After a career in the Ministry of Defence in London, with weekends spent in Amberley, I returned to live full time in Amberley in 2016. I have been a churchwarden at St Michael’s church for about five years. As churchwarden my focus has been on strengthening links between the church and the local community, of which the school is of course an integral part. I look forward to building on these links as school governor. 

I have two daughters and five grandchildren so school issues are are very much part of family conversations! 

Victoria  Gradden OBE

Parent Governor

I became a Parent Governor in Spring 2024, joining a hugely welcoming and supportive group of people who really want to make a difference, and I have three children who attend St James’s. I am keen to ensure that parents are well represented via the Board, and I hope that my skills and experience, covering more than 20 years working in communications and engagement, both in the charity sector and the civil service, will help both schools maximise their ambitions.

My husband is an active member of the St James’s PTA, and I support as many events as I can, whether running a stand, making wreaths for the Christmas fair, or helping set up and pack away. As a family, we spend a lot of time outside, exploring, gardening, playing and supporting football and cricket matches, as well as looking after our dog, cats, chickens and fish.

Sarah Fish

Co-opted governor

A resident in Amberley for 5 years I now feel part of the established strong and welcoming community   

Having worked in elderly and dementia care I am familiar with the principles of governance and importance of both meeting but also striving to exceed regulatory standards.  I want to bring this experience and knowledge to the role as a Governor.  

I have a grown up family with three grandchildren all enjoying their primary years in education.  Having been a Governor across the Arun Villages Federation I really enjoy  contributing  to the school’s development  and supporting the staff on their journey to help the children in their care to flourish.

Simon Spyers

Co-opted governor

I became a governor in 2024 with the aim of giving back to the local community and hoping to use my experience to assist the wonderful school that both of my children attend as students. I am a current serving police officer for Surrey police and have worked extensively with individuals, families and children with widely diverse backgrounds and needs. My wife is a community nurse in Sussex, so our whole family is focussed on public service.

I have a degree in history and a very active interest in military history, current affairs, politics, science and space exploration. On the lighter side of things, I enjoy collecting comic books, building Lego sets and playing various video games, sometimes involving my children in these activities.

I am always looking for ways to get people laughing and can always be found parading the latest in shorts and flip flop fashion.

Sophia Morrissey

Co-opted governor

Guy Nelson

Co-opted governor

I have lived in Coldwaltham for over 30 years and my own children attended St. James'. I am very pleased to have just recently joined the governing board and I hope to be able to contribute to the future development of the school.

I am active in supporting the village in a number of ways including through the Parish Council and I am a trustee at Lodge Hill.

I have a background in secondary teaching and currently work for a charity supporting students with special educational needs.

Mike Emery

Co-opted governor

I moved to Amberley in 2023. I am already involved in several groups in the village and want to contribute further locally, especially in Amberley and St. James' Schools.  

I am currently a governor at St. Margaret’s Church of England primary School, Ifield, Crawley, I took on this role in December 2018 and have served continuously since then. I became vice-chair of the school's board of governors a year after joining the board. Amongst my many duties I have served as Chair of Governors for 2 years.  

Before retiring, I worked for 40 years in the textile and chemical Industries, both in the UK and in Switzerland. I spent time in research and development before moving into marketing and sales. My last post was Commercial Director for Europe, MEAF, Russia and India.  

I credit my successful career in industry to my state education and am keen to help others achieve their full potential. My special interest is in the teaching of science.