Governance

Appointed From 10-10-2024

Term of Office ends 10-10-2028

Donna’s background includes more than twenty years in Property, Facilities and Health & Safety.

In her current role she interacts with schools, local communities and groups, educating them on the benefits of recycling and renewable energy and offering tours and experiences in an engineering setting.

Donna is also a representative of the Filipino Community in Colchester which is part of the City Diversity Network. Her knowledge and relationships expand not only to different cultural groups but also organisations like Refugees and LGBTQ communities.

Donna has three boys who have attended St Benedicts. Having three children with different interests allows her to have a good insight into the trips, events and activities on offer at the College. Some thirty years ago, Donna was a student herself at the college, together with her siblings, and therefore the school holds a special place in her heart.

• Governing Body
• Finance + Premises

Appointed From 26-11-2023

Term of Office Ends 25-11-2027

Ben has worked in financial services for over thirty years with his last role being a senior ombudsman at the financial ombudsman service. Ben has now retired from full-time work but still undertakes financial ombudsman decisions on a freelance basis. Ben joined the governing body at St. Benedicts' in 2019 when his daughter entered the college after having been a governor at other schools for over twenty-five years. Ben is proud to be part of a school with such a strong ethos and passionate concern for its students.

•  Vice Chair of Governing Body
•  Chairs and Membership Committee
•  Governing Body
•  Admissions
•  Finance and Premises (Vice Chair)

Appointed From 01/09/2024

Term of Office Ends 31/08/2028

Harriet is a graduate of the University of Leicester with a degree in International Archaeology and a PGCE in Secondary Education. She is currently a Deputy Head Academic at a local independent school and has over twenty years’ experience working in education.  She was a finalist for the Edtech Innovator of the Year Award in 2023 for her work in digital transformation, strategy and CPD for teachers.

Harriet completed her Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies is 2024 with distinction and is a member of St Teresa’s Church. She has two children and enjoys reading, travelling and cooking and loves to support the local community.

• Governing Body
• Personnel
• Admissions (Vice Chair)

Appointed From 11-12-2025

Term of Office ends 10-12-2029

Nikki began her career at Nicholas Percival Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents, leading her to study Property Management at university while continuing to work full time. During her almost thirty years with the firm, she has gained extensive experience across all aspects of residential and commercial property, eventually specialising in residential management and agency. Nikki's role is varied and often challenging, requiring a calm, pragmatic approach to problem solving.

Alongside her professional career, Nikki two daughters and manages the office of her family's farm on the outskirts of Coggeshall, where she was raised. This role involves overseeing finances and supporting the day-to-day running of the business. Balancing these responsibilities has strengthened Nikki's organisational skills, resilience, and ability to work collaboratively.

• Governing Body
• Finance and Premises
  
  

Appointed From 01-09-2024

Term of Office Ends 31-08-2028

Sylvie is a qualified actuary with over twenty-five years' experience in the insurance industry. She currently works in the finance team as Head of Reserving for Retail at one of the main UK General Insurers, managing a team of twelve.

Sylvie is a member of St Teresa parish and a former parent of the College; her eldest daughter having attended St Benedicts and who is now studying at university.

Sylvie has been a governor at St Benedicts Catholic College since September 2020.

• Governing Body
• Finance and Premises
• Personnel (Vice Chair)

Appointed From 16-06-2025

Term of Office Ends 15-06-2029

After completing a degree in Biology at the University of London, Joy began her teaching career in schools across Essex and Cambridgeshire. Her experience spans state, selective, and independent schools, where she held leadership positions such as Head of Sixth Form, Head of Boarding and Pastoral Care. Immediately before retiring, she served as Deputy Principal at a large Catholic secondary school.

With over forty years of experience in education, Joy was eager to remain actively involved in supporting young people, which led her to become a governor at St Benedicts.

Following her retirement, Joy became a trustee of an educational charity dedicated to supporting underprivileged students in Eastern Europe. This role enables her to contribute to the educational advancement of young people who face significant challenges. After relocating to Colchester, Joy has continued her involvement in the community by participating in several local charities. Through these organisations, she works to promote development and strengthen the sense of community in various parts of the city.

• Governing Body
• Admissions (Chair)
• Personnel (Chair)
• Pastoral and Curriculum
• Chairs and Membership
• Chair of Admissions Committee
• Chair of Personnel Committee

Appointed From 3/7/2025

Term of Office Ends 2/7/2029

Mike has worked as a commissioning editor for Bloomsbury Publishing and was then non-fiction publishing director at Simon & Schuster. Since 2016, he has been an editorial consultant, advising authors, publishers and literary agents.

Mike is also a trained psychotherapist and has worked for CARA, a local charity helping survivors and victims of sexual violence.

Both Mike’s older children went to the college, and his youngest child is still at the school.  He was a governor at the college between 2013 and 2022 and rejoined as a governor in 2025.

• Governing Body
• Personnel
• Pastoral & Curriculum

Appointed From 02/10/23

Term of office ends 01/10/27

Anna has worked in education for twenty-six years across a wide range of roles including SENDCo, Deputy Headteacher and Headteacher. Throughout her career, SEND has been Anna’s passion and the central driving force behind her work, with a strong commitment to supporting children and young people at all levels. Anna is currently a Director of SEND for a multi-academy trust based in Suffolk, where she works strategically to strengthen inclusive practice across schools.

Anna has two children who attend the college, which gives her both a professional and personal understanding of the school community. She is a passionate advocate for inclusion, believing that every child deserves to feel valued, supported and able to thrive. Living locally, Anna is keen to be an active, approachable and supportive parent governor, working collaboratively with staff and families to contribute positively to the ongoing success of the school.

• Full Governing  Body
• Pastoral & Curriculum (Vice Chair)

Appointed From 01-05-2024

Term of Office Ends 30-04-2028

 Professor Dominic Micklewright brings almost a decade of experience in school governance. Guided by the principle that “every student matters”, he is committed to working with the Principal and College leadership team to sustain an excellent learning environment where every young person feels included, supported and able to achieve their very best, whatever their background or circumstances. As a practising Catholic, Dominic is also passionate about ensuring that the work of the Governing Body and the wider life of the College remain firmly rooted in its Catholic ethos.

Dominic is currently Pro Vice-Chancellor at Anglia Ruskin University and has over twenty-five years’ experience in higher education, having held a range of senior leadership and Dean-level roles alongside his work as a lecturer and researcher. Across his career, he has focused on widening opportunity, improving fairness, and strengthening student experience and outcomes. He brings this expertise to St Benedict’s through evidence-informed oversight, strategic challenge and support, and a strong commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and high standards.

• Governing Body
• Chair of Chairs & Membership Committee (Chair)

Appointed From 11-03-2024

Term of Office Ends 10-03-2028

Having been through the Catholic School system herself as a pupil, teacher, parent and grandparent (my four children all attended St Thomas More’s and St Benedict’s and two of my grandsons are currently in St Thomas More’s), Mary is happy to have the opportunity to pay back some of what she received, having served as a School Governor for nearly thirty years.

Education is her passion and being able to make a positive contribution to supporting the College, students, staff and parents is a great privilege. Keeping abreast of legislation and developments in education allows Mary to understand the challenges faced by our College and the young people and families in this community.

• Governing Body
• Pastoral and Curriculum (Chair)
• Admissions
• Chairs and Membership
• Personnel
• Principal’s Performance Management (PM)
• Child Protection / Safeguarding Governor

Appointed From 01-08-2022

Term of Office ends 31-7-2026

Having originally trained and practised as a lawyer in the City of London, Sean is the director of a local manufacturing business for which he has been responsible for all commercial and financial aspects for the past thirty years.  His three sons, now in their twenties, were all educated at St Benedicts Catholic College before progressing with their education.  Sean’s interests in music and drama make him particularly keen to support the College’s activities in these areas.

• Governing Body
• Finance and Premises
• Chairs and Membership
• Vice Chair of Chairs & Membership Committee
• Chair of Finance and Premises Committee (Chair)

Appointed From 17-12-24

Term of Office ends 16-12-2028

Anthony is a senior enterprise and operational risk specialist with over eighteen years’ experience in financial services, insurance and fintech. He currently leads the risk function for a specialist finance firm providing trade finance, corporate lending and short-term property finance.

Anthony holds qualifications in Accounting, Actuarial Science, and Finance and Investment and he is a Member of the Institute of Risk Management. He has also completed specialist professional training with the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment in areas including operational risk, enterprise risk, investment operations and global financial compliance.

Originally from Nigeria, Anthony is married with four children. He is committed to building a safe, well-governed and caring school environment. As a practising Catholic, he values faith, discipline, respect and service, and believes that a Catholic education should remain inclusive and accessible.

In his spare time, Anthony enjoys watching boxing and playing table tennis.

Appointed From 08-12-2022

Term of Office Ends 07-12-2026

Katrina has over sixteen years of teaching experience, including the past five years at St Benedict’s Catholic College. During her time at the school, she has gained a strong appreciation of its values, sense of community, and commitment to supporting every student to achieve their best.

While completing an apprenticeship in Education Management, Katrina took on the role of Staff Governor and has been pleased to contribute to initiatives that support school improvement and positive outcomes for both students and staff. By maintaining strong, respectful relationships across the school community, Katrina is able to offer a balanced perspective that helps inform thoughtful decision-making and future planning.

Outside of her professional role, Katrina enjoys staying active through involvement with the local rugby team and by supporting the local football team, helping her to remain engaged with the wider community.

• Governing Body
• Pastoral and Curriculum

Appointed From 20-02-2012

Term of Office Ends 31-12-2099

Principal of St Benedict’s since 2012, Over 30 years experience of educational leadership.

• Governing Body
• Pastoral and Curriculum
• Admissions
• Chairs and Membership
• Finance and Premises
• Personnel

Appointed From 29-03-2023

Term of Office Ends 28-03-2027

Father Mark was born and brought up in Upminster and attended St Joseph’s Primary school and The Campion School. He studied English Literature and Philosophy before applying to train for the priesthood. Prior to going to seminary, Father Mark spent a year working in a homeless shelter in South London run by the Missionaries of Charity. Father Mark trained for the priesthood at St John’s seminary, Wonersh and was ordained in 2005.

In his spare time, Father Mark tries to keep in touch with his friends and enjoys reading – Jane Austen, Trollope, Tolkien, PG Wodehouse and a variety of detective writers being his favourites.

• Governing Body
• Pastoral & Curriculum

Appointed From 15-12-2022

Term of Office Ends 14-12-2026

Dr Victor Utti is a qualified Physiotherapist. He has several years’ experience in clinical, academic and research institutions in the UK.

Victor has worked extensively in the National Health Service. Currently he works as a Senior Lecturer, training upcoming Physiotherapists.

Victor is skilled at building strong connections and is community focused. As a Foundation Governor, he is committed to supporting the strategic development and ethos of the school. Victor brings a thoughtful, balanced approach to governance, ensuring that decisions are made in the best interests of pupils while upholding the school’s values and long-term vision.

• Governing Body
• Personnel