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.

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.

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!

Charlotte Allen

I joined the Governing Board in February 2019. I have a son is in the nursery at St Michaels and have enjoyed living in Highgate for 10 years.

I work for a major advertising agency, specialising in creative communications strategy. I understand what motivates different audiences and help develop creative ideas that connect with them. My experience has spanned both big global brands and public sector, including Government social change campaigns. I hope this experience to help St Michaels communicate even more effectively with its many stakeholders, including the most important – parents and children.

I am excited to join the Governing body and look forward to helping drive the progress of such a special school.

Adel Burgess

I have lived in Highgate for over ten years. I have two young children; a son in Reception at St Michael’s School and a daughter who attends a local nursery.

Professionally, I am a solicitor with higher rights of audience, a senior partner and practice manager of a legal aid firm in north-west London.

I am very proud to use my skills to support St Michael’s School as a parent governor.

St Michael’s is a fantastic school and I embrace the opportunity to be involved in its future development.

Lisa Maguire

I have recently been appointed by St Michael’s Parochial Church Council as one of the PCC governors of the school. I’m a parishioner at St Michael’s and have lived in the Highgate area since 2008, with some large chunks of time working overseas.

I work for the Foreign Office with recent postings including Sudan, South Sudan, Libya and the UK Mission to the United Nations in New York. I’ve also spent some time working for the UN in peacekeeping missions overseas. My current role in London involves working on conflict and post-conflict countries. Outside of work, I volunteer with Westminster Befriend a Family and with the Sunday school at St Michael’s church. It’s a privilege to join the Governing body and I’m really looking forward to making a contribution to the school over the next four years.

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.