Meet Our Governors
Guiding Our School Forward
Our governors play a vital role in shaping our school’s vision and ensuring our children receive the best education possible. They bring dedicated support, diverse expertise, and a commitment to our community. Learn more about their contributions and how they help guide St Katharine’s towards excellence.
Why Governance Matters
Support for Education
Our governors provide essential guidance and support, ensuring that our school policies align with our goals and foster an enriching environment for every child. Their oversight helps maintain high standards and inclusivity.
Community Engagement
The governing body plays a key role in connecting with parents and the community, building trust and transparency. Their active participation shows that everyone’s voice is valued, making decisions that reflect our community's needs.
Meet Our Governors
At St Katharine’s, our governors are dedicated individuals who work hard to ensure our school meets the highest standards. Their vast experience and community ties help frame our goals and objectives, aiming for the best outcomes for our children. Get to know their roles and insights as they support our school community.
Richard Pickering
Chair of Governors
I was a Commercial Bank Manager for 25 years until 2004 and have been a Commercial Finance Broker since.
Other business interests include Finance Directors of a fish wholesale company with associated transport company and Fish and Chip Restaurants in London, trading as Kennedys of London. In addition to directorships in property investment companies.
Key business interests that are relevant to St Katharine’s are finance and property management skills in addition to the management of people.
I have lived in Knockholt for 17 years and my two children both successfully attended St Katharine’s, before moving on to local secondary schools and are both currently studying at University.
Doreen Jones
Vice Chair of Governors
Doreen has lived in Knockholt since 1969. Her profession was teaching, beginning in a Grammar School teaching English and going on to Special Education, taking an additional degree in that. She has been a school governor for many years: first a teacher governor, then Chair of Governors of a special school in Lewisham and finally a Governor of St Katharine’s of which she was Chair for several years and is now Vice-Chair.
Having retired from teaching she took up the position of Parish Clerk, an interesting job which gave her good knowledge of Sevenoaks District. She was, for a short time. the secretary of the PCC and is at present the Chair of the Knockholt Village Centre Council.
Tim Edwards
Ex Officio
I was born in North Lincolnshire and had the privilege of growing up in a Christian home. That meant that while some people have a dramatic story of becoming a Christian from a radically different background, I never knew a time when I did not know that God loved me, Jesus died for me, the Bible is true, and people need to hear the gospel.
“We moved around a bit when I was a child, including living in the Middle East twice (in Kuwait and Bahrain).
“When I went to university at Durham, I studied theology (at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels). That allowed me to investigate Christianity thoroughly and to find that it withstands the most rigorous scrutiny. I particularly valued the opportunity to read and study the Bible in the original Greek and Hebrew.
“I left accountancy to train for Christian ministry at Oak Hill College in North London in 2010.
“In 2012, we left the South East just before the London Olympics and I was ordained in Carlisle Cathedral. I spent 5 happy years serving as a Curate in North Cumbria, supporting the local community through the aftermath of Storm Desmond was challenging. I have seen demonstrated the unique difference that Christianity can make even in times of real hardship.
“I am loving being here in Kent and being a part of St Katharine’s School, in particular helping the children discover the life-changing love of God through Jesus Christ.”
Graham Nation
Foundation Governor
I was born in Green St Green and attended St Mary’s Church as a choirboy from the age of 6. I was Christened and Confirmed there.
Julie and I were married in 1975, when we moved to a flat in Knockholt. We have since moved twice within the village.
Our first child, Patrick was Christened at St Mary’s and our second and third (Alexandra and Elliot) were christened at St Katharine’s. They all attended this school. Our Daughter was married in 2008 at St Katharine’s and her children have both been Christened here.
I became a school Governor in the 1990s and have seen many changes to staff and buildings, with some excellent improvements for our children. I believe out school is very well equipped but as a Governor I will always seek better for both children and staff. I support the Christian and educational ethos the school promoted, with its strong relationship with the church.
Mys business, a retail and commercial blinds and curtains manufacturer/supplier, is based in Orpington and we travel across the South of England with our work.
I am currently sitting on the Finance and Premises Committees and I enjoy these the most due to my history in the building trade, where my early career was as a carpenter and joiner.
Andrew Miller
Foundation Governor
I have been a member of St Katharine’s School Governing Body for 30 years, serving as Chairman for 15 of those years.
I am a retired Estate Agent and Chartered Surveyor, having started work in Orpington as the office boy in 1963 and retiring nearly 50 years later as Senior Partner.
My wife Anna and I moved to Knockholt in 1983 because we wanted to live in a friendly village community and not be anonymous in suburbia, I must say we have not been disappointed .Our daughter had already started at St Katharine’s and I immediately joined the P.T.A. Consequently, I have been involved with the school 33 years and seen it more than double in building size and pupil numbers in that time .I consider two of my successes are being on the interview panels who appointed our excellent Head Teacher and her predecessor .
Anna and I are also very involved in the church life of St Katharine’s where we regularly worship and have both served as Church Wardens and I have been a member and Vice Chairman of the Parochial Church Council for 30 years.
Hannah Smyth
LA Appointed Governor
I have a long-standing connection with St Katharine’s, with all three of my children attending the school. I previously served as a parent governor and have seen first-hand how the strong foundation provided by St Katharine’s has enabled my children to flourish both academically and personally, with my eldest now preparing to go to university.
Professionally, I have over twenty years’ experience in Human Resources, working across the UK, Europe, and internationally. These roles gave me extensive experience in working with different groups to achieve positive outcomes, while balancing competing needs within fixed budgets. I believe this ability to prioritise effectively and act with fiscal responsibility is an important skill for my role as a governor.
A key part of my professional career was focused on monitoring and developing performance, and on enabling people to fulfil their potential. I hope to bring this experience to St Katharine’s, helping to ensure that our teachers are supported in the best way possible so that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Tina Bennett
Foundation Governor and Safeguarding lead
I was born in Fulham and grew up in Wimbledon but moved to Badgers Mount in 1993 with my husband and had my two children, now grown up and married.
I’ve worked at St Katharine’s since 2013 in the role of HLTA and joined the Governing body in
2023. As my husband is now retired, I now only work one day a week, delivering music across the school; aiming to give every child a voice and find joy in performance.
I run the Community Cafe in Halstead as part of my fundraising role for St.Margaret’s church and support Gambia through my small charity Friendly Smiles-Gambia.
Along with my husband, I am a keen lawn bowler and a part of Sevenoaks Bowling Club.
Kezia Luckham-Down
Staff Governor
My name is Kezia Luckham-Down and I’ve been a class teacher at St. Katherine’s Knockholt for five years. I’ve predominantly been the Reception class teacher and have had the joy of welcoming children into our school for the very first time!
I have also taught Year 4, and I did my teacher training in Year 2. Whilst teaching at St. Katharine’s I’ve qualified as a teacher, earnt my PGCE qualification and I’ve recently completed my master’s degree in creative Pedagogies and Waldorf Education.
My ambition is that by becoming the staff school governor I can help raise the voices of my colleagues and the standard of teaching and learning at our wonderful school.
Jonathan Kearley
Parent Governor
Jonathan is a parent of two children at St Katharine’s and brings a valuable mix of experience, creativity, and strategic thinking to the Governing Body. Having previously served as a Parent Governor, he understands the role inside-out and is passionate about helping the school thrive.
Professionally, Jonathan runs BlueBadger Marketing, a digital marketing and communications business. His expertise in content creation, branding, and community engagement supports the school’s aim to raise its profile and strengthen connections with parents, local families, and the wider community.
Outside of work, Jonathan is rarely far from a sound desk or a speaker. He DJs in his spare time, volunteers as a sound engineer for the local amateur dramatic society, and a passion for Formula 1. Whether he’s spinning tunes, mixing audio, or analysing race strategy, he brings energy, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit to everything he does.
With a strong commitment to improving outcomes for all children, Jonathan is a positive, active voice on the board. He’s especially interested in helping St Katharine’s grow its reputation as a welcoming, ambitious, and high-achieving school.
Mark Upton
Parent Governor
My career in the Superyacht industry began in 1996 and I made the move ashore in 2007 to develop my career further. I worked in yacht management in the UK and Monaco gaining valuable operational, crew, and budget management experience in addition to further developing client liaison and business development skills.
I set up and am managing Director of 4 limited companies, all operating in the Superyacht sector. These include a yacht agency, financial services company, media company and a boat sales business.
I pride myself on my ability to make connections and achieve outstanding things for our businesses and our clients as a result of looking at and doing things differently.
My wife Victoria was born and grew up in Halstead and so is a true local. We moved to Knockholt in 2007 and have lived here ever since. Our daughter Olivia has been at St Katharine’s since 2022. It was her love of going to school every day that inspired me to become a parent Governor to try and give something back to this wonderful school.
Governance Structure
Full Governing Board
Our Full Governing Board meet at least 3 times a year, often linked to key financial decisions which need to be made.
Finance Committee
Finance and Staffing Committee meet regularly to keep an eye on the schools financial health, ensuring that spending priorities are correct and making decisions on any larger spends.
Curriculum Committee
The Curriculum committee make sure the teaching at St Katharine’s is up-to-date, interesting and meeting expectations set by the government. They look at what students are learning, how they’re learning it, and suggest improvements.
Premises Committee
The Premises Committee ensure that our buildings and site are meeting health and safety expectations and that maintenance is being completed as required. They help shape any building developments made by the school from creating playground spaces to development of new buildings.
CLERK TO THE GOVERNING BODY
The clerk to the governing body provides administrative support to the Full Governing Body and its committees, ensuring meetings are conducted correctly and that accurate records are maintained.
Clerk: Louise Dancy
For governance-related correspondence, the clerk can be contacted via:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01959 532237
Governors Attendance Register 2025-25
Attendance Register 2024-25
Attendance shown as meetings attended / meetings eligible to attend. A dash indicates the governor is not a member of that committee. Academic year 2024–25.
| Governor | Role | FGB | Finance & Staffing | Curriculum | Premises |
| Richard Pickering | Chair of Governors | 0/2 | 2/2 | 0/2 | 2/2 |
| Doreen Jones | Vice Chair | 1/2 | — | 0/2 | 1/1 |
| Tim Edwards | Ex Officio (Vicar) | 0/2 | 1/2 | — | — |
| Graham Nation | Foundation Governor | 2/2 | 2/2 | – | 1/2 |
| Andrew Miller | Foundation Governor | 1/2 | 1/2 | — | [x/x] |
| Hannah Smyth | LA Appointed Governor | 2/2 | — | – | — |
| Tina Bennett | Foundation / Safeguarding | 2/2 | — | — | — |
| Kezia Luckham-Down | Staff Governor | 0/0 | — | 2/2 | — |
| Jonathan Kearley | Parent Governor | 1/1 | 1/1 | — | 1/1 |
| Mark Upton | Parent Governor | 1/1 | 1/1 | — | 1/1 |
| David Eno | Foundation Governor | 2/2 | — | 2/2 | — |
Declared business and pecuniary interests
This register was last reviewed and approved by the Chair of Governors on: September 2025. It will be reviewed annually at the first Full Governing Body meeting of each academic year.
Governor | Declared business and pecuniary interests |
Richard Pickering | Commercial Finance Broker. Finance Director of fish wholesale company, associated transport company, and fish and chip restaurants (Kennedys of London). Directorships in property investment companies. |
Doreen Jones | None declared. |
Tim Edwards | None declared. |
Graham Nation | Director/owner, retail and commercial blinds and curtains manufacturing and supply business based in Orpington. |
Andrew Miller | Retired. None declared. |
Hannah Smyth | None declared. |
Tina Bennett | Employee of St Katharine’s CE Primary School (HLTA, 1 day per week). Trustee/founder, Friendly Smiles Gambia (small charity). |
Kezia Luckham-Down | Employee of St Katharine’s CE Primary School (class teacher). No other interests declared. |
Jonathan Kearley | Director, BlueBadger Marketing — digital marketing and communications business. Note: BlueBadger Marketing is the contractor that built and maintains the school website. This interest is formally declared and has been minuted by the Full Governing Body. |
Mark Upton | Managing Director of four limited companies operating in the Superyacht sector (yacht agency, financial services, media, and boat sales). |
David Eno | Deputy Director of Music, Dulwich College. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Our Governors
Governors play a vital role in our school by making sure we have clear goals and direction. They help shape the policies that affect our children’s education and strive to ensure that every student has the support they need to thrive.
Governors support our school by providing guidance and sharing their expertise. They attend meetings, interact with staff, and ensure that our educational strategies align with our mission to create a nurturing environment for all students.
We have a number of different types of Governors.
Our Foundation Governors are appointed by the school because of expertise they may have which the school need.
Our Parent Governors are elected from the parent body by other parents to represent the views of families who’s children attend the school.
Our LA Governor is nominated by the Local Authority ( Kent County Council) to ensure that the school is keeping to it’s statutory requirements.
Our Staff Governor is elected from the staffing body and represents the views of all the staff.
The governing body meets regularly throughout the year to discuss school performance, policies, and community concerns. These meetings help keep everyone informed and engaged in the school community. The Full Governing Body meets at least 3 times a year. Committees meet regularly but dates are often determined by projects, financial deadlines or statutory data collection times.
Parents are encouraged to reach out to governors via school events, open meetings, or direct communication. We value your feedback and want to ensure that every voice is heard in shaping our school’s future.
Join Our School Community
We don't have any current vacancies for Governors but if you would be interested in the future then come and have a chat.
