St. Edmund’s is a school that knows itself well. The leadership team and governing body have an open and trusting relationship of challenge and support. Governors demonstrate an enthusiasm and dedication to the school.
RE Inspection March 2020
| Parent Governors | Claire Milham Octavia Armstrong Catherine Wilkinson |
| Staff Governors | Erika Kirwan Headteacher (ex officio) Debbie Brown |
| Link LA Governor | Samantha Martin-Morrisey |
| Foundation Governors | Fr Jamie Debbie Brooks (Chair) Fiona Rooney Stuart Smith (Vice Chair) Ann-Therese Moloney Barbara Habayeb |
| Clerk to the Governors | Guy Rogers |
Fr Jamie McGrath
As parish priest of Our Lady and St Edmund parish I am a Foundation Governor of St Edmund’s school. I serve on the Admissions committee. Until recently I was also Episcopal Vicar for Education in the diocese of Portsmouth. Since I arrived in Abingdon in 2010 I have been thrilled by the way important links between parish and school continue to strengthen. With the senior leadership of the school we strive to enhance the Catholic ethos in a nurturing and wholesome way.
Debbie Brooks (Chair)
I am a Foundation Governor and joined the Governing Body in April 2018. I have been elected Chair of the Governing Body at St Edmund’s from September 2019. My background is in education and I have taught mainly Primary and Early Years children. I am now retired and I am enjoying helping in school by hearing children read. I sit on the Teaching and Learning Committee, Resources Committee and the Admissions Committee. I am a parishioner at Our Lady and St Edmund’s Church.
Fiona Rooney
I’m a Foundation Governor, and I joined the team in October 2018. I sit on the Teaching and Learning Committee, and I am the Safeguarding representative for the Governing Body. I have two sons in the school, and I am a parishioner at Our Lady and St Edmund’s Church. Being a Governor at the school is a huge privilege, and I am thoroughly enjoying being part of our special school community both as a parent, and in my role as a Governor.
Stuart Smith (Vice Chair)
My name is Stuart Smith and by day I work in IT for a local Publishing firm. I’ve been a Foundation Governor on the Resources Committee since 2017 and have recently taken on the mantle of Vice-Chair. As well as being a Foundation Governor, I have two children at the school.
Samantha Martin-Morrissey
I joined the Governing body of St Edmund’s in Spring 2019 and currently sit on the Teaching and Learning Committee. I am Catholic and I have two children at the school. I have also been a secondary school teacher for twenty years so I am hoping that my experience will be helpful in supporting the school to continue to thrive as a place of learning, loving and praying.
Ann-Therese Moloney
I joined the Governing body as a Foundation Governor in summer 2021 and sit on the Teaching and Learning committee. I am a parishioner at Our Lady and St Edmund’s Church and have been involved with the school for over thirty years both as a parent and until recently as a Teaching Assistant. This experience will help me to contribute to the school as a governor.
Octavia Armstrong
I have been a Parent Governor on the Resources Committee since spring 2021. I am a Catholic mum of two boys, and my eldest attends St. Edmund’s. I work in market research specialising in innovation and new product development. I am excited to contribute to our wonderful school community.
Barbara Habayeb
With a background in education and also management information systems for schools, I am pleased to be able to offer and use any relevant skills and to have the opportunity to work with the School community as a foundation governor and member of the Resources committee. I hope to be able to help the school to go from strength to strength in all areas, especially the Catholic ethos.