Our Governors

Zoe Smith - Chair of Governors

I have three children currently in Year 2, Year 4 and my eldest has just left Year 6  to start secondary school. I have seen first-hand how every member of the staffing team at Christ Church plays a vital role in creating a warm, caring, professional ethos; encouraging children to engage with our dynamic curriculum, learn about themselves, develop interpersonal skills, form positive relationships and appreciate the world around them. One of the unique features of our school is our strong sense of togetherness. Parents, carers and children, with a range of different life experiences, come together to support the school and staff and create a rich, vibrant community.

As chair of governors, my role is to ensure we have an energized and representative Board of Governors who have a breadth of professional and personal expertise and skills. As a team, we ask challenging questions, read reports, scrutinize data and results, ensure policies are compliant, that budgets and monies are accounted for. We recognise and celebrate excellence and achievement but also critically appraise the schools performance. In real terms this means; we keep our eye on what's going well but more importantly,  what we need to do to make things better. We support the Executive Head by providing strategic oversight for the school, ensuring it delivers the best educational outcomes for our children, in line with the national curriculum.

My previous professional roles have included health education (HIV), conference and events management. I have a broad range of experience in communications, marketing, market research, community engagement, events management and fundraising - all skills that I'm very happy to utilize in supporting the school. 

Jayne Mitchell - Executive Headteacher

I qualified as a teacher in 1991 and worked in Islington for many years before I was appointed as the Headteacher at St. Andrew's in Stockwell in 2002.  In 2016 St. Andrew's and Christ Church SW9 formed a partnership and I was appointed as the Executive Headteacher.  Over the years, I have been a serving Ofsted inspector, I have chaired many Lambeth committees and working groups  and I am currently a member of the Lambeth Schools Partnership Board.

I am passionate about education and the development of our children as individuals who can make informed choices.  I believe strongly in growing academic skills and knowledge, but also believe in physical, personal and creative development.  School is about improving skills and knowledge, developing friendships, learning how to be good citizens, having fun and growing independence.  Our school community at Christ Church is wonderful and It is an absolute privilege to be the Headteacher to work with all our amazing children and families.

Sheron Herridge - Staff Governor

Natalie Cole - Foundation Governor

Amanda Glean Mbuyi - Foundation Governor

Steff Wright - Foundation Governor

My son was a pupil at Christ Church, SW9 and when we joined the community, I appreciated the welcome and support from the school staff and community. Offering to be a Governor is part of my way of giving back to support the school in its aim to provide the best education for each child.

As well as my current role as a Church Minister, I also hold QTS for primary ages and have experience within the health sector with children and adults with additional needs including Mental Health. I am also a single parent with two children; both of whom have Dyslexia diagnoses and one with ADHD. I am passionate about the need to give children the best support in their primary years, in supporting the staff to do this and in celebrating the achievements of all.

My other skills include excellent IT skills, communication; a love of design and visual impressions; a preparedness to make time for training and a desire to learn and an innate ability to ask awkward questions! I also love strategic planning and oversight; going from details to big picture thinking and forward planning.

Chris Upfold - Parent Governor

  Perry Krug - Parent Governor

I became a Parent Governor at Christ Church in 2022 while my son was in Year 1.  I sit on the Finance Committee as well as the Standards & Curriculum Committee.  Originally from the US, I work in IT and my job brought me to London in 2012 and I have stayed ever since.

My family and I live directly opposite the school and I'm constantly reminded of how special our community is here.  Christ Church is a very welcoming place and from day one we have felt a strong sense of belonging.  The children, parents and staff are all very close both during as well as outside school hours.  It is a joyful experience to be able to walk down the street and wave at someone I know, and for them to wave back!  

I am proud to be able to give my time and energy as a Governor, helping Christ Church continue its mission of preparing lifelong learners for a successful future.

  Fr Steve Jullien - Ex-Officio Governor

I'm the curate of the school's parish church on Brixton Road, also called Christ Church.  Before getting ordained, I worked as an English teacher for primary school children in Barcelona and I'm really keen to see children thrive in the early years.

I visit the school each week for assembly, where we explore Bible stories using puppets and have an opportunity for the children to ask questions and to sing together. I'm always really impressed with the pupils' curiosity, knowledge and enthusiasm as we explore different themes together.  Since May 2023, I've been delighted to take on the role of governor, and I sit on the curriculum and standards committee, with particular responsibility for RE. 

When I'm not on official duty, I can often be found in the local parks walking my lively goldendoodle Rafferty, who has already made friends with some of the school families. It's a wonderful privilege to serve our friendly school community and I look forward to our continued work together.