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.

Dr Paul Trynka – Foundation Governor/Chair of the Curriculum committee/Vice Chair of GB

I joined the Governing Board in 2016 as a governor inspired by the wonderful education my son enjoyed at Addeys.

The key skills which I bring to the GB come from my strategic experience in publishing, where I launched magazines and managed large teams.

However since I joined the GB I have been inspired to change career via the charity ‘Now Teach’, and I am now a physics teacher at a Greenwich comprehensive.

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

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.

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 Schools 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. 

Mickey Kelly MBE – Co-opted Governor

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.

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/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. 

Rob Watt – Foundation Governor/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.