Dudley Infant Academy
Governors
Our school is part of a wider Academy Trust, which provides support and guidance to help ensure high standards across all its schools. Alongside this, our Local Governing Body plays an important role within our own school community. Made up of dedicated volunteers, governors work closely with the Principal and staff to support the school, ask questions, and help make sure every child receives the best possible education. They bring valuable local knowledge and experience, helping to ensure that the needs of our children and families remain at the heart of everything we do.
David Marks (Chair)
I have lived in Hastings for 7 years. I am a retired solicitor. I am a member of 2 local choirs and a book group. I provide telephone advice and support on a voluntary basis for an advice agency. I am also a volunteer for the Mallydams RSPCA Wildlife Centre. I enjoy walking, gardening, reading and opera. Our very energetic lurcher dog keeps me well exercised!
David is a Co-Opted Governor.
Sarah Pryor
I joined Dudley’s Local Governing Board in 2021, and currently work closely with the academy in the areas of behaviour and community relations.
I have two children, who previously attended Dudley Infant Academy. While home schooling during the pandemic, I more fully appreciated the amazing job that our teachers and school staff do in nurturing our very young children. Not only in helping them to take their first steps in education, but also helping them understand the values that are important throughout our lives. I was happy to become a governor and help to support the academy in any small way that I can through my career experience outside of education.
Sarah is a Co-Opted Governor.
Joanne Luke
Working as a Governor, has enabled me to work closely with our local community and build links to further develop enrichment opportunities and inspire a love of learning.
Joanne is a Staff Governor.
Stuart Maclean (Principal)
As a dedicated and values-driven Principal, I am committed to providing every child with the highest quality education and the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. My work as a School Governor complements my leadership role, enabling me to contribute to the strategic direction of the school with both professional insight and a deep understanding of our community’s needs.
Throughout my career, I have championed excellence in teaching and learning, ensuring that high expectations, strong safeguarding practice, and a culture of inclusion remain at the heart of our provision. I believe strongly in developing a positive school ethos built on core values. As a leader, I am collaborative and reflective, empowering staff through clear communication, shared vision, and professional trust. I take pride in building strong relationships with pupils, families, and colleagues, recognising that genuine partnership is essential for sustained school improvement.
In my role as a Governor, I contribute strategic guidance rooted in real-time operational experience, ensuring that decision-making is both ambitious and grounded in the realities of school life. I am committed to effective governance that challenges, supports, and holds the school to account. I use data rigorously, evaluate impact carefully, and prioritise actions that improve outcomes and opportunities for all children, particularly the most vulnerable.
Driven by a passion for continuous improvement, I remain focused on ensuring that every child in our school feels safe, valued, and inspired to achieve their very best. I am proud to serve as both Principal and Governor, and I remain steadfast in my commitment to leading a school where pupils flourish and staff feel empowered to deliver exceptional education every day.
Stuart is a staff Governor