Governor Biographies

Martin Peart - Chair 

I have been a governor since April 2023, initially as a parent governor. I joined to be able to contribute to the community of Lympne after moving to the area in 2020 and knowing that many of the skills I have from my corporate life where I have led international teams would be valuable. I am a learning and development professional and love the inclusive nature of our school and the opportunities it provides for all pupils. 

Sarah Shoob - Vice-Chair 

I have been a governor since July 2023, I attended Lympne Primary School myself and now my children are in attendance here. I care deeply about the school, how it evolves and stays relevant to the community of people it serves. I hope to bring my continuous improvement and coaching experience to the table and work with my fellow governors on the board, supporting the school to shine as bright as it can. 

The Reverend Barry Knott - Ex Officio / Foundation Governor

I have been the Rector of the Lympne & Saltwood benefice since June 2020. Ordained ministry is a second career following thirty years with Kent Police. My career covered many disciplines predominantly in crime investigation and intelligence at local, national, and international levels. I have a broad ecumenical background having been a Trustee of the Christian Police Association for fifteen years where I was also Vice-Chair of the National Council and Chair of Finance. I was also a Trustee of the Police Rehabilitation Centre at Goring -on-Thames for seven years. Experience with school governance began in the 1990s at a primary school in what was then in the top ten socio-economic deprived areas in Europe. I am also a school governor at Saltwood CE Primary School and Brockhill Performing Arts College, where I am Vice-Chair of the board and Safeguarding lead. Since becoming Rector I have had weekly contact with the school during term time through Collective Worship. The school is at the heart of our community and a beacon of joy. I relish in the community cohesion this brings.

Carol Goodson – Local Authority Governor 

I have been a governor at Lympne since May 2021. I am a retired Primary school teacher, having taught at both state and independent schools in the Kent area. During my career I also served as both a parent governor and teacher governor, in different schools. I retired from teaching in 2009. Since 2009 I have been involved in supporting a small independent Christian school for disadvantaged children in the Free State, South Africa. During this time, I lived in South Africa for a number of years, and still visit frequently. My interests as a governor are mainly in the areas of curriculum development, teaching and learning, and safeguarding. It is very rewarding to still be able to make a contribution to such a lovely and caring school as Lympne.  

Anna Ladd – Staff Governor 

I am our staff Governor, I have been a member of the teaching staff at Lympne CEP School since 1999 and have taught across all year groups, progressing to Deputy Head teacher and more recently additionally taking on the SENCO role in school. I feel extremely familiar with the school, our Christian values and in my ability to reinforce the school vision to ‘let our light shine’. I value the opportunity to be part of the children’s lives and education here at Lympne, I strive to work hard to make a difference and respect the importance of working as part of a community and effective team here at Lympne. 

Olivia Roe – Parent Governor 

I became a parent governor after Easter 2024. I joined as I felt the skills I gained working as a teacher in the UK and in international schools and as a teacher trainer and leadership development facilitator with the charity Teach First, could be put to good use. I am now a life coach and do coaching and training in a variety of settings including prisons. I love the warm and welcoming atmosphere of our school and both my son and I instantly felt very settled into the community. 

Diane Clark Co-opted Governor  

I joined the governing board at Lympne in June 2024. I retired from teaching in a local primary school where I was the assistant head with responsibility for SEN and English across the school. I worked in special needs for many years both in specialist provisions as well as mainstream schools. I took on the role of staff governor twice during my career I would like to use this experience to support the governing body and the school.