Julia Upton

Head Teacher

I joined the school as Headteacher in September 2020. I have previously worked at four other Suffolk High Schools, including most recently for eight years as Headteacher of Debenham High School. I have been a member of ASCL Executive and am a National Leader of Education.

Pecuniary interests: NA

Sue White

Community Governor

Term of Office Ends 17/7/26

Chair of Governors

Admissions; Head Teachers Pay Review; Enabling Excellence and Chairs Steering Group.

I strongly believe that parents and the wider community should work together with schools to provide our children/young adults with the best education and learning experiences possible. To support this view, I therefore volunteered to become a governor at the school with 4 children all hoping to join the school. The role is immensely rewarding and I am keen to ensure that our pupils are always the reason for any decisions. It can involve very difficult decision making including decisions on finances, staff and pupils. Outside the school, I am chairperson and lead coach for Suffolk Coastal Torpedoes Water Polo club and also have 2 of my children very active in the sailing world as well as being Mum to my girls and working fulltime!!

My KHS subject link is to Childcare/Social Care, PE & Dance as well as PHSEE, Safeguarding, Child Protection, PREVENT, SEND & eSafety

Pecuniary interests: NA

David Bevan

 Community Governor

Term of Office Ends 19/03/26

Vice Chair of Governors

Chair of Enabling Excellence; Operations Committee; Chairs Steering Group

I taught science in Suffolk and Essex and most recently have worked in teacher training for Canterbury Christ Church University. I am a senior A level chemistry examiner and as well as writing and marking papers, I have worked with teachers in a number of countries to help them prepare their pupils for the A level examination.

In my spare time I sing in the community choir “Funky Voices” helping to raise thousands of pounds each year for different charities. This has included recording two singles for “Children in Need” at the BBC studios. I also enjoy dabbling in watercolour painting and enjoy travelling.

My KHS subject link is to Science, Psychology, Music,  Sixth Form & ECT link.

Pecuniary interests: The Northgate Foundation

Grace Mason

Staff Governor

Term of Office Ends 17/01/26

Enabling Excellence Committee

I have been working at Kesgrave for the last five years, having previously been a student here myself. I’m currently a member of the English and Media departments working with a range of different year groups and abilities. My hope, during my time here at Kesgrave, is to strive to support and challenge my students to reach the best of their abilities – before they leave us into the wider world and community. Personally, I have always appreciated and loved the positive community ethos that Kesgrave is well-known for and want to continue to contribute to the wider school life and governance. It’s important that as staff, we work together with governors and the wider community to guide our students to achieve their fullest potential.

Pecuniary interests: NA

Liz Newman

Staff Governor

Term of Office Ends 25/11/24

Enabling Excellence Committee

I joined Kesgrave High School in 2012 as part of the Pastoral Team having been a youth worker for a number of years. I support two year groups from when they start in year 7 to when they leave in year 11 and I firmly believe that working with these students, through these years is a rewarding and worthwhile job. I see first-hand the spirit and ethos of the school in everyday practise and am proud to be a part of that. I am the mother of two children, a delinquent greyhound and a Teacher of Dance in my spare time.

Pecuniary interests: NA

Catherine Beresford

Community Governor

Term of Office Ends 28/9/26

Operations Committee

My name is Catherine Beresford, I live in Rushmere-St-Andrew and have three daughters, one of which is at Kesgrave High School. I have worked for UK Power Networks for 28 years as an Electrical Engineer.

My hobbies are dancing, running and keeping fit. I also enjoy amdram and have performed with Bealings Youth Action Theatre. I sing with Rushmere Church Choir.

This is my first appointment as a parent governor and I am very much looking forward to the new challenges which go with this position.

KHS subject link is to Drama & Expressive Arts, Design Technology, as well as Pastoral Team

Pecuniary interests: NA

 Eunice Brain

 Community Governor

Term of Office Ends 06/10/26

Chair of Operations Committee and Chairs Steering Group

I am Eunice Brain. I was born in Bolivia and spent most childhood summers in Framlingham as my Father was Suffolk born. I came to England in 1992 to study European Business Studies in a joint course between Portsmouth and Madrid Universities. I then qualified as a Chartered Accountant in London and have over 18 years experience in Financial Services. I live in Kesgrave with Nick and our two children Alessandra and Federico, both of whom attend Kesgrave High School.

My KHS subject link is to Business Studies & Economics, Numeracy & Maths, ICT & Computing as well as Work Experience and Careers, Disadvantaged and Key Groups

Pecuniary interests: NA

Raksha Bhoola

Community Governor

Term of Office Ends 18/01/26

Operations Committee

My name is Raksha Bhoola and I am an audiologist. I work part time within a clinic setting as well as doing domiciliary visits to my elder patients in their homes and nursing homes across Suffolk. I have two children and one of them is currently a student at Kesgrave High School. I am passionate about providing care in our community, and it is a vocation that I follow both personally and professionally. I feel very honoured to be appointed as a community governor at Kesgrave High School and to be a part of a dedicated team working synergistically across education and the wider community to serve and evolve an already well established setting. I am also currently a governor at another school in Ipswich working across safeguarding and wellbeing and therefore I hope to evolve my learning and skills even further with an intention to provide support.

KHS subject link is to English and Media

Pecuniary interests: NA

Elizabeth Potten

Parent Governor

Term of Office Ends 18/01/26

Operations Committee

I am the proud parent of two children who attend Kesgrave High School. I have always been interested in education. An element of my professional career covers adult learning. I have worked in the criminal justice sector for approx. 20 years in various different roles.

At work I am a senior leader in the public sector. I have written national policy affecting young persons and have experience in law and Human Resources.

I will advocate for the development of our children and the prosperity of the school.

In my own time my focusses are health and well being. I am a keen rebounder (that’s jumping up and down on a little trampoline!) and I love anything crafty, as well as a good trashy book – I read far too much sensible stuff at work.

I look forward to serving the school and connecting with the school community

KHS subject link is to History

Pecuniary interests: NA