Our Members

If you would be interested in a trustee or member role with our trust please see the below links:

or contact us on admin@elvedenschoolstrust.co.uk

Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich

Corporate Member St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocese

Current representative: Drew Quayle (from 01.09.2026)

Drew is the Director of Education for the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich. In this role, he collaborates strategically with church schools, academy trusts, governors and educational partners to support the provision of high-quality education for all children. Drew has 20 years of experience in education, spanning primary and higher education.

Drew began his career in Oxford, teaching across the primary age range and developing a partnership with the local authority to create STEM resources to support schools throughout the county. Moving to Essex, he worked as an advanced skills teacher, helping to improve mathematics teaching and learning in schools.

He was recruited to Suffolk as a deputy headteacher to help lead a school out of special measures, before becoming headteacher of an outstanding primary school, where he oversaw its transition from a lower school to a full primary school.

Prior to his current appointment, Drew spent nine years as a senior lecturer and course director at Anglia Ruskin University, where he established and led programmes in educational leadership and primary education studies. Alongside his professional responsibilities, Drew is completing a PhD in mathematics education.

Appointment date: 01.09.24

Lynne Proudlock

Chair of Governors at Elveden C of E Primary Academy

Expertise: Education and SEN/ Ex Head Teacher (Specialist provision)

A couple of years ago I retired from a career in education which included both secondary and primary schools. However I later specialised in the SEN sector and enjoyed the headship of three very different settings. Although I no longer work in education my passion for children’s learning has not diminished nor has my belief in every child having an equal opportunity to fulfil their true potential.
Two of my grandchildren very happily attend Elveden Academy and I am honoured to play a part in the education of them and their peers.
In spare time I enjoy gardening, reading and taking part in Forest Schools. However time spent with the grandchildren is my biggest joy.

Appointment date: 01.09.24

Andrew Blenkiron

Elveden Estate Manager

Expertise: Business, Finance, Property and Estate management

Andrew Blenkiron is the Managing Director of Elveden Farms Ltd in Suffolk, this includes
a substantial and varied in-hand farming operation, two public houses, a farm shop/café,
forestry, hedge and Christmas tree business, a residential and commercial property
portfolio and various other commercial and charitable activities. His previous experience
has included working in rural businesses in every region and most soil types in England,
from Dorset to Northumberland.
Andrew comes from a family farming background, with his grandparents having run a
small, tenanted hill suckler and sheep farm in Nidderdale, Yorkshire, he has just
completed a term as the Chairman for National Farmers Union in Suffolk and he sits on
various Agricultural industry boards and committees, he is a Professional Fellow of the
institute of Agricultural Management and a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies, for
which he is presently the chairman of the English panel.
In his spare time, Andrew is involved in a number of local community initiatives and
enjoys sharing his wife’s passion for all things equine, including breeding event horses
and showjumpers.

Appointment date: 01.09.24

Phil Knowles

Appointment Date: 01.09.24

Resigned 02.12.25