Our Governors

Geraldine Gallagher – Head Teacher

I became Headteacher of St. Michael’s School in April 2013. 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. 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.

Adam Zombory-Moldovan – Vice-Chair

I was first appointed as an Diocesan Board Foundation parent governor in November 2010 and have lived in Highgate for 17 years. I enjoyed seeing both my sons thrive during their fantastic years at St Michael’s. I have continued to be a Governor after my sons finished at the school because I am passionate about supporting the success of St Michael’s.

I have run my own Architect’s practice in Shoreditch since 1990, professional experience which I bring to my involvement with the school. I believe the educational experience and learning outcomes for our children can be enhanced by physical improvements to our buildings and grounds, and have seen through a number of projects in recent years.

I have been joint Vice-Chair of Governors and Chair of the Premises Committee for the last few years, and am a Trustee of the Governors’ Fund. My interest in the visual arts and craft led me to become the Art & DT link Governor and because of my professional background I am the STEM link Governor.

Jonathan Murphy

I have been a Governor since 2011. I have been a Highgate resident for over 15 years and have had children at St Michael’s Primary School since 2008, with children currently in Reception, Years 3 & 5. I studied the violin at the Royal Northern College of Music and I am Deputy Director of Music and Head of Instrumental Music at Highgate School. I am passionate about the school community and its inclusive values, am deeply committed to working with the Head teacher and her excellent team, to continually improve the standard of education at St Michael’s, and I am ‘delighted to be a governor of such a wonderful primary school’.

Mark Dailey

I was appointed governor by the St Michael’s Parochial Church Council. I am an ex-warden at St Michael’s Church and have lived in the Highgate area with my wife and two children for 17 years.

I am a partner in a public relations firm after spending ten years as a head of communications for four global banks in the City. I worked for the Hong Kong Government during the handover back to China and before that had a 12 year television career in Canada and Hong Kong.

I was born in Canada to a Scottish mother and Liverpudlian father and still wave the flag for Liverpool FC. I feel it is a huge privilege to be a school governor and enjoy supporting the school.

Matt Kerr

I am a teacher at City of London School and have three children at St Michael’s; twins in Reception and a daughter in Year Four. I have been involved with a number of aspects of school management, ranging from the development of sports facilities to the smooth transition of pupils from primary to secondary school. I also have a real passion for pastoral care. I hope that my experience in these aspects of school life will be beneficial for St Michael’s.

Cordelia Brown

My son is in Year 5 and my daughter, who also attended St Michael’s, is now at a local secondary school. I am a Senior Educational Psychologist in a neighbouring local authority, supporting schools and parents to meet children’s learning, emotional and developmental needs. For the last three years I have been seconded to work 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 have been an Educational Psychologist for 17 years and have been involved in the professional doctoral training programme for Educational Psychologists at the UCL Institute of Education. I am a qualified teacher and previously worked as a class teacher and specialist support teacher in two local primary schools.

I am delighted to be a parent Governor at St Michael’s and love having school lunches with the children when I visit. I am Lead Governor for Inclusion.

Fran Sorapure

I am the Assistant Head for KS1 and Early Years as well as supporting teaching and learning across the school.  When I first came to St Michael’s I began teaching in Reception moving on into Years Two and Four.

Before my teacher training, I worked as a professional actress for television, theatre and radio. I am passionate about drama and have taught drama workshops across all year groups and taken a role in all of the SMSA’S annual pantomimes.  My own two children thrived here at St Michael’s and have now successfully moved on to University and Fortismere Sixth Form.  I thoroughly enjoyed being a parent here, making long lasting friendships to this day.  I have seen the school grow from strength to strength and feel proud that I can part of that journey as a staff Governor as well as a Senior Leader and Teacher.

Lucy Clarke

I was appointed as an LDBS governor in May 2016. Being a governor brings together several strands of my professional and personal interests. As a lawyer specialising in third sector law and governance, I have wide professional experience of advising schools and other educational charities. Away from my job, I am a trustee of an educational grant-making trust and have volunteered with charities that work to support, and give educational opportunities, to young people. I also have two school-aged children of my own.

I really enjoy being part of the St Michael’s community and having the chance to contribute my experience and interest in education to the governing board.

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.

Vidhi Gupta

I have recently been appointed as the Local Authority governor of the school. I live in Highgate with my husband and we both work in the City. I work as a strategy consultant and advise banks and other financial institutions in areas of growth, cost and regulatory compliance. Before my time in London, I was at INSEAD in France and Singapore studying for my MBA, and before that I worked in a bank in Singapore and Delhi, India.

I am passionate about travelling and learning about new cultures and foods and enjoy cooking for family and friends.

I am excited to support the progress of such a wonderful primary school and feel it a great privilege to be here.

Claire Southern

I am delighted to have been appointed as a governor by the West Haringey Deanery Synod. I have two daughters at St. Michael’s and am committed to supporting the school reach even greater heights.

I’ve lived in Highgate for over 15 years and am an active member of St. Augustine’s Church on Archway Road. I’m a solicitor and partner of a large city law firm where I specialise in pensions law. My work involves advising corporates, pension scheme trustees, banks and government agencies on their duties and liabilities. I’m heavily involved in my firm’s commitment to promoting diversity and equality – with a particular focus on ensuring that more women progress to the top.

I’m excited to be able to use my professional skills for the benefit of the school and also to learn more about the great work that goes on here!