Governors

Following the formal acquisition of Burgess Hill Girls on 1 October 2026, overall governance and legal proprietorship transferred to St Bede’s School Trust Sussex. For more information visit: https://www.bedes.org/about/board-of-governors

The individuals listed below served as the Board of Governors up to 30 September 2026. In accordance with statutory financial reporting duties, members of this outgoing Board remain in office solely to oversee and finalise the sign-off of the financial accounts for the period ending 30 September 2026 (anticipated completion date is January/February 2027). They hold no ongoing operational or executive oversight of the school beyond this financial remit.

To contact the Chair of Governor, Dr Simon Thornton-Wood, please do so via the Clerk to the Governors:

Tel: 01444 241050

Post: Burgess Hill Girls, Keymer Road, Burgess Hill, RH15 0EG.

Email: Clerk to the Board of Governors

Dr Simon Thornton-Wood

Position: Chair of Governors

Qualifications: BSc(Hons) PhD

Simon has enjoyed a diverse career, from early years as a biologist, through leadership in a national scientific and educational institution, and in the regulation and training of lawyers. He has overseen the formation of, and now leads as Chief Executive, a new professional body for dental professionals. He also chairs a Charitable Trust fostering leadership potential in young people in production horticulture.

With twin daughters and a son who have thrived in their own journeys in independent education, he appreciates the opportunity to give back through the thriving community at Burgess Hill Girls.

Mrs Bethany Gavin

Position: Governor

Qualifications: BA Hons

Bethany is a proud BOLD girl, having attended the school between 2000-2011.

She went on to gain a First Class Honours Degree in Drama, Theatre and Performance and started her career in Artist Management, representing actors and creatives across theatre, film and television. Bethany is now Operations Manager for a local theatre company, specialising in inclusive practices for students with SEND.

Bethany has continued to play an active part in Burgess Hill Girls and now looks forward to the opportunity to give back to the school in her role as Governor.

Mr Roy Hill

Position: Governor

Qualifications: OBE MA ACMA

Roy is the Bursar at Channing School in Highgate. Prior to starting work at Channing, Roy spent 22 years as a Logistics Officer in the Royal Navy where he was also responsible for leading a number of business change initiatives and managing large facilities management contracts.

Roy is an active leader in the Duke of Edinburgh Award supporting pupils undertaking expeditions across the UK.

Ms Jessica Hunter

Position: Governor

Qualifications: BA(Hons)

Jess is a member of the SLT at Rosebery School in Surrey, which is an 11-18 girls’ school. She has responsibility for developing teachers’ practice and ensuring the effective implementation of the curriculum.

As a governor, Jess aims to support Burgess Hill Girls to continue to move from strength to strength in all areas, and particularly in considering all the ways we can foster ambitious, joyful learning environments, where every student feels inspired, curious and achieves at their best.

Dr Paul Marshall

Position: Governor

Qualifications: Phd, MA, BA Hons, FRSA, FIoD

A graduate of the University of Sussex (PhD, MA, BA Hons), Dr Paul Marshall, FRSA, FIoD, has over 25 years’ experience of working in the higher education sector, in his current role as Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of East London, and as a Group Board Member, Chief Executive of two national Higher Education representative bodies and Founding Chair of a corporate Higher Education charity.

He is an American Historian by academic background, with a focus on the political history of the 1930s.

Paul joined the Board of Governors in 2018 and Chairs the Joint Education Committee.