https://www.seckford-foundation.org.uk/home daily 1.0 2022-08-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615c53cc53eb0e44ac1633b9/1633441707993-X7LBG30IELV88IQPMN90/031.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615c53cc53eb0e44ac1633b9/1633442043916-KF1SX1GL9XAMGS9RQK52/speechday-2.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615c53cc53eb0e44ac1633b9/1633442501685-UXFN5O7LSW4X5F0V28Y0/086.jpg Home https://www.seckford-foundation.org.uk/ourhistory daily 0.75 2025-12-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615c53cc53eb0e44ac1633b9/46b5715a-b326-4226-b4d2-6ed2635ea7a9/Thomas+Seckford+c.jpg Our History - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615c53cc53eb0e44ac1633b9/6fc51b1c-a317-4f34-ae39-95a040372864/Almhouses+18th+c+Robert+Loder.jpg Our History - Make it stand out Thomas Loader https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615c53cc53eb0e44ac1633b9/3cd80751-28dc-4750-bafc-21dd4d2d5a70/New+cricket+pavillion.jpg Our History - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.seckford-foundation.org.uk/governance daily 0.75 2026-03-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615c53cc53eb0e44ac1633b9/300ebdd6-ef12-4b85-a06f-670084075a62/Governance+and+Committee+Structure+Sept+2026+Chair+names.jpg Governance - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615c53cc53eb0e44ac1633b9/5697ec6c-f39a-41a5-9592-a8abf3f3f022/Clive+Schlee.jpg Governance - Clive Schlee Chair I spent a lot of my childhood in and around Woodbridge and I was delighted to be asked to chair the Foundation in early 2020. I hope I bring enthusiasm, compassion and plenty of commercial experience to all the Foundation’s activities. I was CEO of Pret A Manger for seventeen years and learned the importance of team member engagement and a sense of purpose to any organisation. I believe the Foundation’s reputation is based on the excellence of its operations and my goal is for Seckford Care and Woodbridge School to be best in class. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615c53cc53eb0e44ac1633b9/d23af27b-99ec-42bf-b9ff-420d959e01db/Howard+Blackett+photo+for+badge.jpg Governance Howard Blackett Governor I was educated at St Edward’s School and Christ Church, Oxford. Post university, after a brief spell in the Royal Navy (basic training at BRNC Dartmouth and sea time in HMS Illustrious), I found my true vocation as a school master working in independent boarding schools, which culminated in 22 years of headship (Dover College, Kent; the Royal Hospital School, Suffolk and Peterhouse School, Zimbabwe). I am married with three grown up children, all of whom were educated at RHS, and I live locally in Alderton. Nearly all ball sports and choral singing are life-long interests as is walking in the great outdoors. I hope that my knowledge of and commitment to the independent sector will be of value to the Board and to the school and that, in particular, I will be able to offer support to the HM as she negotiates the challenges and of Headship! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615c53cc53eb0e44ac1633b9/232d13aa-2c9c-4657-b937-0fe9249adf59/Peter+Brown.jpg Governance - Peter Brown Governor I was recruited as a Governor at the beginning of 2024. As well as serving as a Governor, I specifically support Seckford Care as a member of the Foundation’s Care Committee. Before joining as a Governor, I was Chair of Trustees for a London charity which is active in supporting community and social issues. My paid work is in the social housing sector where I currently work on decarbonisation strategy. I have been based in Colchester since 2018 where I relocated to start a family. I hope my expertise in strategy, regulatory compliance and general assurance will support the Foundation to continue to deliver great services to all who rely on it for education and care. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615c53cc53eb0e44ac1633b9/82709a3c-f1de-4388-ad2b-b680841bbffa/8.+Will+Fletcher+photo+for+badge.jpg Governance - Will Fletcher Governor As CEO of Lapwing Education, a specialist alternative education provider working with disadvantaged 4-25 year olds across East Anglia, I am passionate about the holistic development of young people. Since moving to Suffolk in 2009, I have gained significant teaching (subject specialism English), senior leadership and school improvement experience within a range of education settings and have been integral to the successful transformation of a number of challenging schools within the state sector. Prior to this I spent my early career as a change management consultant working globally with market leading clients within the high technology sector. Having been invited to join the Board in 2022, I hope my education leadership experience will both support and challenge the Foundation to deliver the best possible outcomes for those within its care. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615c53cc53eb0e44ac1633b9/697eb531-1de1-4272-b1bb-1c8a60d298cc/David+Humphreys+photo.jpg Governance - David Humphreys Governor I have been a regular visitor to Woodbridge since the late 1970s and was married at St Johns Woodbridge in 1982; my wife and I have returned to Suffolk in retirement and live in Saxmundham. After graduation I taught geography at HMC schools in the Midlands before becoming Deputy Head at Caterham School in Surrey and then Headmaster of Woodhouse Grove School in Yorkshire, a role I enjoyed for nearly twenty years before then working for eight years as Chief Executive (General Secretary) of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust and in that role supported the work of Trustees, school governing bodies and leadership teams in their provision of education and fulfilment of their strategic objectives. I hope my experience, skills and interests will be useful to Woodbridge School and the Seckford Foundation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615c53cc53eb0e44ac1633b9/bc883fef-a4ad-4425-bdf4-6b2da6b15160/Sarah+Hill.jpg Governance - Sarah Hill Governor Following a degree in English Literature at Exeter University I worked in advertising in London and Hong Kong. Moving to Moscow, I became chair and trustee of Action for Russia’s Children, working with disabled and disadvantaged children. The charity’s work showed me the power of educating the individual, within and beyond the classroom. Since returning to the UK in 2007 I have volunteered at Citizen’s Advice. In 2014 I became a co-opted member of Woodbridge School Committee, subsequently becoming a full Governor. My four children have all benefited hugely from their wide-ranging Woodbridge education. I hope my interest in education and experience of the voluntary sector will benefit the Foundation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615c53cc53eb0e44ac1633b9/eab21e8d-f1d4-4aa6-bbef-06bbc2b7307e/Sharon+Kerridge.JPG Governance - Sharon Kerridge Governor I was delighted to be appointed a Governor in May 2024 following my return to Suffolk and setting up home in Woodbridge. After a 30 year career in commercial banking and asset management I have transitioned to the charity sector. I am currently the Associate Director of Risk for Marie Curie where I am responsible for developing their risk management framework and for the last six years, I was Treasurer of South East London Mind. I hope to use my energy and professional skills to support the continued success of the Foundation ensuring we uphold our values, deliver best in class care and have a positive impact on the wider Woodbridge community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615c53cc53eb0e44ac1633b9/86b4d1d1-7b75-4a31-bead-4df85915c38b/IMG_6196.jpg Governance - Margaret McKenna Governor, Vice Chair I am a chartered management accountant with an MBA from London Business School, which I obtained after taking a degree in Physics at Oxford University. I have worked for over twenty years as Bursar of sizeable independent schools (Sherborne, then Felsted) and have experience of Prep and Senior Schools, boarding and international students. I have also served as Governor of two independent Prep Schools (and Chair of Sherborne Prep School) and as Chairman of the Independent Schools’ Bursars’ Association, bringing significant experience of schools, both at a strategic and operational level. Whilst my primary focus is on Woodbridge School, I am proud to be involved with Seckford Care and continue to develop the ways I can contribute to their success. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615c53cc53eb0e44ac1633b9/ef37aea5-fae7-4976-84e8-2d6a2ab7379f/Sarah-Louise+Neesam.JPG Governance - Sarah-Louise Neesam Governor (Safeguarding) I was delighted to be appointed as Safeguarding Governor in May 2024. I have 23 years of experience working as Student Welfare Manager at West Suffolk College and now as Group Head of Welfare and Safeguarding at Eastern Education Group where I am responsible for the wellbeing of around 12,000 students. This work has given me vast experience in safeguarding and I also currently sit on several safeguarding related boards and panels in Suffolk. This work isn't easy but I take my responsibility to safeguarding children and adults at risk very seriously and promote wellbeing wherever possible. I am keen to support the Foundation with my experience and knowledge in this area and will carry out my role as Governor diligently. I am Suffolk born and bred, living in a small village near Debenham. I have a husband and two grown up sons and many pets including three cats and chickens. I very much enjoy craft and am keen on crochet and sewing. I have a degree in Politics from the University of Essex where I focused on international relations and particularly personality led decision making. This element from my degree has been especially useful in my work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615c53cc53eb0e44ac1633b9/b21dd2bf-1b00-4361-a09b-fd14e05a4f83/Florence+Paul+2.JPG Governance - Florence Paul Governor I grew up in Suffolk and have strong ties with the Seckford Foundation, having attended both Woodbridge School and the Prep School. After my time at Woodbridge, I went on to study Law at the University of Sheffield and completed my legal practice course at BPP in Cambridge. I then trained as a solicitor at Birketts LLP, where I gained valuable experience in Charity and Property Law, before qualifying into the firm’s Regulatory and Corporate Defence team. In January 2025, I was thrilled to be appointed as a Governor of the Foundation. Alongside my role on the board, I’ll also be supporting the Compliance and Risk Committee. I’m excited to bring my personal and professional experiences to help benefit the Foundation in any way I can. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615c53cc53eb0e44ac1633b9/32b2cfe7-c668-401d-bfe9-b810b9faf3f8/Will+Self.jpg Governance - Will Self Governor Having been brought up in Suffolk and with two children at Woodbridge School, I have a strong connection to the Seckford Foundation and its core purpose and values. I originally gained a degree in Oceanography at Southampton University before retraining in finance and completing an MBA from Cranfield Business School. I’m now CEO of a listed Pension, Investment and FinTech firm. Outside work, I’m Chair of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, providing support to families and care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across the region. I’m looking forward to applying my commercial and charity experience to help the Seckford Foundation in its next phase of growth. https://www.seckford-foundation.org.uk/keydocuments daily 0.75 2026-03-31 https://www.seckford-foundation.org.uk/privacy-policy daily 0.75 2025-03-07 https://www.seckford-foundation.org.uk/vacancies daily 0.75 2026-04-02 https://www.seckford-foundation.org.uk/ourteam daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615c53cc53eb0e44ac1633b9/96a81a47-9670-487e-982c-c709a53b1500/Woodbridge+School+087.jpg Our Team - Shona Norman Head of Woodbridge School After completing her A Levels at Wisbech Grammar School in Cambridgeshire, Shona studied for a degree in English Literature at London University. Upon completion of this, she obtained her PGCE from Cambridge University before being appointed as a Teacher of English at Woodbridge School in September 2002. During her time at Woodbridge, Shona has been promoted to the positions of Housemistress, Extended Project Qualification Co-Ordinator, Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Senior Deputy before stepping into the role of Acting Head in May 2019. Whilst Deputy, Shona chose to return to Cambridge University to complete her Masters in Educational Leadership and School Improvement; she remains part of their Leadership for Learning initiative. Shona became Head of Woodbridge School in January 2020. Regarded by her staff and students as an inspirational leader and an outstanding teacher, Shona is passionate about student welfare inside and outside of the classroom and in ensuring that every child is recognised as an individual, preparing them to excel in the future world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615c53cc53eb0e44ac1633b9/8d11b12b-f15b-4b4b-a2e4-6dfd368f037e/Simon+Stafford.jpg Our Team - Simon Stafford Director of Finance Simon leads the finance team which supports all of the Foundation’s activities. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1996 with KPMG. After qualification he spent fourteen years working in private practice with KPMG and Baker Tilly, specialising in Transaction Services and Corporate Finance. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2012, Simon was Group Finance Director of Targetfollow Group Limited, a commercial property investment and development business. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615c53cc53eb0e44ac1633b9/4bd7734c-20fb-4575-a16d-9e62dff6e092/Richard+Stone.jpg Our Team - Richard Stone Director of Operations Richard joined the Seckford Foundation in September 2021, having previously worked for Royal Mail and Marks & Spencer in various operational leadership roles. Born and raised in West Yorkshire, he graduated from The University of York with a degree in Economics and has now settled in Ipswich with his young family. Richard is passionate about the strength of teams, believing that teamwork coupled with individual accountability is the root cause of success.