Pen Portraits

Alastair Carr

My family moved to the area in 1965 and I am still here! St. Aidan’s School did not exist, the church was being rebuilt and mass was held in the former church hall. The local Catholic primary schools were oversubscribed, so my siblings and I attended Woodcote Infant & Junior School. There was an obvious need for a Catholic primary school, so my father, together with two other parish members set about to accomplish this aim. A little over 10 years later, St. Aidan’s School opened its doors to the two Coulsdon parishes.

A close relationship between the school and the parishes has been created over many years and Fr. Peter is fully committed to strengthen this even further.

I have been closely involved in parish life at St. Aidan’s, having served on the parish council for two terms. My wife, Sue and I ran the altar servers and training programme for many years. I was also a catechist for the confirmation programme. In 2000 I was invited to head the church restoration programme.

The school has always held a strong Catholic ethos, which is essential for every child’s progression and well-being. The Teaching staff, Parish Priest and Governors are fully committed to ensure this is at the heart of the school’s curriculum.

It is a tremendous honour to be invited as a foundation governor.

 

Margaret Cox

I am a widowed mother and grandmother.  Education is my passion - I firmly believe that it is the key to enable children of all abilities and backgrounds to aspire to a good future career (a) to better themselves; (b) to contribute to society in a positive manner.

Apart from being a School Governor, I also belong to several clubs, all of which keep me busy:

• Debating Society
• Literary Society
• Book Club
• Walking Club
• Flower Arranging Club​

Both my degrees (BA (Hons) and MA were achieved as a mature student with the Open University.

 

Mark Hannon (Executive Headteacher)

Mark joined the school in May 2024 and is a parishioner at St John’s Church in Gravesend.

An experienced senior leader in education, Mark has over 20 years’ experience as a Deputy Head and Headteacher, and is the current Executive Headteacher of three Catholic schools in London.

Mark has served on primary and secondary governing boards, as well as an Interim Executive Board for several Catholic schools. Mark graduated from St Mary’s College, Queen’s University Belfast, with a first class degree in Education.  He also holds a Masters degree in Education from the Open University, together with NPQH and NPQEL qualifications.  Mark worked as a National Leader of Education for five years supporting school improvement, and is now a Catholic Schools Inspector, as well as Chair of Governors for a large Catholic secondary school in Kent and is one of the Board of Directors of the Kent Catholic School Partnership, a large Catholic academy trust across the county of Kent.

 

Gill Gillespie (Vice-Chair)

I joined the governing body spring 2014 and I'm now Chair of the Finance committee. I also serve on the Personnel Committee and I'm the numeracy link governor, which provides a monitoring link back to the governing body for this important subject.  I'm an Actuary by profession. I work for a Pensions Annuity company, where I focus on developing financial models to determine the resources required to ensure that promised pension payments are secure. I believe that I am able to use my business and finance experience to contribute to the strategic direction of the school and to ensure that financial resources are used wisely for continuous improvement in all aspects of learning.

I'm a parishioner at St Mary Help of Christians Old Coulsdon - where I run the catechism class for children not at catholic schools, the confirmation programme and the youth club. Catholic education and support of our children within a strong Christian community is very important to me, as I understand that children flourish in a stimulating and valued environment. As such it's a privilege to be serving as a governor at St Aidan's, which is a school that I can see supports these aims and provided a strong foundation for my own 3 children.

 

Father Peter Mansfield

I am a Foundation Governor. In a Catholic school just over half the Governors are Foundation Governors because they are appointed by the Archbishop of the Diocese of Southwark to represent the Catholic Church. I think that the relationship between the two Coulsdon parishes and the School is very important. I have two roles in the School. I am like a chaplain to the School because I am the Parish Priest. This means that the pupils and staff come within my pastoral care. I am also a Governor which means that I have a responsibility to contribute to the way in which the School is governed. I have a special responsibility to ensure that the Catholic ethos is always at the heart of what goes on in every aspect of the life of the School. Thankfully I work with likeminded Governors and staff, so I feel part of a team of people who are convinced of the importance of the religious dimension.

I learn a great deal from the pupils and staff at the School when I visit the classes and the staffroom. Not having children of my own, it is very important not to lose touch with the challenges and opportunities for children in today’s society. The school community helps to keep me in close contact with the realities of family life, with its joys and its struggles.

I think that anyone who wants our School to maintain high standards should be encouraged to give of their time and talents in order to achieve such an outcome. One way in which people can contribute is by serving on the Governing Body. My own school life was in two countries. I went to school in Co. Cork, Ireland until I was 14 years. I then came to London and finished my schooling at Wimbledon College.  I have been a priest for thirty six years as I was ordained in 1983. I was ordained a priest at the age of 25. I have served in Southwark Diocese in Thornton Heath, Lewisham, Beckenham Hill, Bearsted – Kent, Sydenham and Coulsdon.

 

Dr Trevor Papworth

I am a Headteacher of a Catholic Secondary School in the heart of London.  Therefore am able to voluntarily offer up informed support and share best practice with St Aidan’s.

I am dedicated to Catholic education and see my role in supporting St Aidan’s as part of that dedication.  I am very impressed with the focus on the Catholic Ethos at the school and on implementing a Catholic curriculum with a strong commitment to safeguarding and inclusion.  These are areas I am particularly able to support St Aidan’s with.  I am also committed to supporting the Head do whatever it takes to raise standards.

 

Jo Sone (Chair)

I currently have one child attending St Aidan’s.  They are in Year 6. During their time at St Aidan’s, I have watched my children progress academically and seen their behaviour mature taking on the values of the Christian faith.

I have 22 years’ experience working as a primary school teacher in schools in Merton and South Croydon.  I am currently working part-time as a Reception class teacher but have worked in many other year groups. I have an excellent knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the current Curriculum.

I originally volunteered as a Parent Governor to offer my experiences, skills and knowledge gained in my own teaching career to support the Governors, staff and parents to ensure the school continues its journey in supporting children emotionally, socially and academically to achieve.