Our Governors
Supporting the Strategic direction of the School
A school’s Governing Body is there to provide oversight of the management and operation of the school. The governors help the school take a strategic view of its activities and bring experience and expertise from other walks of life into the school.
This section explains how governance is structured, who the governors are, how they are appointed, what they do, their legal duties, and how you can contact them or seek to get involved as a governor yourself.
Governors are appointed by the FCJ Educational Trust. Sr Brenda Wallace fcJ PhD OBE is the Schools Officer of the FCJ Educational Trust.
Each Governor has a four‑year term of office (not including the Headteacher).
Contact via the Clerk to the Governors:
T: 020 8568 8692
F: 020 8758 2674
E: clerk@gumleyhouse.com
Academy Trust Legal Information
Gumley House Convent School FCJ is operated by the FCJ Educational Trust.
Registered name: FCJ Educational Trust
Company number: 02509909
Registered office: FCJ Educational Trust, Gumley House Convent School FCJ, St John’s Road, Isleworth, TW7 6XF
Registered in: England and Wales
Trust website: https://www.fcj.org.uk/our-schools/
The role of the Governing Body
Governors oversee the management of the school: strategy, policy, budgeting and staffing. They work alongside Mr Byrne and Senior Leaders, supporting teachers to provide excellent education.
Being a school governor involves attending governing body meetings, setting the school vision, mitigating financial risk and scrutinising educational outcomes. Governors act as critical friends to the Headteacher and senior leaders, bringing skills from finance, law, HR, premises management and other professional fields.
Setting Strategic Direction
Governing bodies are key strategic decision makers. Along with the Headteacher, they set aims and objectives, policies, plans and targets, and regularly review progress.
Supporting the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team
Governors support and challenge senior leaders to secure the best outcomes for pupils. They scrutinise performance data and ensure high standards in education.
Ensuring Financial Probity
Governors set financial priorities, the financial plan and annual budget. They ensure the delegated budget is spent appropriately and in line with statutory curriculum requirements.
MEMBERS OF The Governing Body (from Sept 2026)
Mr S Byrne, Headteacher and Accounting Officer (Term of office September 2020 until further notice)
Attendance: 4/4 meetings, 100%
Mrs Helen Gill, Chair of Governors (Term of office March 2025 until 15 March 2029)
Attendance: 4/4 meetings, 100%
Mrs E Higgins, Joint Vice Chair of Governors (Term of office 27 September 2018 until 26 January 2026)
Attendance: 2/2 meetings, 100%
Mrs G Ioannides, Joint Vice Chair of Governors (Term of office 16 March 2016 until 29 February 2028)
Attendance: 3/4 meetings, 100%
Mr J Hannon, Foundation Governor (Term of office 1 September 2014 until 1 March 2027)
Attendance: 2/2 meetings, 100%
Sr B Halligan fcJ, Foundation Governor (Term of office 1 September 2015 until 1 September 2017)
Attendance: 4/4 meetings, 100%
Mr A Nair, Parent Governor (Term of office 1 December 2021 until 1 December 2025)
Attendance: 3/4 meetings, 100%
Ms Miriam Andrews, Parent Governor (Term of office 15 March 2025 until 14 March 2029)
Attendance: 4/4 meetings, 100%
Mrs Judith Coghlan, Foundation Governor (Term of office 1 September 2025 until 31 August 2029)
Mrs Christine Grindrod, Member and Chair (resigned 31 August 2025)
Sr Anouska Robinson‑Biggin fcJ, Foundation Governor (resigned 24 June 2025)
Introducing our Governors
LIZ HIGGINS, CHAIR OF FINANCE & PERSONNEL AND JOINT VICE CHAIR
|
Liz joined the governing body to give back to the school that educated her and her daughters. As a chartered accountant and alumna, she brings financial expertise and deep understanding of Gumley’s ethos. "I love the fact that the school focuses on educating the whole person…" |
 |
GEORGINA IOANNIDES, FOUNDATION GOVERNOR, JOINT VICE CHAIR
|
Georgina joined the board in 2015 and has sent all three daughters to Gumley. With 18 years of experience in talent development at KPMG, she supports staff development and recruitment. |
 |
JOHN HANNON, FOUNDATION GOVERNOR
John joined in 2015 with the goal of strengthening financial independence. As Head of Operations in investment management, he brings expertise in budgeting and control.
Statutory Governance Information
Gumley House Convent School FCJ is a single‑academy trust within the FCJ Educational Trust and part of the Diocese of Westminster.
A Board of Governors governs the school and is legally responsible for it. The Board sets direction, holds leaders to account and ensures money is well spent.
Local governors serve on our local governing body. Contact the Clerk to Governors at St John’s Road, Isleworth TW7 6XF or clerk@gumleyhouse.com.
The local governing body meets four times a year. Some work is carried out by sub‑committees or link governors.
REGISTER OF INTERESTS
Directors and governors must register personal and business interests annually.
Register of Business Interests
MEETING ATTENDANCE
Attendance records are published and updated termly.
Full Governing Body Meeting Attendance
Finance & Personnel Committee Attendance
Executive Pay, Powers and Governance Documents
The powers and constitution of the governing body are set out in the Scheme of Delegation and Delegation Matrix. Funding terms are set out in the Funding Agreement.
Remuneration over £100,000 is published on our Financial Information page.