Governance

Trust Governance 

St Stephen's Infants School is part of the Turner Schools Multi Academy Trust.

Our Governance Structure ensures there are clear reporting lines and explicit requirements to ensure probity, good governance and outstanding performance.

Members are responsible for determining the governance of the Trust. They approve our Articles of Association and appoint Trustees in accordance with the Articles. 

The Board of trustees has collective accountability and responsibility for the academy trust and assuring itself that there is compliance with regulatory, contractual, and statutory requirements. The academy trust board provides: 


All Members, Trustees and Governors complete an annual declaration of Business Interests and declare any pecuniary interests in meetings.

The Board delegates responsibilities to the school Challenge & Community Board as set out in the Scheme of Delegation.  

View our Articles and Memorandum of Association. 

School governance

Governors serve as a key link between the schools, parents/carers and the local community. They monitor the performance of the school, advising the Trustees of any concerns.

We have a committed team of governors on the Challenge & Community Board who are actively involved in the life of the school. St Stephen's Infants and Chartham Primary schools have a joint Challenge & Community Board, membership is representative of both school communities and includes parent representatives. 

The Governors are passionate about our schools and are here to make sure that every pupil is given the best education, opportunities and experiences possible. They play an important role in overseeing the work of the school, acting as “critical friends” for the Senior Leadership Team and holding the school to account for performance and development.

Challenge and Community Board (CCB)

Chair: Kimberley Foulkes

Vice Chair: Debra Okitikpi

To contact the Chair, please email governance@turnerschools.com

CCB Safeguarding Lead: Emily Wassell

CCB SEND Lead: Debra Okitikpi 

Lead Safeguarding Trustee: Dr Toyin Okitikpi


Michael Bishaey - co-opted governor

Michael is a Cyber Security Manager with expertise in risk management, continuous improvement and adaptation which he applies to the role of school governor.

He is passionate about supporting the school in achieving its goals and serving the local community. He is motivated by making a positive contribution to the educational journey of young learners.


Alice Edgington - ex-officio governor

Alice is the Head Teacher of St Stephen's. She is currently completing a Masters in Senior Leadership.  

Alice is passionate about inclusion and an advocate for Care Experienced people, respite fostering and supporting fostering social events. 


Kimberley Foulkes - co-opted governor

Kimberley is an Audit Supervisor with a specialism in Multi-Academy Trust audit and advisory work.  She is a qualified accountant and Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Association.

Kimberley has served as the joint Vice Chair of an Academy Trust Board and Chair of a MAT Finance Audit and Risk Committee. Kimberley is also the Vice Chair of a registered charity. She is delighted to contribute to the vision and future of Chartham Primary and St Stephen's Infants schools. 


Dr Agnieszka (Aga) Gordon - co-opted governor

Aga has worked as  university lecturer for several years, run her own company, and founded and manages a Polish supplementary school. She is currently a Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. 

Aga is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, and has a PhD in Chemistry and an MBA. Aga is an experienced governor. 


Debra Okitikpi - co-opted governor

Debra is  a retired Head Teacher who taught for 35 years and held various management and teaching posts. 

Debra is an experienced governor.


Suzanne (Suzy) Mikhail - co-opted governor

Suzy is a Chartered Accountant specialising in governance, internal audit and risk management. She is  well accustomed to being a critical friend and giving constructive challenge in a professional capacity.

Suzy is an experienced governor who is passionate about personal development and pupil well-being. Suzy enjoys supporting schools to achieve their strategic priorities. 


Claire Morgan - Parent governor (Chartham Primary)

Claire has a financial, audit and risk background working in the financial services sector. She is pleased to be a parent Governor and utilising her assurance skills to support the school in achieving its mission and vision.


Jamie Noble - ex-officio governor (Chartham Primary)

Jamie is the Head Teacher of Chartham Primary and governor by virtue of this position.


Natasha Wallace - Parent governor (St Stephen's Infants)

Natasha is a freelance writer and copy editor predominantly working for the London Business School, collaborating with their Faculty to create course content for the University's publishing arm, and  copy edit their online courses.


Natasha brings governance experience from the education and arts and heritage sectors and is delighted to support Chartham Primary and St Stephen's to achieve their strategic objectives. 


Emily Wassell - co-opted governor

Emily is the manager of The Firs Nursery on the site of Chartham Primary School. She previously worked as a teacher, SENCO and assistant head-teacher in schools throughout Kent. 

Emily has a passion for Early Years Education and enjoys supporting the school and its staff to drive the strategic direction and development, raising standards of achievement.


Emma Whitehead - co-opted governor

Emma has been in Primary Education for over 20 years as a KS2 teacher with a subject responsibility for music. Latterly, Emma has run her own peripatetic music teaching business, working across a number of schools. 

Emma spent 7 years as a staff governor during her role as a KS2 teacher. She has also served as a governor for Chartham Primary School whilst part of Inspira Trust, utilising her experience in the Primary sector to provide insight into the strategic leadership aspects of school life.