Sue Richardson

I taught at various Junior Schools around the country, so I hope this experience will be of benefit as I become a Governor. I soon specialised in teaching and assessing those with special needs. When I became a part time teacher, I had time to help the local school pupils with their reading, and often became a Governor as well. I have four children, one of whom is a teacher of a Reception Class, and ten grandchildren, so have been kept up to date with the changes in school life. I am a member of the local Church family, so come to the services at Archbishop Courtenay School, as well as St Philips and All Saints. I also help with the After School Club, Godly Play.

Grace Donnay - Staff Governor

As the staff governor, I have been fortunate enough to have been the SENDCO at ABC for almost a year now and can honestly say I thoroughly enjoy coming to work every day and sharing it with these wonderful children and staff.

I came to teaching later on in my life having had a career in leisure management, when my husband interviewed me for a job. We live just outside Maidstone, having moved from London and have two adult children.  Our daughter is a performer and our son is following in the family tradition of becoming a teacher.

My teaching career began at Aylesford Primary school in 2015 in LKS2 and after 3 years of being in the classroom I then became the SENCO. Whilst there I was also part of the Governing Body.

Being a governor for me is all about ensuring that our children are given the best opportunities, the highest quality of teaching and supporting all stakeholders involved, from parents through to the Headteacher. It’s about ensuring that the vision of ABC is turned into the reality.

Denise Joy

I have recently been appointed as Governor of the school and I look forward to being part of the school family.

I have lived in Maidstone all my life attending local schools in the area. 

I am married with two children and four grandchildren.

Community engagement has always been paramount in my life as as a  local Borough Councillor for 27 years, allowing me to develop connections in the area for many years. I am a Christian and enjoy my involvement in the Parish as Church Warden of All Saints, St Philip’s and St Stephens Tovil. 

Connections with the church and school at special services and visits have  been so rewarding and I am excited to see this flourish.  It is a privilege to be asked to contribute to the school team and I look forward to working with everyone.

Cristie Keeler

I have recently been appointed as a governor at Archbishop Courtenay. My own teaching career started in 2014 in a secondary school in South London. I am currently the Head of English at my school and have interests in teaching and learning, curriculum development, leadership development and special education needs. 

I moved to Maidstone from London in 2018 and I briefly worked as a foster carer and volunteered as an independent visitor with Barnardos. Throughout my whole working life, I have dedicated my time to supporting children in my local community from work in a children's hospice to supporting children with special education needs. Moving to a new community meant I wanted to support children within my own area. Upon visiting Archbishop Courtenay, I knew the school's vision, attitude, and drive so closely aligned with my own. 

I look forward to working with the Archbishop Courtenay family and supporting their vision. 

Innocent Neshiri - Appointed Governor (Trustees).  Appointed 14/10/2022

I am privileged to be associated with Archbishop Courtenay as appointed governor. My passion for supporting learning and development extends from my background in healthcare where I have over 10 years’ experience leading and managing the education and training of allied health professionals, building links and developing relationships with schools across Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Most recently, my work is centred on delivering regional level transformation strategy for clinical learning environments to achieve workforce growth, recruitment and retention. Maidstone has been my home since emigrating from Zimbabwe in 2000. As a Black African economic migrant with lived experience of discrimination in both childhood and adult life, I am passionate about social justice and proactive with anti-racism, diversity, equality and inclusion.

I am keen to work with the ABC family supporting the school to be a haven of hope and aspiration for all children who pass through it.

Patrick Reid - Co-Opted Governor (Trustees).  Appointed 10/05/2023

COMMITTEE STRUCTURE

Chair of Governors: Ryan O'Connell

Vice Chair of Governors: TBC

Useful Information

• Terms of Reference for the Governing Body (see below).

• Aquila Diocese if Canterbury Academies Trust - Scheme of Delegation http://www.aquilatrust.co.uk/557/scheme-of-delegation

As a Multi Academy Trust, the Aquila Board of Directors hold ultimate responsibility for the governance in each Academy. However, to build and support local provision and ensure that each school stays true to their founding purpose, the Board delegates responsibilities to each Academy. This is outlined in a document called a Scheme of Delegation which can be accessed using the link above. A personalised version of this document can be accessed at the top of this page.