Skip to content ↓

Our Trustees

John Faulkes - Chair

John has been involved in school governance for 15+ years. He became Chair of Partners in Learning Trust from its beginnings in 2014 and was elected Chair of the new Everychild Partnership following the 2023 merger. John is principally interested in the future Vision and Strategy of the Trust, but also in developing leadership capability at all levels. John lives in East Grinstead with his family. He runs a training company mostly working with the Life Science sector – Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals.

Peter Brooks - Vice Chair

Peter has served as a Trustee since 2017, currently holding the position of Vice-Chair and serving on the Education Committee. As a lifelong resident of East Grinstead, he is passionate about supporting the local community and ensuring an excellent education for all children through his involvement with the Trust

Peter retired in 2019 after a 50 year career in manufacturing and general management – his last role being Managing Director of a speciality magnetics business in Crawley. He brings strategic and practical business insight to the Trust Board thanks to his extensive management experience.

Nathan Heslop (Chair - Finance, Audit & Risk Committee)

Nathan is Chartered Accountant with over 20 years’ experience of working in senior finance & commercial roles across a broad range of sectors. Nathan’s interests lie in the oversight of the financial health of the Trust. He is committed to contributing to the shared future vision and strategic direction of the Trust. He is currently the CFO of a Specialist Land Based College Group which delivers further and higher education across the South of England. Nathan lives in Camberley with his family and is a FA Referee and a Football Club Director in his spare time.

Suzi Lawrence

Suzi’s experience lies in people and operations and employee engagement. She has held senior people roles in private and third sector.

She has a background in communications – specifically in the built environment -having worked on major planning projects across London including for a number of schools. She has worked on complex projects and understands the planning process, the importance of engagement with stakeholders at all levels and the power of the right communication.

Suzi is a trained Mental Health First Aider as well as a Level 3 qualified Forest School Leader. 

Emma Morton

Emma has worked in finance for more than 20 years and is currently a partner at an accounting firm leading a team of around 50 people. She is a qualified pensions actuary and helps companies to manage the risks and costs associated with their pension schemes. She is keen to use the skills she has learned in the private sector within Everychild Partnership Trust. Outside of work, Emma likes to spend her time outdoors - walking with her husband and dogs or growing fruit and vegetables in their garden.

Rachel Thorne

Rachel is the Headteacher of St. Mary’s Church of England Primary School in East Grinstead.

Rachel became a Headteacher in 2005. She has been a Head in four very different school settings and this has developed her passion for education. She is dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of learning for all children.

Rachel believes in ensuring children remain at the heart of decision-making for schools and that they experience an exciting, engaging and positive learning journey that inspires them for their future. 

Rachel lives in West Sussex, she enjoys walking by the sea or in the countryside and spending time with her wider family.

Shareen Wilkinson

Shareen is Executive Director of Education at LEO Academy Trust, leading on curriculum, teaching & learning and assessment. She has been in education for over 20 years and has fulfilled a wide range of senior leadership roles, including being an LA Lead Primary Adviser, English adviser and is still an education consultant to several organisations. Shareen has a proven and extensive track record of raising standards in primary schools. 

Shareen is an established educational author, writer and editor and has written educational resources and books. She has worked with the DfE in various advisory/ reviewer roles and as an STA deputy standardisation team leader for the KS2 national writing training.