Our Governors
The Governing Body consists of parents, staff, local community representatives and local authority appointees.
Governors make many important decisions about the school, including setting the budget each year and monitoring all areas of school life.
Governors are also responsible for the appointment of the headteacher.
Governors meet at least once every term as a body and also termly in their committees. We have 2 main committees: Resources Committee looks at all issues relating to finances, premises, personnel and health and safety; the Teaching and Learning Committee looks at all issues relating to achievement and standards as well as the curriculum. The committees report back on a termly basis to the full Governing Body.
Minutes of all meetings are available for public inspection.
Our governors are very involved in the life of the school. They regularly visit the school to monitor aspects of the school such as health and safety, school improvement priorities or the impact of new initiatives.
Parent governors are sometimes around at the start and end of days on the playground. If you wish to contact a governor, details are available from the school office.
The Stillness Schools Federation Register Of Interest as at March 2026
The Stillness Schools Federation Instrument Of Government
Meet Our Governors
Gloria Lowe
LA Governor
Chair of Governors
I am delighted to have been appointed as the Chair of Governors of the Stillness Schools Federation. I have previously been Headteacher of two schools, Northolt High School in Ealing and Sydenham School in Lewisham.
I have also held senior roles in governance and understand the impact that strong strategic leadership can have on school communities. I am deeply committed to inclusive practice in education and will ensure that the Stillness Schools Federation Governing Body focuses relentlessly on driving school improvement and securing the highest standards for all in the Federation.
The ambition for both schools in our shared community is to ensure that every child is supported to thrive, be happy and achieve success, regardless of their individual starting points or backgrounds. I have lived happily in Lewisham for many years and will be able to use my deep knowledge of the borough and the many connections that I have made to achieve the outcomes that we are determined to secure.
Tatyana Popova
Co-Opted Governor
Co Vice Chair of the Governing Body
Finance Committee
I’ve lived in South-East London for the past 15 years and am proud to raise my two primary school-aged children here. As a parent, I care deeply about the quality of education and the wellbeing of children in our community. Professionally, I work in finance and bring with me a strong leadership skillset, which I’ve found incredibly valuable in my role as a school governor. I previously served as Chair of Governors at Stillness Infants School, and I’m currently Chair of Trustees at a family-focused charity. Both roles have deepened my understanding of how schools and communities can work together to support children to thrive. I believe in creating inclusive, nurturing environments where every child feels seen, heard, and supported. Being part of a governing body is a real privilege, and I’m committed to helping both schools achieve their goals while always keeping children at the heart of every decision.
Eli Tabiri
Co-Opted Governor
Co Vice Chair of the Governing Body
Teaching and Learning Committee
I bring over ten years of experience working in a variety of schools, including independent, special, secondary and primary settings. This has given me a broad perspective on how different schools operate and, most importantly, how children can be supported to flourish.
I have also worked as a School Business Manager for more than four years, which has strengthened my skills in finance, organisation and strategic planning. In addition, I have previously chaired a committee on another governing board, where I gained valuable experience of how governors can work together with school leaders to make a positive difference. I have a strong interest in education and in the wellbeing and development of young people. I am proud to be part of the governing team and committed to helping ensure our schools offer the very best opportunities for every child.
Mrs Mitzi Nichol
Head Teacher Stillness Juniors
I have been part of the Stillness Juniors community for 34 years and know the school and its families well. I am passionate about ensuring every child has an equal chance to thrive, and I am committed to helping them leave us confident and ready for the next stage of their school journey.
Wellbeing is something I value highly, both for pupils and staff. My strengths lie in mentoring colleagues and providing strong leadership, and I take pride in supporting others to grow and succeed.
During my time at Stillness Juniors, I have contributed to successful Ofsted outcomes and helped maintain excellent KS2 results that now sit above national expectations. It has been a privilege to serve this community for so many years and to continue to play a part in its ongoing success as a key member of the Stillness Schools Federation Governing Body.
Mrs Annie Grimes
Head Teacher Stillness Infants
I have had the privilege of being Headteacher at Stillness Infants for 9 years. Prior to a career in education, I developed our family business, having achieved a BA hons in Business Management; this has helped me transfer skills and knowledge into my Headship role. I have always lived and worked in Lewisham borough and am passionate about supporting our diverse community. My vision is to get children ‘off to a flying start’. Working with the Governing Body of The Stillness Schools Federation, I want all our children to experience a rich, varied, and exciting curriculum that will enable them to thrive in an ever-changing world. I want our schools to be a place where children are happy and safe, developing resilience, determination and independence in all they do, whilst demonstrating respect and consideration towards our community. With all stakeholders working collaboratively, we can achieve this goal for all children.
Josie Murphy-Harding
Co-Opted Governor
Teaching and Learning Committee
I am a secondary school teacher, leadership practitioner, and parent of a child Year One, with another soon to join. In my professional role, I lead on teaching and learning strategy, deliver whole-staff development on the science of learning, and have written and implemented a school-wide behaviour policy. This experience equips me with strong skills in curriculum development, staff training, and fostering inclusive, supportive environments where all children can thrive. I combine professional expertise with a deep commitment to the school community. I can provide informed oversight, support strategic decision-making, and help ensure the school delivers high-quality outcomes while promoting the wellbeing of every pupil.
Emily Mackenzie
Co-opted Governor
Teaching and Learning Committee
I’ve been a primary school governor for over 15 years, serving in both Southwark and Lewisham, and joined the Junior school’s Governing Body in 2015. I’ve chaired the Junior School GB for the past few years and am pleased now to be part of the newly federated Governing Body. Over the years, I’ve supported schools through changes in government policy, funding, curriculum, and Ofsted frameworks, as well as the challenges of the pandemic. I’m passionate about fostering a culture of continuous improvement and supporting leadership teams to deliver inclusive, high-quality education. As a parent, I’ve seen the lasting impact of a strong school community; all three of my children attended the Junior school, and my youngest also went to the Infants. We’ve made lifelong friends here, and I’m proud to give back to a place that’s meant so much to our family.
Will Murphey
Co-opted Governor
Finance Committee
I am an ex English teacher at Prendergast Ladywell Fields school. I left the classroom for the civil service, by way of two years studying economics in California. In government, I’ve worked at the Department for Education leading a review of Special Education Needs policy, and now work at HM Treasury on tax and fiscal policy. I am also a parent of two boys, one in year one! As governor, I want to support the two schools’ leadership teams in maintaining excellent standards, including: smooth transitions on entry to reception and from Infant to Junior school and a well rounded, joined up curriculum
Jamie Robertson
Co-opted Governor
Teaching and Learning Committee
I am a parent to two girls in Stillness Junior School and served as a class rep for 3 years. For the past two years I have served as a co-opted governor of the Governing Body at Stillness Junior’s and have a vested interest in doing all I can as a parent, and supporter of Stillness Leadership to assist with this new transition into a joint governing board for both schools. I am honoured to carry forth my knowledge and experience into this joint governing board along with my background as an experienced writer, attorney and mediator.
Ben Chambers
Parent Governor
Finance Committee
I am a primary school teacher working in Lewisham as well as a trained safeguarding professional. Previously I worked as a journalist and editor focusing on renewable technology and finance. I have one daughter in Year 4 at Stillness another in Year 8 at Prendergast School.
Sophie Roberts
Parent Governor
SEND Link Governor
Finance Committee
I’m Sophie and have two children at Stillness Infants. I’m an employment lawyer which involves advising on all sorts of people related issues within the workplace. I’m hoping that the skills I need for my day job (pragmatism, analytical skills and empathy) will help me to fulfil the role as a parent governor. As a parent, I’m mindful of the pressures placed on both parents, children and the school and care deeply about ensuring that all children have access to the best education possible. As part of the new federated governing body, I am committed to listening, advocating and collaborating with parents, children, teachers and the other governors across both schools to ensure both schools thrive. I want to help and ensure that as we bring the schools together, we create a nurturing and inclusive environment for pupils, staff, and families alike.
Louise Threadgold
Staff Governor
Teaching and Learning Committee
As an experienced teacher, with 23 years’ experience, I offer the governing body a deep understanding of curriculum development, pedagogical best practice and knowledge of the intricacies of the school structure. I bring a wealth of diverse skills and experiences having worked in a variety of schools: state schools, private schools and an international school in New York. My teaching and learning background will allow me to provide evidenced based input to strategic decisions, I will be equipped with strong analytical skills and I am adept at asking the constructive, probing questions necessary to hold school leadership to account in a supportive manner, using my professional knowledge to drive continuous improvement.
Those who meet me, always state that my passion for this job is tangible and I am dedicated to using my unwavering commitment and perspective to help the governing body best serve the school community and achieve the highest possible standards for every pupil.
Angelica Maria Escobar Giraldo
Staff Governor
Finance Committee
My current role at Stillness Infant School is as Administrative Officer. I am the first point of contact for our families, visitors and staff, and lead on school attendance and admissions. I organise all our wrap around services including all the activity clubs we offer our families every term. I was motivated to become a governor because I want to contribute to the ongoing success of the schools, ensuring all children get the best education possible. I bring my unique perspective based on my own experience and many different roles I have held in Stillness Infants since 2005. I am passionate about doing what is right for our pupils, their families and our staff. With the many challenges present in our society nowadays I believe it is important to focus on supporting wellbeing whilst encouraging an engaging and thriving environment for our pupils.
Rebecca Kelly
Associate Governor
As an Associate Governing Member and Deputy Head at Stillness Infant School, I’m proud to play an active role in supporting the school’s leadership, culture, and strategic development. My role lets me connect the work of governance with the day-to-day life of the school. I contribute to discussions about the curriculum, safeguarding, and wellbeing, and I enjoy sharing my experience of teaching and learning to help shape what we do.
As Deputy Head, I lead by example and work hard to create a caring environment where every child feels safe, valued, and encouraged to do their very best. Having this dual role means I can make a positive difference both in the classroom and at a strategic level, helping our school to continue to grow and flourish.
Zoe Renner-Thomas
Associate Governor
I have been a teacher for 12 years working predominantly in KS2. I have a wealth of experience of dealing with additional needs and behavioural issues. I have been subject lead in English, Computing and PSHE and have introduced numerous new teaching schemes over the three schools I have worked in. I have led on the Pupil Premium Strategy for the past 10 years over two different schools with very different demographics. I successfully completed my NPQSL in 2021 and am in the process of completing my NPQH. Prior to becoming a teacher, I had a successful career in STEM publishing working for the Institution of Civil Engineers and then later the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. When my son was younger I was also self-employed for some time working as a publishing project manager.
Anthony Doudle
Associate Governor
I have over 30 years’ experience in education. I trained as a teacher and taught in a range of primary schools in Australia and the UK. I have been a successful Head Teacher of a small Church of England School in Hackney which saw the school make significant improvements during my headship. Since 2003, I have held a variety of local authority roles in Hackney, Islington and for the past three years as Head of Lewisham Learning, supporting schools to improve the quality of education, teacher training and development and supporting school leaders at all levels. Since 2018 I have been Chair of Governors at Brunswick Park Primary School, which saw the school improve from Requiring Improvement to securely good with outstanding features in Personal Development and Behaviour. I am committed to improving the educational provision and reducing educational inequalities for the most vulnerable.
Message from our Chair Of Governors
Dear Families
Welcome back to the new term. We do hope that all is well and that you have had a good and restful weekend.
We wanted to let you have a few updates about the Federated Governing Body so that you are aware of what we have been doing.
Governing Body meetings have been taking place regularly. There are two sub-committees focused on ‘Resources’ and ‘Teaching and Learning’ and each of these committees meet once a term. Governors volunteer to sit on one of these committees (a few Governors attend both committee meetings by choice).
There is also a termly Full Governing Body meeting which every Governor attends. All these meetings enable Governors to discuss issues relating to both schools with action points arising from them. The minutes of these meetings are available for families to see.
For the summer term the Governing Body will be meeting on the following dates:
• Teaching and Learning Committee on Wednesday 6 May
• Resources Committee on Wednesday 20 May
• Full Governing Body meeting on Thursday 18 June.
Individual Governors undertake visits to both schools to monitor progress in particular areas including teaching and learning, safeguarding, SEND and health and safety.
As ever, there are many wonderful extra-curricular events that will be taking place this term ensuring that the children across the federation have enriching experiences. Thank you to everyone involved in planning, organising and leading these events including FOSI and the Stillness Junior PTA. Your hard work and commitment to raising all important funds for the school community is hugely appreciated.
At the end of the summer term, the Federated Governing Body will have been in existence for a year. Governors are keen to hear the views of families about this arrangement and we would welcome any suggestions for improvement. There will be an opportunity for families to give some feedback and we will let you have more details about the form the evaluation will take later this term.
We hope that the term ahead is a good one for everyone.
Kind regards
Gloria Lowe
Chair of Governors-Stillness School Federation