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Governance

Ex-Officio

• Ben Hulme

  Executive Headteacher

  As Executive Headteacher of the Compass Federation, I am privileged to lead a dedicated team of professionals committed to delivering an exceptional and inclusive education across our schools. My role is to provide strategic leadership and oversight, ensuring that each school retains its unique identity while benefiting from the strength and support of our collaborative partnership. With a deep belief in the transformative power of education, I work closely with heads of school, staff, governors, and families to drive continual improvement, raise aspirations, and keep children at the heart of every decision. I am passionate about developing a culture of high expectations, shared values, and professional growth, where staff are empowered and pupils thrive. As a member of the governing body, I bring insight into operational and strategic priorities across the federation. I value the role of governance in challenging and supporting leadership to ensure excellence, equity, and ambition for every child we serve.

Local Authority Governor

• David Strachan

  Chair of Governors

  David has been Chair of Governors at St Pauls CEP and more latterly Chair of the Compass Federation of Schools.  He is also Chair of Governors at Wilmington Grammar School for Boys.  David practices as a Chartered Accountant, has lived locally for most of his life which means he is able to supplement his educational experience with local knowledge. His two grown up daughters who were both educated locally, starting their educational journey at St Pauls CEP.

Foundation Governor

• Hilary Wilder

  Vice Chair

  I became a foundation governor as I have always had an interest in the development of education and taught in primary education for many years. My children and grandchildren attended St Edmund's primary and I felt this was a way I could give something back to the community. 

• VACANT

Co-Opted Governor

• Jen D'Souza

  Jen brings over 18 years' experience leading youth and employability programmes within the charity sector and in London government and is currently working with the charity sector to create equitable and inclusive recruitment processes to diversify talent. She has experience in CSR, fundraising and communications, and leading volunteer programmes. 

• Shannen Doherty

  Shannen Doherty is an experienced primary teacher and senior leader who has taught in schools across three London boroughs and in East Sussex. She is the Teacher Development Lead for a multi-academy trust in Bromley and has previously led on curriculum and assessment as well as a range of subjects. Shannen became a governor because she believes every child deserves the best education and every teacher deserves the best working environment. She wants to bring together her classroom experience and strategic insight to help shape the systems and decisions that make that possible beyond her own school and MAT. 

• Kerri O'Dwyer

  A graduate of law from the University of Aberdeen, Kerri has been a Lloyd’s of London underwriter since 2001 specialising in global political violence and active shooter insurance solutions. Some of you may recognise Kerri from her time as a fully qualified class teacher at Dunton Green before she was called back to the trading floor. Kerri is delighted to be continuing her huge support for the Compass Federation and is looking forward to building on and contributing to the successes of the federation.

• Nicola Brady

• VACANT

• Robert Gaut

  I am honoured to serve as a Governor within the Compass Federation, where education is not simply a duty, but a profound calling to shape futures with care, vision, and purpose. Much of my life's work is dedicated to building systems that open doors—creating spaces where children, families, and communities can thrive. As a Chief Executive, strategist, inventor, and author, I work across education, public health, and development sectors both nationally and globally, always with a view to lifting others higher. I stepped into school governance because I believe that every child deserves more than opportunity—they deserve the foundations to flourish, the courage to dream, and the tools to build futures beyond what they can yet see. It is a privilege to stand alongside our leadership team, staff, and families in service of that vision, ensuring that every learner entrusted to us is given not just the chance to succeed, but the invitation to soar.

• VACANT

Staff Governor

• Molly Elvidge

Parent Governor

• Danielle Obe

  I am honoured to serve as a Governor within the Compass Federation, where education is not simply a duty, but a profound calling to shape futures with care, vision, and purpose. Much of my life's work is dedicated to building systems that open doors—creating spaces where children, families, and communities can thrive. As a Chief Executive, strategist, inventor, and author, I work across education, public health, and development sectors both nationally and globally, always with a view to lifting others higher. I stepped into school governance because I believe that every child deserves more than opportunity—they deserve the foundations to flourish, the courage to dream, and the tools to build futures beyond what they can yet see. It is a privilege to stand alongside our leadership team, staff, and families in service of that vision, ensuring that every learner entrusted to us is given not just the chance to succeed, but the invitation to soar.

• Sarah Bushell

  I have been a parent at St Edmund's Primary School since 2021 and I am an active member of the PTA.  I was elected as a Parent Governor in April 2025 and I am looking forward to being part of the Compass Federation Governing Body and the future development of the Compass Federation. Professionally, I have worked in Primary Education for over twenty years: initially working as a teacher, middle leadership and most recently working part of a senior leadership team. In my current role I support and coordinate the provision of children with SEND. 

Clerk to Governors

• Carol Thomas

  My name is Carol Thomas and I am the Clerk to Governors for the Compass Federation. I was a School Governor myself for more than 12 years when my own children, (now 31 & 27)     were at Primary School, as well as being Chair of the PTA raising much needed funds for the school.   I enjoyed being a School Governor and being part of the school community. As a Governor I served on the Curriculum, Finance and Premises Committees and remember warmly visiting school and meeting the children. I am passionate about education and enjoy working with good schools where children’s learning is embraced. Before my children were born, I worked in the City of London in the foreign exchange markets and after a career break, I worked as PA to the Manager of the Local Children’s Services Partnership.  I have now been an Independent Governors Clerk for the past 11 years and enjoying being part of the Governance team for the Compass Federation.

Associate Governor

• James Johnson

  As Headteacher at St. Edmund’s, I am also an Associate Governor within The Compass Federation—a role that enables me to contribute to the strategic leadership of the federation while bringing the day-to-day perspective of our pupils, staff and families to the governing body. I value the opportunity to work alongside fellow governors to reflect on the school’s strengths, consider its priorities for development and ensure that the decisions we make remain firmly focused on achieving the very best outcomes for every child. Being part of the wider Compass Federation also provides valuable opportunities to collaborate, share expertise and learn from practice across our schools, while maintaining the distinctive character and community of St. Edmund’s.

• Stephen Emmett

  Leading St. Paul’s Primary in Swanley Village is a privilege, and I am proud to be joining a school with such a strong sense of community, identity and ambition for its children. I believe that the best schools are built on positive relationships, high expectations and a genuine understanding of every individual child. As Head of School, I want St. Paul’s to be a place where children feel happy, safe and confident to take risks in their learning; where staff feel supported and empowered to develop their practice; and where families know that they are valued partners in their children’s education. I am passionate about creating an engaging, inclusive curriculum that enables every child to flourish academically, socially and personally. Being part of the Compass Federation provides St. Paul’s with the strength of collaboration while retaining everything that makes the school distinctive and special. I look forward to building on the school’s existing strengths and working alongside children, staff, families and the wider community as we continue to develop an exciting future for St. Paul’s.

• Daisy Holliday

  As Head of School at Dunton Green Primary, I am proud to also serve as an Associate Governor within The Compass Federation. This role enables me to contribute to the strategic direction of our schools while bringing insight from the daily life of our pupils and staff. I joined Dunton Green in 2017 and have been teaching for 11 years, which has given me a strong foundation in education and a deep understanding of our school community. I value the opportunity to work closely with other governors to support the ongoing development of our federation, ensuring we continue to provide a nurturing and inspiring environment for every child.