Andrew was a secondary school Geography teacher for 29 years before transitioning to the primary stage at St Bede’s. Andrew has a passion for creative learning and looking outside “the box”.
Governors
Our Governing body is formed from a diverse background of members who specialise in a number of areas including Education, IT and Marketing. We are all volunteers and are appointed to assist in the strategic direction of the school. The members include the Chair, the Vice Chair, Parent governors, Foundation governors, Local Authority governors, school staff and the Headteacher.
The governors do not get involved in the day to day running of the school or in how the school is managed, but are there as support to the Headteacher and senior leaders in promoting high standards of education, welfare and spiritual well-being of all our pupils.
We work as a team alongside the Headteacher and senior leaders to promote and support the success of the school. We act as a “Critical Friend” helping to ensure high standards are maintained and that all of our children remain happy and healthy whilst making outstanding educational progress.
The Governors meet on a regular basis in the form of two committees focusing on the curriculum, school development, admissions, finance, safeguarding, personnel and premises. The full Governing Body meets each term to discuss outstanding issues from the committees and to receive feedback from the Headteacher and senior leaders regarding the progress of the school.
In addition to this, Governors are linked with various aspects of the work of the school and meet periodically with school staff to monitor and promote progress towards targets.
Whenever possible, Governors support staff and pupils by attending the many events that take place during the course of the year.
Liz Flaherty
Chair of Governors
Our Governors
Angel Okafor
Parent Governor
Angel Okafor, an accomplished IT professional with significant experience in leading cross-functional teams to deliver technology solutions that solve complex business problems, improve efficiency, and drive growth. Committed to volunteering and active service, Angel believes in giving back through meaningful engagement and helping create opportunities for every learner to succeed.
Joseph White
Foundation Governor
Joseph has a wealth of experience in project and product management. He has led complex, multi-skilled teams globally to deliver successful solutions to business challenges. He uses emerging technologies like Automation and AI to achieve this.
Grace Timms
Staff Governor
Grace has been teaching at St Bede's since qualifying in September 2017. Her interests are in the development of the Early Years Curriculum and the teaching and learning of music across the school.
Ellen Hynes
Foundation Governor
With over 30 years experience in primary education, many of which were at St Bede's, Ellen has a sound understanding of the developments and current challenges in schools.
Felix Obadaki
Foundation Governor
Felix is a CIPD certified HR professional and has had a long career as an HR consultant and project manager. He became a governor in early 2021 in line with his passion for developing the ‘next generation’ through education and opportunities.
Femi Afolabi
Parent Governor
Femi Afolabi is a senior telecommunications executive with over 20 years of experience leading network strategy, governance, and large‑scale transformation across complex, multi‑vendor mobile environments.
Liz Flaherty
Chair of Governors
Liz was a secondary school teacher for 27 years before moving to work for Hampshire County Council, where she was the county manager for the special educational needs service.
Mary Kucharska
Vice Chair of Governors
Mary Kucharska has been a Foundation Governor since 2018. Mary has a child who is in Year 3 and another in EYFS.
Fr John Lee
Ex Officio Foundation Governor
Fr John has been a priest for over thirty-two years. For much of that time he has been a Parish Priest. He holds degrees in Pastoral Studies and Healthcare Chaplaincy. Fr John has always enjoyed his engagement with schools both as a Chaplain and as a Foundation Governor.