Governing Body
Here at St John the Divine Primary School we have an active governing body.
Our governors are representatives of the parents, school staff and the local community.
The Full Governing Body (FGB) meet once a term. Alongside this the governors work is supported through termly committee meetings. There are four committees: Standards, Teaching and Learning, Admissions, Finance and Audit and the Buildings committee. The Chair of the Governing Body is Peter Truesdale.
The Standards, Teaching and Learning Committee (ST&L) support the leadership team in ensuring that high standards are maintained in teaching and learning and that our curriculum is relevant to our children, whilst meeting statutory requirements. The Chair of the Standards Teaching and Learning Committee is Sophia Anderton
The Finance and Audit Committee (F&A) is responsible for overseeing school expenditure within the school budget. The Buildings Committee is now part of the Finance and Audit Committee, and remains responsible for Health and Safety and ensuring that there is a clear development plan to enable us to keep our Old Victorian building in the best shape possible to provide for your child to enjoy during their time with us. The Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee is Mark Chapman.
The Admissions Committee (ADM) is responsible for ensuring that our admissions policy is adhered to. The Chair of the Admissions Committee is Mark Williams.
The day-to-day running of the school is entrusted to the Headteacher and staff.
Our Governing Body
| Name & Term | Committee Membership | Responsibilities | Register of interests | Attendance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mrs Catherine Warland | ExOfficio | Finance & Audit Standards, Teaching & Learning Admissions Buildings |
Head Teacher |
Link to a brought in service
|
ST&L 11.10.2023
F&A 13.12.2023 FGB. 13.09.2023 /13.12.2023 ST&L 05.03.2024 F&A 21.05.2024 ST&L 01.07.2024 FGB 09.07.2024 FGB – ST&L – F&A – 23.03.2025 ST&L – 05.11.2025 F&A – 25.11.2025 FGB – 17.12.2025 |
| Name & Term | Committee Membership | Responsibilities | Register of interests | Attendance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon Mark Williams | ExOfficio | Finance & Audit Standards, Teaching & Learning Admissions |
Faith Governor Safeguarding Governor |
Governor at St Gabriel’s College | ST&L 11.10.2023
F&A 13.12.2023 FGB. 13.09.2023 /13.12.2023 F&A 21.05.2024 ST&L 01.07.2024 FGB – ST&L – F&A – 23.03.2025 ST&L – 05.11.2025 FGB – 17.12.2025 |
| Name & Term | Committee Membership | Responsibilities | Register of interests | Attendance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melanie Rodney-Dyer
30.03.2023 to 31.01.2027 |
Parent Governor |
Curriculum Committee | None | None | FGB 09.07.2024
FGB 17.12.2025 |
| Name & Term | Committee Membership | Responsibilities | Register of interests | Attendance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mark Chapman 01.04.2022 to 01.04.2026 |
PCC Governor | Finance and Audit |
Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee Link Governor for Key Stage One |
None | ST&L 11.10.2023
F&A 13.12.2023 FGB. 13.09.2023 /13.12.2023 F&A 21.05.2024 FGB 09.07.2024 FGB – ST&L – F&A – 23.03.2025 ST&L – 05.11.2025 F&A – 25.11.2025 FGB – 17.12.2025 |
| Name & Term | Committee Membership | Responsibilities | Register of interests | Attendance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Peter Truesdale 13.03.2024 to 12.03.2028 |
Local Authority Governor
third term of office |
Finance & Audit Standards, Teaching & Learning Admissions Buildings |
Chair of Governors | None
|
ST&L 11.10.2023
F&A 13.12.2023 FGB. 13.09.2023 /13.12.2023 ST&L 05.03.2024 F&A 21.05.2024 FGB 09.07.2024 ST&L 01.07.2024 FGB 09.07.2024 FGB – ST&L – F&A – 23.03.2025 ST&L – 05.11.2025 F&A – 25.11.2025 FGB – 17.12.2025 |
| Name & Term | Committee Membership | Responsibilities | Register of interests | Attendance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sophia Anderton
25.10.2023 to 24.10.2027 |
PPC
second term of office |
Standards, Teaching and Learning | None | None
|
ST&L 11.10.2023
FGB. 13.09.2023 /13.12.2023 ST&L 05.03.2024 ST&L 01.07.2024 FGB – ST&L – ST&L – 05.11.2025 FGB – 17.12.2025 |
| Name & Term | Committee Membership | Responsibilities | Register of interests | Attendance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Julia Payne 02.12.2023 to 03.12.2027 |
PPC
second term of office |
Finance and Audit | Vice Chair of Governing Body | None | ST&L 11.10.2023
F&A 13.12.2023 FGB. 13.12.2023 F&A 21.05.2024 FGB 09.07.2024 FGB – F&A – 23.03.2025 F&A – 25.11.2025 |
| Name & Term | Committee Membership | Responsibilities | Register of interests | Attendance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Deacon Annie Wanjohi 30.03.2023 to 31.01.2027 |
PCC | Standards Teaching & Learning | None | None | ST&L 11.10.2023
FGB. 13.09.2023 /13.12.2023 FGB – ST&L – ST&L – 05.11.2025 FGB – 17.12.2025 |
| Name & Term | Committee Membership | Responsibilities | Register of interests | Attendance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nicole Vargas 17.12.2025 to 16.12. 2029 |
Parent Governor | None |
FGB 17.12.2025
|
Peter Truesdale – Chair of Governors
I have lived in Kennington and worshipped at Saint John the Divine for nearly 40 years. My Mum was a primary school teacher! I was a member of Lambeth Council for 20 years, including four years as a leader of the council. The first in my family to go to university, I know how important education is and what I owe to those who taught me.
Canon Mark Williams
I have been the Vicar of St John the Divine Church since 2010, and as the parish priest I am an ex-officio governor of the School. A keen musician, I grew up in South Wales, and am also the first person in my family to go to university, thanks to some exceptional teachers along the way. I am fiercely committed to improving opportunities, educational or otherwise, for all people, irrespective of background, and I love working in and celebrating our diverse multi-cultural context in London.
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Governor News
We are currently holding elections for a new Parent Governor. Voting will take place on Monday 8th December 2025.
Governor Responsibilities
Chair of Governors – Peter Truesdale
Vice Chair of Governors – Julia Payne
Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee – Mark Chapman
Chair of the Standards, Teaching & Learning Committee – Luke Davy
Chair of the Admissions Committee – Mark Williams