Our Governors
We welcome your comments or feedback about any aspect of school life, and will endeavour to respond to you in a timely manner. You can contact the governors by emailing the school office on admin@stmichaelsn6.com
Cordelia Brown – Chair of the Governing Body
My children attended St Michael’s, and I have previously been a Parent Governor. When my youngest child left St Michael’s in 2019, I was appointed LDBS Foundation Governor by the London Diocesan Board for Schools. I was appointed Chair of Governors in 2020 and very much enjoy continuing to serve our school community.
I am a Chartered Educational Psychologist and have previously worked as Senior Educational Psychologist in a neighbouring local authority, supporting schools and parents to meet children’s learning, emotional and developmental needs. Following the publication of the revised SEND Code of Practice in 2024, I worked strategically across the authority, leading on the implementation of the Government’s Special Educational Needs and Disability reforms, the conversions of Statements into the new Education, Health and Care Plans, and secondary transfer for pupils with special educational needs.
I am a qualified teacher and began my career in education as a class teacher and specialist language support teacher in two inner London primary schools. As a Governor at St Michael’s I have responsibility for Inclusion and Safeguarding. I am also the Parish Safeguarding Officer at All Hallows’ Church, Gospel Oak.
Geraldine Gallagher – Executive Head
I became Headteacher of St Michael’s School in April 2013 and I have always worked as a teacher. After training and working in Liverpool for two years I returned home to North London. I spent sixteen fantastic years working in Islington with parents and governors and I will continue to work closely with all members of the school community to ensure the children have the best facilities and resources to learn.
When not at school I enjoy spending time with my young family, reading, swimming and travelling.
Reverend Kunle Ayodelji
I am Vicar of St Michael’s Church, Highgate and father of two children at St Michael’s school. As Vicar, I am interested in ensuring that the close links that exist between St Michael’s, the church, and St Michael’s, the school, are nurtured and maintained. As a parent, I believe that children are best served when they are taught moral values that stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives. As Governor, I believe it is particularly important that St Michael’s, as a Church of England primary school, maintains its strong Christian ethos for the good of the children, staff, and community. It’s a great privilege to serve as School Governor at St Michael’s.
Stephen Bethel
My two children are pupils at St Michael’s and in the short time they have been there I have become deeply invested in the school and passionate about its success and the positive role it has in the Highgate community. I was appointed as a parent governor in April 2019 and I am delighted to be able to contribute to the further success of the school.
In my professional life, I am corporate affairs director at the British Retail Consortium. I have extensive experience in communications and lobbying, have held executive committee positions in global businesses and served on the board of an educational charity. I’m excited to be able to use these skills to support St Michael’s.
Valerie Doulton
Valerie Doulton is founder and artistic director of The Live Literature Company. This is a performance company whose work she has staged at prestigious venues in London, the U.K, and internationally. In lockdown her company successfully produced many podcasts.
She was educated at Newcastle University, where she studied child language acquisition as part of her degree in English Language and Literature, a subject which fascinates her. Her post-graduate education was in theatre directing at The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. She has also trained and worked as a studio manager at the B.B.C. working at Broadcasting House, the World Service & Radiophonic Workshop.
Her work in education includes teaching Public Speaking at Birkbeck, London University. Her company also specialises in drama and performance education for all ages. She runs a Study Abroad Drama degree programme for American students in the U.K. She is bringing her Introduction to Shakespeare for Children workshop to St. Michael’s School this Spring 2022.
Marlon Marton-Bell
I have been working at St Michael’s in various roles since 2015, and am currently a Year 6 class teacher, the Geography Lead and the Educational Visits Coordinator. Prior to joining St Michael’s, I worked in outdoor education and am looking forward to serving on the school’s governing board. In my spare time I volunteer with teenagers where I coordinate Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and act as a trustee for Southwark Scouts.
Philippa Ponniah
I’m delighted to have been appointed as a governor at St Michael’s and am looking forward to supporting the wonderful school and staff.
With my background in investment management, I’m particularly keen to contribute my financial expertise to the governing board, ensuring strong oversight of the school’s resources and strategic financial planning.
Professionally, I run my own business focused on financial wellbeing, helping families and professionals build confidence and clarity with their money. I’m excited to bring this experience to our school community.
I live locally with my husband and two children, one of whom is currently in reception at the school.
Maja Raskovic
I currently have twin daughters at St Michael’s and thoroughly enjoy being part of the school community. I have lived in Highgate since 2014 and am part of the nearby St Augustine’s Church, Parish Council.
Since April 2014, I have been the Business and Finance Director of a large secondary school in North London. Prior to that, I was Global Operations Manager at a start up firm in the financial research sector.
I am honoured to be part of St Michael’s Governing Board and look forward to contributing to our school, and its continued success!
Alex Smedley
King-Lynn Swayne
I currently have two sons at St Michaels and have loved being part of the wonderful community.
As Parent Governor, I am honoured to be able to contribute to the continued
success and development of our school. I have also been delighted to learn more about thegreat work that goes on!
I am a chartered accountant and look forward to using my experience in financial management to support the school.
Mrs Varvara (Vana) Sarimpalidou
I am proud to serve as the Local Authority Governor at St Michael’s.
I began my professional career and family life in Greece, the country I was born and raised in before moving to London to complete a Master’s in Educational Management. I subsequently settled in the UK, where I have continued to develop my professional work and family life.
As a parent whose child progressed through Church of England schools and is now studying at university, I value deeply the strong foundation that faith-based education provides. Education has always been at the heart of my work and identity. With over two decades of experience across public and private sectors in education, leadership, policy and project management both nationally and internationally, I bring a broad and strategic perspective to governance. As a qualified teacher holding QTS, I have taught across primary, secondary and higher education and have undertaken specialist roles in curriculum design as well as serving as an external examiner and assessment consultant. I regularly contribute to professional development training, educational conferences and published work within the field of education. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to inclusion, high standards and evidence informed practice.
I also serve as the link governor for Sustainability, supporting the school’s commitment to environmental education and sustainable practice. I am proud to support the governing board in ensuring high standards, accountability and the continued success of the school in enabling every child to flourish, feel confident and build a bright and enriched future to all.
The Learning Fund is a pool of assets controlled by the school governors and raised from voluntary sources, primarily the parents. It is operated entirely independent of the SMSA’s funding raising activities; the assets are not co-mingled. The Fund exists to provide a safety net to cover funding shortfalls for what we consider to be essential spending on school infrastructure. We are blessed with exceptional facilities that will only remain exceptional if they are well maintained. However, St. Michael’s is a Voluntary Aided school, and our premises are owned by the Church of England; the Local Education Authority does not fund building repairs and improvements. Indeed, when you accept a place at the school you are making a commitment to support the school in a manner that you feel is appropriate given the school’s Voluntary Aided status.St Michael’s Learning Fund (previously The Governors’ Fund)
