’re a parent, professional, or community member, the most important thing is that you have passion and commitment to our school. Please be aware that the role is voluntary and therefore is unpaid. If you are interested, please complete the below application form and return to hr@cet.uk
Our Governors
Neil Small
Chair of Governors
Term of Office 6 October 2022-5 October 2026.
Neil is a former headteacher and currently works in a large Multi Academy Trust.He has more than 25 years of experience of education form teaching locally to Ofsted inspecting. He currently sits on Creative Education for West Sussex and has a passion for creativity in education.He has a child currently in the primary phase of Cavendish.
Dr Hasan Gilani
Governor
Hasan is a Principal lecturer and course leader at Brighton Business School, University of Brighton, with a special interest in education quality, standards and student experience. He has more than 25 years of experience as an academic as well as in the corporate sector. Hasan has worked in the broad area of marketing with national and multinational organisations like Pepsi, Motorola, M&S, Debenhams and British Gas. He has also worked as a consultant for developmental projects in the NGO sector, working jointly with German (GTZ), Dutch (PHMP) and British (DFID) organisations; he has also worked at a senior level in the corporate sector.
Hannah Perry
Governor
Term of Office 17 May 2022 – 16 May 2026.
Hannah is an experienced science teacher of children ages 8-18, as well as being mother to two teenagers. Over a 20 year career, appointments have included Head of Science, Housemistress and Designated Safeguarding Lead. Currently she is enjoying being back in the chemistry lab at Eastbourne College, as well as being an Officer in the Combined Cadet Force, taking sport and supporting the Duke of Edinburgh Award. She has an MA in Education Management and Leadership from King’s College London and PGCE from the University of Cambridge, as well as a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Educators. Having previously been a school governor, she looks forward getting to know the Cavendish community and all this wonderful school has to offer.
Pam Doodes
Term of Office 1 September 2025 – 31 August 2029
Pam’s skills have been acquired through her career in public and community life. She was a Wealden District Councillor for 24 years, holding a variety of responsibility posts including several Cabinet Portfolios, Deputy and then Leader of the Council and Vice Chairman and then Chairman of the Council. During that time Pam also served on 2 parish councils for over 10 years. Pam is a Charity Mentor for the Lord Lieutenant’s Charity Mentor scheme. She also volunteers for Wealden Talking News, Friends of Sussex Hospices, and was a founder member, and is current Chairman, of Hooe Village Community Group.
Pam believes that all young people must be enthused and encouraged to fill their potential. She is passionate about education and believes strongly that all young people must experience the very best opportunities during their school career to equip them for the future.
Dr Steven Hobbs
Governor
Term of office is 21 October 2023-20 October 2027
Steve Hobbs was born and educated in Eastbourne. His academic background and interests cover English Literature, language, pedagogy and politics. His doctorate in education from the University of Sussex focused on developing interdisciplinary masterclass /scholar educational theory and programmes as well as the concept and practice of the ‘research’ professional and the ‘research’ learner.
His professional work in teaching and learning has been varied. Steve has experience in English department middle leadership in secondary and post-16 institutions. He also has experience in secondary English teacher training and as an English and English literature examiner for GCSE English and Literature. At A Level, he has been an English Literature coursework moderator and regional coursework adviser. He has given lectures and seminars at Sussex and Brighton Universities on a range of topics and issues relating to profound and democratic learning.
He has previous experience as a governor in primary, secondary and post-16 institutions and is pleased and honoured to be able to help in the Trust’s aim of becoming ‘outstanding’ in the near future.
Phil Hall
Parent Governor
7 February 2025 – 6 February 2029
Phil Drouet
Parent Governor
21 March 2025, End of Term 20 March 2029.
‘Phil is a technology leader in the fields of cyber security and application development/delivery and has more than 30 years of experience working with large organisations to modernise their IT systems. He has worked as a independent consultant as well as led high performing teams in global companies. Phil brings practical knowledge and experience of the business world, building, mentoring and leading teams, and how the evolving world of technology and artificial intelligence impacts our lives and our children. He has a daughter in the primary phase of Cavendish.’
Dr Rana Muhammad Bilal Anwar
Governor
Term of Office 4 June 2025-3 June 2029.
Dr Rana Muhammad Bilal Anwar (known as: Bilal) is a senior lecturer and Higher Education academic wellbeing lead at East Sussex College. With over 20 years of experience in education and teacher development, he brings a strong commitment to inclusive teaching, student support and safeguarding. His academic journey spans teaching and leadership roles in the UK, South Asia, Central Asia, South America and the Middle East. Dr Anwar holds an MA in ELT from the University of Sussex and a PhD in ESOL from the University of Bedfordshire. He is a published author, conference speaker, and recipient of multiple awards for excellence in teaching and community education.
Governors who have left the Local Governing Board within the past 12 months
Kirsty Reid
Governor
Jitka O'Brien
Parent Governor
Term of Office
23 November 2023 – 24 November 2024
Michelle Horne
Governor
Date of resignation 25 January 2025.
Ellie Messer
Term of office 16 October 16 October 2023-31 August 2025
Dave Miller
Parent Governor
Date of Resignation 26 February 2025
Cavendish Governor Documents
%
Primary pupils achieved at least the expected standard in reading
%
of pupils achieved 9-4 in English.
%
Primary pupils achieved at least the expected standard in Maths
%
of pupils achieved 9-4 in Maths.
Celebrating Success
The staff and governors of Cavendish wish to congratulate all of our Year 11 pupils for the fantastic GCSE grades they have achieved this year.
Headteacher, Peter Marchant said, "The grades that our pupils have achieved are a reflection of their hard work throughout their time at the school and they can rightly feel proud of what they have achieved through these challenging times."