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Governing Body

The Make Up Of The Saint John Henry Newman Governing Body

The functions of the Governing Body are determined by Instrument of Government, a legal document which determines the ‘modus operandi’ of our Governing Body.

  • There are 7 Foundation Governors and 1 Vacancy
    As a Catholic School, these comprise the majority of the Governing Body.  The elected Chair of the Governing Body must always, under the Articles of Instruments of Government, be a Foundation Governor.
  • There iare currently 2 Parent Governors.  These Governors must have a child in the School at the time they are openly elected by parents. Governors have a Returning Officer who conducts the election, either at a time of Reconstitution or after a Parent Governor steps down.
  • There is currently 1 Staff non-Teaching Governor and 1 vacancy for a Teacher Governor
  •  
  • There are 2 Co-opted Governors who are appointed by other Governors to bring specific skills and expertise to the board.
  • The Headteacher is also a Governor.
     
  • There is also a Priest Governor.

Once in post, each Governor is required to function fully as a member of the Governing Body in its role and function.  No Governor is there to represent a special group e.g. a Parent Governor is not appointed to become ‘the voice’ or the ‘ears’ of groups of parents.

Governors are normally elected or appointed to serve a term of 3 or 4 years, and can remain on the Governing Body for three terms of office (a maximum of 12 years). It would be impractical for all Governors to be appointed/elected so that their terms of office all come to an end at the same time for obvious reasons.  Under the most recent reconstitution Governors were appointed to serve varying years of service.

At The Saint John Henry Newman Catholic School, the Deputy Headteacher(s) and Extended Leadership Team are invited to all Governing Body Meetings.  This enables Governors to have full access to the Extended Leadership Team and allows leaders to present their areas of accountability directly to Governors.  The Deputy Headteachers are co-opted, which enables them to take part in discussions but not to vote other than in the various committees established by the Governing Body.

The Saint John Henry Newman Catholic School is a member of the Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust and converted to Academy status in March 2012. Information regarding the Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association, Scheme of Delegation, and Funding Agreement can be found by clicking here

Governance - Key Information - The Diocese Of Westminster Academy Trust 

The Trust Board receives regular reports as to the school’s progress in key areas, including pupil performance, risk assessments, financial audits and staff development.

Meet our Governors

Co-opted Governor - Chair

IMG 20250227 201944~7Marijana Evans  

1/6/2024 – 30.5.2028

I became a governor at The Saint John Henry Newman Catholic School after seeing the position advertised in my parish newsletter. With thirteen years of experience in primary education and having served as a parent governor at my child's primary school, I consider it both a privilege and a calling to contribute to the Catholic education of our youth, assisting the school in guiding the pupils to grow into the individuals God intended them to be.

My academic background is in Food Science, and prior to my transition into education, I worked in the food industry. I am also actively engaged in my parish, focusing on children's and family ministry, while striving to foster a strong and supportive community.

In my spare time, I volunteer with a local toddler group and enjoy singing in a choir. This September, my eldest child started his journey at the school.

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP:

  • Finance & General Purpose
  • Curriculum, Teaching & Learning
  • Admissions

Link Governor - Pupil Premium

Foundation Governor - Vice Chair

EDUNSHIREEmma Dunsire

From 01.03.2024 - 31.08.2027

I joined JHN’s Governing Body as a Foundation Governor in March 2024.

I have been working for the Diocese of Westminster for the past three years as Parish Administrator of the Letchworth Parish of St Hugh of Lincoln. I have also been a First Holy Communion Lead Catechist for the last seven years which is a role I find hugely rewarding.

Prior to my post at St Hugh, I have worked in the fashion industry as Head Buyer and Area Manager for an Independent retailer based in London and Windsor for many years. I have also freelanced as a journalist and academic research.

Academically, my background is in the Humanities, with a degree in English Literature, specialising in Critical Theory, and a MA in Modern Philosophy.

I like to be an active member of my community and I strongly believe in social engagement. From September 2024, my eldest child will join the school as a pupil.

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP:

  • Safeguarding, Safety & Staff 
  • Admissions

Link Governor - Spiritual Life of the School - RE, Safeguarding

 

Foundation Governor

IMG 7003Felicity Corcoran   

1/2/2025 – 31/8/2028

I joined as a Foundation Governor of the Saint John Henry Newman School in Spring 2025.

I grew up in Hitchin and am a longstanding member of the parish of Our Lady Immaculate and St Andrew in Hitchin where I serve as a Eucharistic Minister. 

I studied Modern Foreign Languages at Newcastle University and then a PGCE in secondary education at the University of Cambridge.

I have worked in schools in Hertfordshire and London for the past 25 years initially as an MFL teacher before taking on departmental and pastoral responsibilities. 

Since 2008 I have worked as a senior leader at St Michael’s Catholic College, a very successful 11-18 mixed Academy in Bermondsey in Southwark Diocese and have been Headteacher there since September 2017. St Michael’s is a founding school in the St Benedict Catholic Multi Academy Trust which opened in April 2024 and I have recently been appointed as part time interim Director of Secondary Education for the Trust.

I am passionate about the ability of Catholic education to bring young people to the fullness of life so that they can lead meaningful and successful lives and I am delighted to have an opportunity to serve my local Catholic secondary school as a Foundation Governor.

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP:

  • Safeguarding, Safety & Staff 

Link Governor - Sixth Form

Foundation Governor

Anne VegaAnne Vega

1.3.2025 – 31.8.28

I joined the St John Henry Newman Governing Body as a Foundation Governor in March 2025 and bring nearly 20 years of experience in primary education, having taught across a range of schools. For eight years, I worked at a thriving Catholic primary school in Rugby, where I led the First Holy Communion programme. During this time, I saw first-hand the positive impact of a strong Catholic ethos on pupils, staff, and the wider school community.

Following this, I spent ten years as a specialist teacher, supporting children with speech and language difficulties, helping them to develop confidence and reach their full potential.

I am currently focusing on raising my two young children. My eldest attends a Catholic primary school, where I have greatly enjoyed engaging in school life and events. It has been especially rewarding to see her faith grow and deepen throughout her school journey.

It is both a pleasure and a privilege to serve on the governing body at The Saint John Henry Newman Catholic School, and I am committed to supporting and strengthening its Catholic community.

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP:

Curriculum, Teaching & Learning

Link Governor - Curriculum, Teaching & Learning

Co-opt Governor 

IMG 3966Kelly Donkor

1/6/2024 – 30.5.2028

I was co-opted as a Governor at The Saint John Henry Newman School in June 2024. I’ve worked in education for nearly 20 years, predominately in senior teams leading on safeguarding, wellbeing and pastoral care, and am currently a Vice Principal with Curriculum and Student Services responsibility across a Group of providers. Since 2013 I've served on a range of governing bodies, acting as a Committee Chair, Chair of Board and Link Governor.

My daughter has just completed her GCSEs at the school and my son is about to embark on his journey in Year 7, so I am delighted to be able to give back to the place that has shaped, and will shape, them into young adults. In my spare time I'm often on the side of a netball court or a football pitch cheering them on. 

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP:

  • Curriculum, Teaching & Learning
  • Admissions

Link Governor - SEND

 

Priest Governor  

TBC

Parent Governor

KateKate Corney

From 01.09.2022 - 31.08.2026

I took on the role of parent governor in 2022 to support and serve the Saint John Henry Newman school, which my son had recently joined. I sit on the full committee and the Teaching and Learning committee. Being part of the SJHN Governor team gives me the opportunity to support education and faith in our community, which I believe are the most valuable and important gifts we can give our children. It's my pleasure to work with the team at SJHN as it strives to improve its learning offering across the school with dedication and devotion. 

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP:

  • Curriculum, Teaching & Learning Chair
  • Admissions

Link Governor - SEND

Parent Governor

Robert OconnellRobert O’Connell

From 08.03.2026 - 08.03.30

I joined the Governing Body in March 2026 to help and support the school  and the wider community. My son is in Year 8 and being part of the Governing Body will give me the opportunity to help the school in its mission to create a Catholic community inspired by faith. I am a Train Driver on the London Underground and in my spare time like to play and watch sport and read.

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP:

  • Finance & General Purpose

Link Governor - Finance & General Purpose

Staff Governor (non teaching)

Thumbnail image 1Tara Walker

From 15.09.2025 - 15.09.2029

I joined The Saint John Henry Newman Catholic School as School Librarian in November 2022 after returning to the UK from twenty years working as a Teacher Librarian in schools internationally. I am fascinated at how integral reading is to our wellbeing and life success.

Outside of work I enjoy exploring muddy footpaths and attempting to cook international dishes.

Working with the young people at JHN is a privilege and a joy. In my role I engage with a range of students and staff on a daily basis and as a Governor I relish the opportunity to contribute to this unique learning community.  

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP:

  • Finance & General Purpose
  • Admissions

Staff Governor (teaching)

tbc

 

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP:

  • Curriculum, Teaching & Learning
  • Admissions

Contacting the Governors:

Queries about the management of The Saint John Henry Newman School and the progress of any individual child should be directed in the first instance to the school via the usual channels.