Who We Are and What We Do?

We live locally and are all approachable.

Kate Gordon (Church Governor) - Chair of Governors

I have lived in Caterham for 5 years and have been a governor at St John's since 2016. I am a secondary school teacher with over 15 years teaching experience and work in an outstanding comprehensive school in Bromley. I am passionate about creating independent, resilient & motivated learners who can use education to open up all opportunities available to them. I have two children, my son Ben is in Year 3 at St John's and a little girl called Imogen.

Robert Veale (Head Teacher - automatically becomes a Governor and sits on all the main committees)

Rob was appointed head teacher of St John's in April 2015 and secured the Ofsted grading of 'Good' in July 2017. He is passionate about innovative and creative learning and driven to ensure all pupils are challenged, make excellent progress and grow as individuals and as part of a community. He encourages outdoor learning and leads on the development of forest schools.

Rev Jaimee Summers (Church Governor) – Faith Group and lead on Church Distinctiveness

Rev Jaimee Summers

Denise Birkett (Foundation Governor)

I have more than 40 years experience ranging from primary to adult education, this includes 16 years as a primary school headteacher.

Currently, I work part-time as an associate/ facilitator for the Institute of Education on leadership programmes.

All children deserve to be offered a wide curriculum that enables them to develop an enthusiasm for learning, discover their strengths and enable them to make a positive contribution to the world. As school governors we have a responsibility to ensure that we offer every opportunity within our means to achieve this.

Professor Christopher Warwick - Vice Chair of Governors

Chris worked as a GP in Caterham between 1999 and 2016, having lived in the town since 2003. He now works as the Primary Care Dean for the NHS South East region, and is responsible for the education and training of the entire primary care workforce across Kent, Surrey & Sussex. His children love being at St Johns, and he brings expertise in educational governance and regulation, as well as strategic leadership in public service. He takes a leading role helping the school support pupils who qualify for pupil premium funding.

Paul Cypher (Parent Governor)

Paul has lived locally for 6 years and is a parent governor. He has 18 years of experience in public sector and not for profit work and is skilled in dealing with complex legal, risk and governance issues. He is keen on finding practical and pragmatic solutions to challenging problems.
Kate Standing (Foundation Governor)

Victoria Gowers – Parent Governor
	I’ve lived in Caterham for 7 years and have worked in Financial services for 13 years. I want to use my corporate experience to support the school through any commercial requirements and allow school leaders to prioritise their time for the children and their learning. I’m passionate in ensuring children have all the necessary tools and support to reach their full potential in school life.
Matthew Dixon – Parent Governor

Lex Lang – Associate Member
	Lex Lang is Deputy Head - Innovation and Partnerships at Caterham Prep and a National Advisor on innovation for IAPS. He leads on looking for new ways to use develop how schools can best support teaching and learning for every pupil and works with a number of local schools through the East Surrey Learning Partnership to support this through resources and training. Lex is proud to work as a governor with the team at St John's, who are absolutely passionate about helping every child to achieve their very best, academically and in their wellbeing, in partnership with their school community.
Sarah Shoebridge – Clerk