Governance
The schools governors are parents, members of staff and people who make up our wider community.
See below for some key information about our governors.
Jane Bickley, co-headteacher, attends all committees
Jane has been at Ashmead since January 2011, first as deputy head and from September 2024 as co-headteacher (full-time) alongside Sean. Prior to working at Ashmead she was an advisor for the Local Authority working in schools across Lewisham Borough and has taught in Lewisham for almost 25 years.
‘I’m pleased and excited to be working as co-headteacher at Ashmead from this September. I have attended all governing body meetings since starting work at Ashmead and am proud to be part of a hard-working and dedicated team of governors who are passionate about ensuring that our children and families receive the very best from their time here.’
Sean O’Flynn, co-headteacher, attends all committees
Sean has been at Ashmead since September 2011, first as headteacher and from September 2024 as co-headteacher (0.6) alongside Jane. Prior to working at Ashmead he was the deputy head of a school in Tower Hamlets where he attended all governing body meetings.
“I’m really looking forward to working as co-headteacher from this September and continuing to support the school and the governing board through this exciting new model of leadership.’
Dean Johnstone, co-opted governor, Chair of Governors, member of CFC Committee
Dean is Senior Manager at Place2Be, the leading charity for mental health support for school children. Dean works with partners to deliver mental health training across the children’s sector. Previously Dean worked in Leadership Development at Teach First and was a former Chair of Governors at a primary school in Leeds. Dean is the link governor for those children who are eligible for the “Pupil Premium”, additional money from central government for children from families with the least financially. Dean joined the governing body in January 2014.
“My motivation is aimed at ensuring all children succeed, especially those who face additional barriers to learning”
Hacer Ozmindek – Community Governor and chair of the Resources Committee
Hacer joined the governing body of Ashmead in 2019, and sits on the Resources committee and as a financial professional for over 20 years she feels she can contribute to the committee in a highly effective way.
“I have over 20 years banking experience and also as a people manager. I am committed and enthusiastic for the school to strive for excellence and have a great impact on every student so they can achieve over and above”.
Eibhlin Vardy – Parent Governor, Vice-chair of Governors and chair of CFC Committee, elected February 2022
Eibhlin is a practising solicitor at a city law firm and joined the Ashmead Governing Board in February 2022. She aims to improve scrutiny and the transparency of decision-making, and foster communications with parents/guardians during her term. Eibhlin is conscious of the educational and other challenges that Covid-19 has presented for children, and will do her best to ensure that no Ashmead child is left behind.
Sophie Halliday, maternity cover for teacher governor (Maddy Carrick)
Sophie is a maternity-cover teacher governor. She has been part of the Ashmead community for 10 years now, from teaching assistant, to an un-qualified teacher to teacher and now a governor. Sophie is the DT lead within the school.
Ben Harrison, co-opted governor, appointed September 2023
Ben is a co-opted governor. He is the son of two primary schoolteachers. He works for the civil service in digital transformation and delivery. For over 20 years in the course of his career he has worked for several regulators, and brings with him expertise in risk management, safeguarding and strategic, operational and digital delivery.
Rachel Armstrong, local authority governor, co-chair of C&A Committee, appointed January 2024
Rachel is a journalist and currently manages the European newsgathering operations for a global media organisation. She has worked in journalism for 20 years including overseas postings in Asia.
She lives in Brockley with her husband and young daughter, and is passionate about helping all children in the community achieve their potential. She is co-chair of the curriculum and achievement committee and has a keen interest in how governors can support the school to improve pupils' attainment levels.
Hazal Shevket, parent governor, appointed January 2024
As a part time working mum of two young children in Ashmead, I also have 10+ years of experience working within the education sector as a teacher and currently as a safeguarding officer within a school. I feel that with my professional skills, strong background working in education and passion for working with children makes me a good Parent Governor.
I want the best for our children, I challenge and support the school leadership team as they take responsibility and help our children thrive and reach their full potential. Every child is unique and deserves the best from us.
Jennifer Marques-Munoz, co-opted governor for support staff, appointed May 2024
I have been working in primary school offices for the past 8 years. Ashmead is my third school. Before that I worked in early help for two years. Currently, I am also a volunteer mentor for a charity working with teenagers and young adults.
Daniel Meehan, co-opted governor, co-chair of C&A committee, appointed May 2024
Dan joined the Governing Board in May 2024, bringing over ten years of experience in higher education policy, communications, and project management. His work has concentrated on widening access and participation in university and enhancing student outcomes among underrepresented communities.
Dan is committed to promoting equity in education and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.
Matt Foster, co-opted governor, appointed November 2024
Matt joined the governing board in November 2024, having previously served as a governor for 5 years at a different school.
Matt is passionate about state education and aims to improve standards and outcomes for children via strong governance.
As a solicitor, Matt specialises in family law primarily dealing with financial matters on separation and all areas of private children law.
Rosie Plunkett, parent governor, appointed December 2024
I have a child in year 1 and another child about to start in the nursery so I am heavily invested in the continued success and improvement of our lovely community school. Alongside my Ashmead parental perspective I bring an understanding of the joys and challenges of the education sector as I am also a primary school teacher working in Lewisham. I am a passionate educator who came to primary teaching 8 years ago from the charity world where I worked for organisations campaigning on human rights issues and advocating for child rights. I look forward to working in partnership with senior leaders whilst also holding them to account to ensure all children at Ashmead are able to thrive and achieve their best possible outcomes.
Our Instrument of Government is here:
instrument of government docx.pdf
