Governor Profiles
Jo Barker-Platt (Chair of Governors)
Jo and her family moved to Cranbrook in 2021 and her daughters joined Cranbrook Primary School. Jo was Chair of Governors at her children's previous school and had really enjoyed the role and the opportunity to give back, so when the chance arose to join the Governing Body at Cranbrook, Jo was delighted to be involved.
Jo has worked in the Education Sector for over 8 years now and is currently HR Director for a Multi Academy Trust, consisting of 11 schools in North Kent.
She is passionate about ensuring all children have access to education and opportunities to allow them to fulfil their potential. Jo is looking forward to working with the school as it embarks on its next exciting chapter.
Holly grew up in Cranbrook and attended all three local schools (Cranbrook C of E Primary, High Weald academy and Cranbrook School). After university, she travelled round the world working in the polar regions before returning to Cranbrook with her young family.
Holly is an experienced educator both inside and outside of a classroom setting. She was Head of Science at a school near Sevenoaks teaching both primary and secondary aged students. She has also lead a number of Science expeditions for teenagers to the polar and tropical regions of the world. Holly is keen to use her own educational background to support the leadership in developing and maintaining an excellent standard of education for everyone.
Charlie Baker
Charlie moved to Cranbrook in 2014 and has 3 young children, the eldest of which currently attends Cranbrook Primary School. She has been a PE teacher at a school near Maidstone for just over 12 years and prior to having children also held the post of Head of Sixth form. Charlie is passionate about education and ensuring that children and young people from all backgrounds have access to high quality education.
Jan Bennett
Jan lives in Cranbrook with her family. She has been in education since 1991 as a teacher, headteacher and school improvement advisor. She has also had the privilege of being a chair of governors for two schools previously and then the chair of a newly formed multi academy trust in Kent. She left this role when she moved overseas to China to be the head of a bilingual kindergarten for Wellington College Tianjin. After four years she returned to the United Kingdom to take up a school improvement role for London Borough of Merton as part of the school improvement team specialising in early years. As an experienced school governor, she is looking forward to working with the staff and governors of Cranbrook CE Primary school to support and continuously develop the school to get the best outcomes for the whole school community.
John Furminger
John has lived in Cranbrook since 1974. He taught economics at Cranbrook School where he was also responsible for university applications as well as helping with sport and serving as an elected Teacher Governor, retiring five years ago.
His wife also works with young people while both his daughters enjoyed their days at Cranbrook CE Primary before going on to Angley School (now High Weald), Cranbrook School and university.
John has been on the governing body for four years, chairing the Resources committee and acting as vice-chair. He is committed to the cause of state education in the town.
Andrew Gasson
Andrew grew up in Cranbrook and attended both Cranbrook Primary School and Cranbrook School. Following university, he began a career in education working first at Abingdon School and then Cheltenham College, where he held various positions including Head of Geography, Senior Tutor and Assistant Head. Having retired in 2017, he moved back to Cranbrook and, in addition to becoming a school governor, he has joined St Dunstan’s PCC, is a member of the Cranbrook Literature Festival committee and is one of the leaders of the local well-being walks. In terms of leisure interests, Andrew enjoys travel and is a committed supporter of Kent County Cricket and Gillingham FC.
Reverend Richard King
Sarah Leighton
Sarah has worked at Benenden School for 5 years. She is currently a Careers Adviser and runs the school's Professional Skills Programme. She is passionate about helping young people develop their skills and fulfil their potential. Sarah has three children who are either in higher education or who have moved on into the workplace. In her spare time she enjoys reading, cinema, walking and travel.
Louise Porter-Barnett
Louise moved to the south of England in 1998 to begin her teaching career. Starting as a Drama teacher, she went on to lead her department before taking on wider responsibilities as Head of Year and Head of Middle School. She is now an Assistant Headteacher, with a wealth of experience in both pastoral and academic leadership.
Throughout her career, Louise has been passionate about creating a positive educational experience for all students. She believes strongly in encouraging young people to be the best they can be, while ensuring they feel a genuine sense of belonging within their school community.
Outside of her professional life, Louise enjoys going to the theatre and keeping fit, and she has a particular love of sign language.
Shelly Sutton
Francesca Shaw
Headteacher Governor
Francesca joined Cranbrook Primary in 2017 and became Headteacher of the school in 2023. She has worked in education roles for the last decade and finds working with children, and watching them thrive, to be the key motivator for working in this sector. In her spare time she enjoys reading, swimming and travelling.
Joanne McKellar
Staff Governor
Joanne joined Cranbrook Primary in January 2019 as the Business Manager having gained her financial background and qualifications working for a private sector company. Joanne is responsible for all the non-curriculum aspects of the school including Finance, HR, H&S and Site Management. Joanne helps develop and maintain close links between Cranbrook Primary Staff and the Governing Body.