About our Governors

Barbara Smith – Foundation Governor/Curriculum Committee/Chair of the FGB

At the end of my first day at school I went home and told my mother I wanted to be a teacher. I have been involved in education ever since as a pupil, teacher, mother, leader, advisor and governor, always in SE London.

I have three children who all went to Lewisham schools and some of my grandchildren also attend Lewisham Schools so I have a vested interest in them being a good place to be.

As a governor I have been attached to several Deptford schools over many years. It and its young people have a special place in my heart.

James Pollard – Foundation Governor/Vice Chair of GB
Resources Committee

I have been a governor at Addey and Stanhope for 20 years having attended the school myself, making me - an ‘Old Scholar’.

In my working life I was in the clothing industry where I was responsible for large budgets, sales, stocks and profit. I am able to bring my knowledge of these areas to the business side of the school and I work closely with the Director of Operations.

Rob Watt – Foundation Governor/ Vice Chair of GB
School and Community Committee

I am a proud Addey and Stanhope governor.

As a theatre director, I’m a strong advocate for creativity across the entire curriculum. I’ve worked with young people in schools for the past 20 years. I became a governor because I was blown away by Jan Shapiro and her team’s innovative, caring, and nurturing approach to education. Inspired by their work, I was eager to contribute to the school community.

Emmanuel Atuah – Foundation Governor/Resources committee

I originally became a governor when my children attended Addey and Stanhope and edged me into the role.

As an accountant I come from a finance background and I am able to support the school and the Governing Body in the financial area as a member of the Resources Committee where we scrutinise finance, premises and staffing.

Pat Billings - Foundation Governor/Curriculum committee

I attended Addey and Stanhope from 1948 - 1953 and became a governor in 1996.

My original experience was in office management but in 1971 I embarked on an OU degree in Science and Humanities and subsequently worked at the National Maritime Museum as a curator.

Through the Sail Training Association I had the opportunity to sail on tall ships regularly for the ten years, including crewing on several Tall Ships Races.  Through this I Iearned the value of sail training for the development of young people. I continue to support students of Addey and Stanhope through sponsorship with the Tall Ships Youth Trust which leads to such things as Duke of Edinburgh awards.

I have contrived to bring my skills and experience into play in support of the school over the years and still support the school I love and whose history I have researched.

Roz Caught – Co-opted Governor/Curriculum Committee

I’ve worked in state education for 40+ years, formerly as a teacher & leader in Inner London secondary schools and latterly as a leadership coach developing colleagues and their teams in a wide range of schools throughout London and beyond. The majority of schools I’m currently working in are Special schools which has given me valuable insights into the challenges faced by the learners, their families and school staff.

I have very broad experience and understanding of schools and the issues they face. I am passionate about providing all children and young people with the opportunities and support that that they deserve and also about supporting school staff to provide genuinely inclusive schools. I am really excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the continued development and success of Addey’s.

Dr Brandon Charleston – Parent Governor/Chair of the School and Community committee

My 2 children have thrived at the school - nurtured and inspired by its incredible and dedicated staff.

I bring over 25 years’ experience to the Governing Body of working for youth development charities focusing on operations and experiential learning.

Ali Fazel – Associate Governor

I became a governor because I believe education really has the ability to change the trajectory of a child's life and shape their world view in such a unique way. I want to be part of that journey and support students at Addey and Stanhope to become the best version of themselves. 

The skills and experience I bring to the governors include my work as a Data & AI consultant at a Global Consultancy - I deliver programmes for financial services organisations and have a strong track record of change management and organisational transformation. I have political and legislative experience from my time in the UK Parliament, as well as experience in academic research within the education field, focussing specifically on the development of character in schools. 

Zaida Florian - Parent Governor/Foundation Governor/Resources Committee

I have been working in education for over 25 years, most of that time in Deptford.  I have a degree in education and my focus has been on early years, adult education and SEND. Most recently I have been working on and developing community educational and cultural projects.

I became school governor when my girls started at Addeys 14 years ago. I have been a foundation governor and parent governor.

I am deeply committed to supporting the school’s mission and to contributing to the excellent work it does within the local community.

Dean Gordon - Foundation Governor

My name is Dean Gordon, my background and experience as an educator, school leader, and father of a teenager will be beneficial to the governing body. I work in Primary Education and relish the idea of being able to support a different type of school.

I am currently the Executive Headteacher for two Lewisham primary schools including an Alternative Provision for primary aged children. In this role I have a sound understanding of school data and use the data as a key tool to guide me in all decisions I make. Pupil data is analysed to inform me on how I set targets, write the School Development Plan how we spend the budget. We must prioritise the areas of weaknesses based on the data.

I also use soft data to inform me on future actions. I’m a visible leader so I try to be on the school gate in the mornings and or in the afternoons. I see the parents and the children as they enter and leave daily. Their mood, smiles, greetings, give me information to work with and supports me with decisions I make. This soft data is then followed up with a survey which provides the hard data needed to firm up plans and decisions.

I am an active and vocal race equality advocate. I am a member of Lewisham Race Equality Steering group and we advocate for the pupils in the borough who are most disadvantaged by the inequalities of the system within which we operate.

I have leadership and general skills and a wealth of experience to offer and share with the governing body.

Mickey Kelly MBE – Co-opted Governor/ Chair of Resources Committee

I have over 30 years of experience leading London primary schools, including taking Redriff Primary from special measures to outstanding and founding Galleywall Free School. I have supported schools needing rapid improvement, including two in Deptford, and serve as Chair of Governors at Maudsley and Bethlem Hospital Schools.

Passionate about inclusion, I champion equity in diverse communities and neurodiverse-friendly education. I believe all children can succeed when learning reflects their backgrounds. My contributions to education and the Rotherhithe community were recognised with an MBE from the late Queen.

Originally from Northern Ireland, I studied at Lancaster University, later training as a teacher at Goldsmiths. I have lived in Lewisham for 40 years, raising my children, Maeve and Eoin, who attended local schools. Now, my grandsons, Khaliq and Khalil, keep me busy.

I look forward to contributing to Addey and Stanhope School’s community.

Eleanor Morgan - Parent Governor/School and Community Committee

As a parent governor with children at the school, I bring both a personal and professional perspective to the role. I work as a Scrum Master in IT, supporting teams to work well together and helping projects run effectively.

I also have experience working with HR policies and processes, which has helped me develop a fair and balanced approach to decision-making. I became a governor to gain a better understanding of how the school works and to support a positive experience for all pupils.

Chenai Mutuma - Co-opted Governor/Resources Committee

I joined the governing body in 2023, driven by a strong belief in giving back to the community and playing a part in shaping a positive environment for future generations. While the role has allowed me to serve at Addey and Stanhope, it has also been a rich learning experience and a privilege to contribute in a meaningful way.

Professionally, I have spent nearly 15 years in the financial services sector, with a particular focus on investment management. I hold a law degree and currently work as a leader within the wealth and asset management division of a global firm. Skills that I endeavour to use as a governor, and with a passion for careers and workforce readiness, I hope to inspire the students at the art of possibility for whatever they dare to dream, as they embark on the journey of their lives.

I remain committed to supporting the school's continued development and success, and I look forward to making a lasting contribution to its growth and values.

Joshua Osei – Staff Governor/Resources Committee

I bring a well-rounded perspective to governance, having worked in different types of schools and having firsthand experience as a student in the London school system

I have extensive experience working in school operations, office management and HR policies and procedures across various educational settings. I became a staff governor because I believe strongly in the school's strategic vision and approach. I saw an opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to support its ongoing development and positively impact student outcomes as well as to learn.

I am committed to supporting the school's growth and helping shape a positive environment for both students and staff.

Beryl Roberts – Foundation Governor/Resources committee

Not only did my three sons attend Addey and Stanhope but so did I. I was part of the PTA and then became a governor in 1982.

Knowing the school for so long and particularly through my insights as a parent, I understand the school’s ethos.

I worked as a secretary in business and legal offices; I also worked in Sainsburys for 30 years and am therefore very used to dealing with people and problems. I was also a Cub Pack ‘Akela’ for 40 years so I know about children and leadership too!

Cllr Sakina Sheikh – Local Authority Governor

It’s a privilege to be a governor at the school and whenever I visit the school I am struck by how strong the culture is of valuing and supporting the students.

As a Lewisham local councillor and former London assembly Member I have nearly 10 years of experience in devolved governments. I hope to contribute these governance skills to improving the outcomes for students, teachers and the staff at Addey and Stanhope.

As a lifelong Lewisham resident, I know this school is at the heart of Deptford, and I want to get stuck in to uplift the work being done in the school to create bright future for the young people in this area.

Melissa Schramm – Foundation Governor/ Chair of Curriculum Committee

I have worked as a secondary school English teacher for the past 20 years in London, latterly as a member of senior management with a particular focus on academic performance,  curriculum development and support for pupils with SEND. 

I wanted to become a school governor to give back to my local community. When the opportunity came to be a Foundation governor at Addey and Stanhope nearly two years ago, I leapt at the chance. Addey's is a uniquely wonderful school and I am so pleased to have been given the chance to work with Jan and her team. 

Roy Sefa-Attakora - Foundation Governor/ School and Community Committee

I attended Addey and Stanhope and was born and raised in Deptford.  I have an undergraduate degree in Politics and International Relations from Loughborough University; a postgraduate Degree in Public Policy from the University of Oxford, University College (as a recipient of the Duke of Cambridge Scholarship).  I'm currently a Commodities Trader at Global Investment Bank and former UK Government Chief for Covid 19 Finance.  

I understand the importance of allowing children, regardless of their circumstances, to dream and aspire to greater things.

Tembisa Yawa - Parent Governor/
School and Community Committee

I’ve been a governor at Addey and Stanhope for 6 years as a Parent Governor and sit on the School and Community Committee.  I have worked in primary education for 8 years. 

I am passionate about ensuring children have a happy, healthy and enriching educational journey. 

I have lived in the Lewisham borough all my life and live close to the Addey’s community. 

As a proud Mother of two children that are Addeyans, I believe Addey and Stanhope to be a unique school that teaches, nurtures and supports the children to understand the importance of developing themselves for their future endeavours.