Meet our Governors
Chair of Governors (Foundation Governor)
Mrs Sharon Robson
I am currently in my eigth year as Chair of Governors and my tenth year as a governor of this school. I originally joined as a parent governor but I am currently serving as the Local Authority Governor.
I have been a parent at this school since 2009 and my eldest child is now in year 9 at a Catholic secondary school in Hertfordshire, whilst my youngest child still attends this school. I chose St Paul’s for my children as I instantly felt a connection with the warmth and sense of community that runs through this school.
I have a passion for Catholic education. I believe that Catholic schools have a vital role to play in our communities, in developing the education and nurturing the spirituality of the young people in our care, whilst championing the vision that every child is seen as an individual.
My hope for the children of St Paul’s, is that they will leave this school, well prepared for their next chapter of life. That they have developed skills both inside and outside the classroom, know how to interact with people from all walks of life, showing care, compassion and kindness as they reach their full potential, in the years that follow their primary education.
Governance came as a surprise vocation for me. I had never had a desire to work in education, and did not really know what being a governor entailed. I had been an active member of the parent’s association for 5 years and was interested in using my skills to support the school on its journey.
I also work in education, though this is not how my career began. I had a successful career in the private sector, working for the same company for 13 years, I could see my career path carved out for me and was ambitious. I became a governor, and my life changed. I began to hear ‘the call’ and knew that I wanted a role in the education of young people. I am now a Director of Learning for a local secondary school.
I am proud to be part of the Young Governors Network, I believe that ensuring we have a diverse mix of governors across the county and country is vital in making use of the skills that we hold, complementing the skills of those more experienced in life. I was also very proud in 2019 to be the runner up of the Outstanding Governor of the Year award for Hertfordshire governors. This award is a true testament to the wonderful team that sits on the Governing body of St Paul’s. I feel very lucky to lead a team of governors and staff who are so dedicated and committed to the education of your children.
Vice Chair of Governors (Foundation Governor)
Karen Popely
Vice Chair of Governors
Foundation Governor
Rita Odumosu
I am a seasoned educationist with extensive experience and a career in education leadership, management and policy and a reputation for high quality project and consultancy work.
I have attained graduate and post graduate qualifications from The University of Birmingham, London University Institute of Education and Birkbeck College.
I am involved in aspects of school improvement and welfare of students, supporting in both strategic and operational capacities.
I have been a Governor in two Hertfordshire schools and I am now a Foundation Governor at St Paul’s RC School whereI Chair the Achievement Committee and am link Governor for Pupil Premium and LAC pupils, monitoring the progress of vulnerable students.
My other interests include being a pro-active Trustee to two Commonwealth education organisations.
I am passionate in ensuring that organisations have good governance and structure as these are essential for effective delivery and attainment of pupil outcomes. Her work always receives positive accolade and impact.
I am a Director of a training and consultancy company and is am an accredited MBACP Therapist/Counsellor with a London private practice.
Associate Governor (No voting rights)
Father Clement Nyarko
St Paul's Roman Catholic Church, Cheshunt Parish Priest
Parent Governor
Mrs Jade McBrearty
I have worked in the Banking industry for 17 years, retail Branch based and covered many roles throughout my career, including counter management , customer services and personal banking!
My children attend St Paul’s Catholic Primary school and after the birth of my 3rd child and the closer of my bank branch I took a change in career, I began my governor journey as well as becoming a freelance PA.
Becoming a Governor has allowed me to play a part in improving outcomes for young children and give me a chance to make an important contribution to the school and support with the great work they are doing to make St Paul’s a safe and happy place for the pupils, Staff and their families.
During my time as a governor I have seen the hard work and determination that goes in to the school by all the staff and I am proud to now be a part of it.
Parent Governor
Miss Ngozi Onyejeli
I have over 22 years of experience working in the public and private sectors, both in the UK and abroad. I joined the UK Higher Education in 2009 as an Associate Lecturer and have since held many roles, including Programme Manager and Campus Lead. I come from a strong academic family, with both parents being lecturers in HE.
My experience and education are mainly in the area of Human Resource Management and Employment Law. I have a bachelor's degree from the University of Benin in Nigeria and an MBA from the University of Aberdeen with another Master's from Middlesex University. I’ve recently resumed my PhD studies at the University of Salford after a few years of break. I have a strong passion for teaching and learning but with no experience in primary/secondary education, as all my academic teaching was within HE.
However, my child attends St Paul’s Catholic Primary School, so I have a vested interest in supporting the school to ensure that it provides a safe, supportive and inclusive education space for all children to thrive and be set up for their future.
Co-opted Governor
Mrs Sally Beckford
For over 20 years I worked in the private sector in mainly operational and strategic HR roles. I have been apart of the St Paul's wider community for the last 18 years and have been apart of the school community for the past 14 years. I have held various roles within St Pauls such as, parent, member of the parents' association, Parent Governor, Foundation Governor, Vice Chair of Governors for 7 years and I am now the Office Manager and Designated Safeguarding Person.
I feel very lucky to work and be apart of the governoring body for St Paul's. St Paul's is a very special community and I enjoy being able to support the Leadership team of the school ensure that our school continues to be a place of learning and a place of love.
Staff Governor
Mrs Katie Cook (maternity leave)
Ms Netta Costanzo (maternity leave cover)