Meet the staff at our school
Mrs Lisa Hobby
Head Teacher
DSL
I have been a teacher since 1990 and I have had the privilege of being the Head of Ashurst Wood since January 2011. I started teaching in Oxfordshire and I have taught in a variety of schools in Kent and East Sussex.
I am passionate about ensuring that children experience a rich curriculum including the arts, sport and forest schools while preparing them for successful futures. I believe that every child has a talent or strength in which they can excel and that they will all forge their own path to success. This looks different for every child and I am proud to work with a dedicated team who understand that every child is an individual.When I get time away from school I enjoy crafts and I have been known to spend my free time making props and costumes for the school show. I visit the cinema regularly and I love gardening. I have most success with roses but I did manage to grow some beetroot this year!
Mrs Gemma Blake Hatton
Deputy Head Teacher, SENCO & Reception Teacher
Deputy DSL
Hi everybody, my name is Mrs Gemma Blake-Hatton. I have been at Ashurst Wood for 8 years and I have been teaching for 19 years. I am the school Special Educational Needs Coordinator and also Reception/Year 1 teacher and more recently Deputy Head.
Before becoming a teacher, I trained to be an archaeologist and I have excavated old things in Cyprus and Chester.
I love working at Ashurst Wood, as I love getting to know all the families and children. I enjoy helping them to find the things that make them smile and encouraging their special talents - everybody has one and they are all different!
Mrs Meena Purba
Reception Teacher
My name is Meena Purba and I have been working at Ashurst Wood Primary for 8 years, first as a supply teacher then was lucky enough to be given a permanent role.
I enjoy cooking and feeding people (and eating), watching stand up comedy, socialising with friends and spending time with my boys. At school you will often see me asking for help with Eco related matters. I am also in charge of English and Phonics, R.E and my new role as Mental Health lead.
I love being a Reception Teacher and seeing how much the children progress in the year I have them, as well as the funny stories they tell me!
Mr Ed Gowers
KS2 Teacher
Hey, I’m Ed Gowers. I’ve been teaching Year 6 at Ashurst Wood for three years, where I also serve as deputy safeguarding lead and lead Computing and E4S.
Before my teaching career, I completed a foundation degree in Art & Design. After that, I travelled to places like China, New Zealand, and the USA, gaining invaluable cultural and life experiences. I then worked my way up to a management position in the hospitality industry. Eventually, I returned to university to complete a three-year degree to become a teacher.
I love teaching at Ashurst Wood because we celebrate uniqueness, and the staff are incredibly inclusive. I enjoy getting to know the children, interacting with them, and building strong relationships. No two days are the same. Year 6 can be tough since I have to say goodbye at the end of the year, but I love hearing about their successes as many come back to share their experiences from secondary school.
Mrs Hayley Davis
KS1 Teacher
My name is Mrs Hayley Davis. I have been at Ashurst Wood for 5 years and I have been teaching for 12 years. I am Key Stage One lead, as well as leading Maths and Science across the school.
After completing my degree and before working as a teacher, I was cabin crew with British Airways. I had an amazing time travelling the world and seeing some fantastic sights. This allowed me to experience a broad range of cultures and gain valuable life experience.
I love teaching at Ashurst Wood as we really are a small school with a big heart. I enjoy my daily interactions with the children, getting to know them on an individual basis and building strong relationships; to me, this is fundamental to teaching. I love hearing the children share their successes, and on occasion being a part of those achievements. Seeing and sharing in these really special moments in teaching is great. For me, teaching is not just a job but my passion; I wish to inspire all children to reach their full potential ready for the next stage in their life, whatever that may be.
Mrs Ilona Sutherland
KS2 Teacher
Hi, I’m Ilona Sutherland, I had been teaching year 3/4 in Falcon class for the last 2 ½ years but I am now working with the children in Reception/Year 1 in Owls Class.
Art is my favourite subject; I love experimenting with colour and medium and teaching others to share my passion.
Mrs Amber Pitcaithly
KS2 Teacher
Hello, my name is Amber Pitcaithly and I’m the class teacher for Kestrels class! I also co-ordinate PE and English in our school and lead Key Stage 2.
I wasn’t always a teacher but fell in love with the job after helping out with some art classes many years ago. I did all my teacher training in London and have experienced lots of different schools there and in West Sussex, though none as creative and unique as Ashurstwood Primary School.
Like many of our pupils, I'm passionate about animals and nature (I grew up watching David Attenborough’s wildlife programmes and would love to meet him someday!). It's inspiring to be part of a school that really fosters environmental care and learning through our Forest sessions and our core values - 'a love of life, a love of learning, and a love of people.'
Miss Sally Edwards
Teaching assistant, Learning Mentor
My name is Sally Edwards. I have worked at school for nearly 10 years now. I started my time here as the Learning Mentor and then went on to be a TA as well. I have recently studied and achieved my Higher Level Teaching Assistant qualification and really enjoy covering classes throughout the school. I love working with all the children in all my different roles.
Mrs Shaida Ali-Hazel
Teaching assistant
Mrs Lorna Tjong
Teaching Assistant
I am Lorna Tjong and I have worked at Ashurst Wood Primary since 2015. I left briefly for one year, but missed the school so much I came back.
I have worked in KS1 and KS2 and enjoy working with all different age groups.
Mrs Katie Stuart
Individual Needs Assistant
Hello everyone, my name is Katie Stuart and I am an Individual Needs Assistant in Hawks class three days a week and currently doing Maths Interventions two afternoons a week in KS2.
I have worked at Ashurstwood School for 4 years now and absolutely love watching the children grow in confidence as they progress through the school.
Miss Ellie Bizios
Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Hello, I’m Ellie Bizios and I am a Higher Level Teaching Assistant at our lovely school. I work two and a half days a week in Osprey class. I was fortunate enough to grow up in Ashurst Wood and attended the school as a child, which I loved so much, I returned as an adult in 2014 to start my career in education. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, watching a good series, listening to music and podcasts and days out at National Trust properties with partner and daughter.
Mrs Sallyann Card
Teaching assistant
Mrs Katie Bober
Teaching Assistant
Hello, my name is Katie Bober. I'm a teaching assistant and individual needs assistant at Ashurst Wood. I've worked here for two and a half years but I've been part of the school community for longer. In my spare time I love listening to music, playing the flute & piano, dancing, reading, walking in the South Downs and spending time with my lovely family- packing a picnic and seeking out adventures!
Miss Alice Down
Individual Needs Assistant
My name is Alice Down and I am an Individual Needs Assistant in Owls class (am) and Kestrels class (pm). I'm lucky to have worked at school for nearly a full school year now and I've loved every second!
I've had lots of interesting jobs before working here including being a cake maker, an eyelash artist and an apprentice mechanic at Audi. I often get questioned by the children about these jobs!
In my spare time I love to make sweet treats with my children and sit in the garden relaxing with my pet Rabbit
Miss Hayley Young
Teaching Assistant
Mrs Helen Leppard
Breakfast Club Supervisor
Hi, my name is Helen Leppard, and I am the Breakfast Club Leader here at Ashurst Wood Primary.
I enjoy running the Breakfast Club and finding out what the children have been up to over the weekend.
Mrs Joanne Funnell
After School Club Leader
Hello, I'm Joanne, the after school club leader. I know lots of children and their families who attend the primary school as I work at the Pre school as well.
Ms Debbie Hawe
School Business Manager
I have been working at Ashurst Wood for 8 years as the School Business Manager.
My role includes financial management, human resources, premises and assisting with health and safety compliance. I have been associated with the school since 2007. I was a member of the committee involved in the Pre-school build, before joining the school team in 2015, and have been a staff governor since 2020.
Mrs Emma Fish
Office Manager
Hi everyone, my name is Emma Fish and many of you already know me in the school. I have been associated with Ashurst Wood Primary School since September 1998.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to pop into the office or send me an email.
Mrs Clare Jussen
Office Clerk
Hi everyone, my name is Clare Jussen and I am the Office Clerk and the Clerk to the Governors at Ashurst Wood Primary School.
We are always looking for more parent governors so please do not hesitate to talk to me about it if you are interested.
Mrs Teresa Edwards
Cleaner and Midday Supervisor
Hi everyone, my name is Teresa Edwards and many of you already know me in the school. I have been associated with Ashurst Wood Primary School since September 2001.
Mrs Sue Sargent
Premises Officer
Mr Michael Box
Caretaker
Governors
John Belsey
Hi everyone, my name is John Belsey and I am the new Chair of Governors at Ashurst Wood Primary School. As governors we are determined to achieve the best outcomes we can for the school in terms of its ethos, results and of course its physical buildings and infrastructure so it remains a vibrant heart of our village community for many years to come. Outside of the school you might know me as the local Mid Sussex District and East Grinstead Town Councillor for Ashurst Wood and East Grinstead South, I am also heavily involved with Ashurst Wood Bonfire Society, East Grinstead Tennis Club and Age UK. I am passionate about Ashurst Wood and its school and am looking forward to meeting more school parents and to hear your views on our school.
Clare Jussen
Hi everyone, my name is Clare Jussen and I am the new Clerk to the Governors at Ashurst Wood Primary School.
As some of you will know I have 2 children at the school and am, like you, passionate that they receive the best education possible, so was delighted when an opportunity arose that allowed me to support the Governors and the school.
I moved to the area during lockdown and have enjoyed exploring West Sussex and becoming familiar with Ashurst Wood and the surrounding areas. In my spare time I enjoy reading, baking, sewing and annoying my husband.
We are always looking for more parent governors so please do not hesitate to talk to me about it if you are interested.
Nick Hollamby
Hello, my name is Nick Hollamby and I am a parent Governor at the school. I was first appointed in June 2020 and have recently been elected as Vice-Chair. I also Chair the Resources Committee which governs the financial and premises side of the school. I am married to Rachel, have three children who have all attended (or attend) the school and we have lived in Ashurst Wood for almost nine years. I believe that the school is an important part of the village community and became a governor to ensure that it remains so. I am a Chartered Accountant and am the Bursar at Brambletye School. Other than running around after three children, I am a keen sportsman with a particular interest in football, tennis and golf.
Sally Alexander
Hello! My name is Sally Alexander and I have recently been appointed to the governing board at the school. I am a ‘retired’ secondary school English Teacher having worked at Woldingham, Caterham, Berkhamsted Collegiate School and at Hazelwood Prep School, where I was Head of English and one of the Educational Governors.
I am particularly passionate about ensuring every pupil has access to the highest standard of education in an environment that is supportive, inclusive and inspiring, to allow them to flourish. Having lived in the East Grinstead area for the past 20 years, I know how integral Ashurst Wood Primary School is to the community and I feel honoured to be part of the Governing Board helping to take the school successfully into the future, so that it will continue to serve generations of primary-age children to come.
I am married to Scott, and we have two daughters (Charlotte and Harriet) who are currently at university. However, we are not alone, as we share our house with our two rescue cats, Pip and Tess, and of course, all my books!
When I am not tutoring or governing, you are very likely to see me out running in the local area, attending a spin class at Chartham Park or even throwing clay in Crowborough!
I am very much looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible over the next few months.
Claire Shuttleworth
Hi everyone, my name's Claire Shuttleworth and I am the LA Governor for Ashurst Wood Primary School. Previously I was a Parent Governor; I am also the Lead governor for SEND and have enjoyed chatting to the children and also meeting some of the families in the coffee mornings. I have been linked with the Primary School since my nieces started in 2009 and took a more active involvement when my eldest, now 15 and in secondary school, started by joining in with the PTFA. I also have a 12 year old daughter and a 9 year old son.
Many of you will have crossed paths with me through your children having attended Ashurst Wood Community Pre-school where I am part time in the office dealing with various administration tasks. I also voluntarily stand on the gate at the end of the school day.
When I am not either in the school or the pre-school you can find me enjoying family time with the children, husband, family and friends walking our dog Bertie. Our favourite places are along the Bexhill coast where my parents relocated to 3 years ago from Cheshire where I grew up, Hever castle and supporting the children at football matches or netball matches or enjoying a good book!
Rosemary Buckler
Newly co-opted to the board of governors, and the Policy Committee within it, I am currently getting up to speed with how things work and the use of many educational acronyms! I moved to the village nearly 3 years ago with my husband and have 3 grandchildren at the school. Becoming a governor brings a more cerebral challenge for me to counter-balance my physical exercise activities. i.e. I can do it sitting down! Before retirement I was a software developer for large insurance and publishing companies, so a corporate rather than education background. I am very familiar with the processes of setting and achieving objectives within time and budget. Nowadays I most enjoy walking around our beautiful local countryside, gardening, home improvements and puzzles.
Lisa Hobby
I have been a teacher since 1990 and I have had the privilege of being the Head of Ashurst Wood since January 2011.
I started teaching in Oxfordshire and I have taught in a variety of schools in Kent and East Sussex. I am passionate about ensuring that children experience a rich curriculum including the arts, sport and forest schools while preparing them for successful futures. I believe that every child has a talent or strength in which they can excel and that they will all forge their own path to success. This looks different for every child and I am proud to work with a dedicated team who understand that every child is an individual.
When I get time away from school I enjoy crafts and I have been known to spend my free time making props and costumes for the school show. I visit the cinema regularly and I love gardening. I have most success with roses but I did manage to grow some beetroot this year!
I have one daughter who some children may know from when she ran the after school Karate club. Although she is away at University we still enjoy traveling, embracing new experiences and creating lasting memories together.
Debs Hawe
I have been working at Ashurst Wood for 8 years as the School Business Manager.
My role includes financial management, human resources, premises and assisting with health and safety compliance. I have been associated with the school since 2007 as both of my boys attended up until 2015. I was a member of the committee involved in the Pre-school build, before joining the school team in 2015, and have been a staff governor since 2020.
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Reverend Jamie Gater
Hi, I'm Reverend Gater, or Jamie to my friends, and I'm delighted to be a governor at Ashurst Wood. Having committed to leading assembly at school every week, supporting the school as a governor is an extension of my support as the vicar. I regard it as a huge privilege and, since I started in June of last year, I've loved getting to know the families, children and staff of our wonderful school. Working in school comes very naturally to me as, before ordination, I was a primary school teacher, leading first on music, and then English in schools on the Sussex Coast. That commitment to education has continued as I'm now in the latter stages of my PhD, which is on the impact of vicars on church schools; if you're ever REALLY bored, ask me about it. When I'm not being the vicar (which I do for half the week) or working for the bishop at Church house (the other half of my week) I can be found supporting the Air Cadets in East Grinstead as their chaplain, enjoying good music, exploring the Sussex countryside or doing my absolute favourite thing: just hanging out with my beautiful wife and our wonderful son. Do say hello if you see me out and about, and thank you for making me and the family so welcome as we've moved to the area! The Rev'd Jamie Gater
Mark Elwell
Hello, my name is Mark Elwell and I am a parent Governor at the school. I became a governor in summer term 2024 and focus on governance for wellbeing, health and safety and science. I live with my partner Lenka and have one child at the school and we have lived in Ashurst Wood since 2015. It’s great to be involved at the school and very much enjoy my role assisting where I can. When not at the school, I am a director of Summit Environmental - a commercial entity now in its 8th year, dealing with compliance and health and safety in buildings. My background is project and contract management, business development and sales. When not working, I am a keen rock climber and surfer when time, weather and swell permits or often walking locally with our dog Luna.
The Governors are volunteers who have an interest in education and schools. All schools must have a Governing Body, the size of which is usually determined by the size of the school. Our Governing Body members are from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
Our Governors can by contacted by emailing the Clerk clerk@ashurstwoodprimary.co.uk
The Chair of Governors can be contacted via the above email or
Mr Belsey
Ashurst Wood Primary School
School Lane
Ashurst Wood
East Grinstead
West Sussex
RH19 3QW
Who are our Governors?
| Name | Type of Governor |
| Mr John Belsey - Chair of Governors | Co-opted |
| Mrs Rosemary Buckler | Co-opted |
| Mrs Claire Shuttleworth | LA |
| Mrs Jacquie Russell | Co-opted |
| Mrs Sally Alexander | Co-opted |
| Mrs Lisa Hobby | Head Teacher |
| Mr Nicholas Hollamby - Vice Chair | Parent |
| Mr David Kennedy | Parent |
| Mrs Debs Hawe | Staff |
| Mr Mark Elwell | Parent |
| Mrs Clare Jussen | Clerk to the Governors |
We currently have no Associate governors.