Patrick Gillespie – Chair of Governors

I have been committed to English Martyrs Catholic Primary School since 2010, serving as a Foundation Governor and assuming the role of Chair of Governors in 2012. My journey began as a Foundation Governor at a primary school in Plumstead, where my two daughters went to school.

I am deeply committed to the values of Catholic education and the invaluable opportunities it offers to children, both now and for generations to come. I am honoured to be a Foundation Governor at English Martyrs, where I am consistently impressed by the strong Catholic ethos, exceptional care for students, and high standards of education delivered by our dedicated and hardworking teachers under the exemplary leadership of the Headteacher.

Drawing on my 30+ years of experience in mental health, both as a nurse and manager, I believe my skills and knowledge contribute positively to supporting the Headteacher and staff. My active involvement as a Governor has deepened my understanding of the diverse roles within school life.

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Janet Douglas Gardner – Foundation Governor

My name is Janet Douglas Gardner and I am a Foundation Governor. As an educator, I use my knowledge and skills of policy and pedagogy to be a critical friend to the school.

I am a member of the Curriculum Committee and Link Governor for Literacy.

 

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Julius Ogunmuyiwa – Foundation Governor

I have been a foundation Governor at English Martyrs’ Catholic Primary  School for over 4 years. I  serve on the Premises and Finance committee, and also sit on the Diocese of Southwark Schools Admissions Appeals Panels.

I am a practising Catholic and a strong believer of the choice offered by the catholic ethos embodied  in our schools which consistently reflected in high standard of education.

I am retired but active. During my working life abroad and in the UK worked in Accounting and Finance. Since retirement I have been giving my skills and experience to Society by volunteering in the community. I volunteer in courts with Citizen Advice – Witness Service, Pact – helping and supporting prisoners and their families.

I have a wide and good experience of the inner city and hope that my skills and experience can be of help to the development of future generation.

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Adefunke Ojo – Parent Governor

As a parent governor, I am passionate about ensuring every child has access to the best possible education. My interest in the processes that support education, from curriculum development to school policies, drives me to engage fully in my role. I am committed to working closely with the governing body, headteacher, staff, and parents to ensure the school not only meets its current goals but also continues to evolve in a way that benefits all students.

With over 11 years of experience in Human Resources, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, particularly when it comes to policy development, people management, and organizational processes. This expertise allows me to approach the development and review of school policies with a strategic mindset, ensuring they align with both the needs of the school community and best practices.

My own children have been at the school for several years, and I have seen firsthand the positive impact that a supportive, inclusive, and well-structured environment can have on a child’s academic and personal growth. Watching them thrive and progress in such a nurturing setting has reinforced my commitment to contributing to the school’s continued success. I am excited to work together with others to support the school in creating the best possible educational experience for every child.

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Orestis Nikou – Co-Opted Governor

I have been a governor since 2022. Like all governors, I do that on a voluntary basis, besides my day job in a bank. I originally come from Greece and have lived in Belgium and Germany, before settling in the UK. I studied political science and economics.

In my role as governor, I work to ensure the school adheres and celebrates its Catholic faith and the values of British society, providing the best possible education for the next generation.

 

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John Camilleri – Headteacher

I originally come from the small Mediterranean island of Malta but moved to London in 1994. Since then I taught in different schools in Lambeth and Southwark.

I first joined English Martyrs’ school in September 2007 where I taught in upper Key Stage 2 and later was part of the Senior Leadership team. In 2016 I moved to another primary school in Lambeth where I was inclusion lead then Deputy Head until February 2021 when I joined English Martyrs’ for the second time, this time as a Headteacher.

I do feel that the English Martyrs’ school community is a very special one made up of wonderful pupils who are so eager to learn and make progress, hard working staff members, supportive parents and a governing body that is committed to keep working to make the school and even better place of learning for all our pupils.

 

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Anthony Fincham – Foundation Governor

I have been a foundation governor since November 2023. I was impressed by what I read in the latest Ofsted report particularly how the children love their school and by what I saw and the staff I met when being shown round. I am a member of both of the committees.

I already have experience as a school governor having been on the board of another foundation since 2017. I am a retired solicitor and live locally a short bicycle ride from the school.
I am married with 3 grown-up children. I am relishing opportunities in retirement to travel as well as to watch and play cricket.

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Ms Mead – Staff Governor  Appointed January 2021.

 

 

 

 

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Nicholas Ajaegbu – Associate Member Foundation Governor (Co Vice Chair)

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Kamran Ali – LA Governor

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Robert Layzell – Foundation Governor

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Tokumbo Adebayo – Parent Governor