Governors
Welcome to the Governors page!
Below you will find pictures and short biographies of the members of your current Governing Body. Those of us who don't work at the school are local people with an interest in supporting the school to be the best it can be for the benefit of all the children. Our specific role is to monitor the schools progress towards delivering the schools plan and targets which we agree with the Headteacher each year. We can offer ideas and advice based on our own experiences but we are not running the schools operation - that is Ms Kent's job.
The school has made tremendous progress over the last couple of years and it is the Governors aim to help that journey continue!
You do not need any particular qualifications to be a Governor, just an interest in the school, enthusiasm to see the school continue to grow and a little bit of time (not much honestly!) to help that process.
Please contact the school office if you are interested in becoming a Governor at WJS.
Ged Smith
Co-Chair of Governors
Originally from Yorkshire but has lived in Whitstable for 20 years. Now retired but worked mostly in the public sector for Royal Mail, the Ministry of Justice and briefly the Metropolitan Police running back office support operations. Likes all sport to watch and still plays 5-a-side weekly and does a bit of running and cycling (very occasionally!). Trying to learn to play the saxophone and speak Spanish.
​Gary Edwards
Co-opted Governor
I have lived in Whitstable since 1997 having relocated for work reasons with my [then] young family. All three of my children thoroughly enjoyed their time at WJS and went on to university and the wider world. My professional area has always been Personnel and Development and after 17 years with KCC's Schools' Personnel Service I decided to leave to set up my own HR Consultancy business but still very much working in the schools sector. I love this town, the people, the beach and the deep sense of community here - all the reasons why our intention to just stay "a few years" turned into setting down roots. I am also deeply passionate about our duty to provide the very best education for children and leaving a lasting legacy for others. Amongst my interests are walking the dog, running along the beach and local woods and the occasional beer watching a decent band in the Neptune
Vacancy
Co-opted Governor
Vacancy
Foundation Governor
Paul Brown
Co-opted Governor
Vice-Chair
Safeguarding
Originally from Northern Ireland, I moved with my family to Whitstable in 2017 at which point, I'm thrilled to say, my little girl joined WSJ. I have been lucky enough to work extensively in both the private and public sectors throughout my career, everything from Goldman Sacs to The Cabinet Office and DfE, and currently, I am working with the UK's leading Children's Charity. As a co-opted governor, I am excited to be able to bring my skills and experience to supporting our wonderful school and look forward to working with parents, teachers and other governors alike in delivering on the vision and meeting our children's educational needs.
Steve Moseley
Parent Governor
I originally grew up on the South Coast, but I’ve now lived in Kent for nearly 30 years, the last 15 years of those in Whitstable.
I'm a Dad of two and very proud to have joined the Governing Board of this fantastic school which has such an important place in the heart of the community.
In my day job, I’m an Executive Director of a Housing Association based in London which is responsible for a wide range of corporate teams covering strategy, health and safety, technology/transformation, communications and corporate governance.
In whatever spare time I have left, I'm an enthusiastic although slightly sedate runner, and I'm also a volunteer crew member on the RNLI Whitstable Lifeboat.
Viv Hayward
Local Authority Governor
Co-Chair of Governors
I am delighted to be part of the Governing Body of this great community school for which I have always had a special affection since working here as a teacher. I hope that my experiences in education will allow me to make a useful contribution in supporting the exceptional work it does for the children in its care and their families. I have always believed that children learn better if they feel safe and have fun, and this certainly exists in WJS which is what draws me back here.
I moved to Whitstable with my family in 1985 and joined the teaching staff here the following year, holding a variety of roles before moving on to headship locally in 1997. After two Primary School headships I then worked for the Local Authority as a School Improvement Advisor to schools in and around Canterbury. After retiring, I worked for Christ Church University as a Link Tutor to local schools (including WJS) with students on Teaching Practice.
Since fully retiring I have been involved as a governor in a school in Herne Bay before taking a break to spend more time with our four young grandchildren. I am involved in several local music groups both as an organiser and participant. I love the beach and sea swimming and was a founder member of ‘Friends of Tankerton Bay’ beach clearing group.
Vacancy
Parent Governor
Rebecca Lodge
Staff Governor
Born in Gloucestershire, I moved over to Kent to study teaching some 12 years ago. 6 years ago, I moved to Whitstable initial as a short term idea to be near the sea but when the opportunity to join the WJS family came up I knew I would be staying. I love working at this school with all the staff and fantastic children who make every day such a pleasure. I’ve been here nearly 5 years now and have taught in both Year 4 and 5. Currently, I am enjoying my role as subject leader for History, Geography and Reading.​
Kirsten Collin
Assistant Headteacher
Associate Governor
I was born in Rainham, Kent but my adult life has seen me lucky enough to live in many parts of the country including, Dorset, Northern Ireland and different parts of London. This has meant that I have been fortunate to have spent my teaching career in many different schools and have had variety of roles. My family – 3 children and a very springy spaniel - and I have now settled in Herne Bay and are enjoying life by the sea and I am loving teaching at WJS!
Kate Roy
Assistant Headteacher
Associate Governor
Since joining our incredible school, I have always felt that we have a special team ethos, which I am so lucky to be part of that ensures there is always a positive family atmosphere. Before joining the team, I worked in St Albans and on the Isle of Wight.
Since working here, I have taught in all the year groups, been Phase Leader for both upper and lower school, led Art, PHSE, Geography and History. More recently, I have been Maths leader and during this time I developed a real love and interest in the teaching and learning of mathematics. I have supported other schools in our Alliance by being in the Core Lead Group for maths - which really fine-tuned my understanding of maths and how it can be led in a school.
Since September 2018, I have taken on the role of Assistant Headteacher, whilst teaching part-time, which I am thoroughly enjoying.
Sarah Kent
Headteacher - EX OFFICIO
Overview
In my role as Governor, I am committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment with fellow Governors to define and uphold the school's vision, ethos, and strategic direction. My responsibilities include overseeing the effective allocation of school financial resources and regularly reporting on the educational performance and organisational aspects of the school. These tasks involve frequent, insightful engagements with the Governing body aimed at continual improvement and innovation in our educational strategies. Together, we strive to enhance educational opportunities and outcomes for all students in partnership with parents and carers.
Career Background
Prior to my current role as Headteacher at Whitstable Junior School, I served as Deputy Headteacher, SENDCo, DSL, and Inclusion Lead at a primary school in Thanet. My earlier experiences include teaching at a two-form entry primary school across both Key Stages 1 and 2 as well as specialising in reading recovery for four years. My initial teaching roles included serving as an English Lead and later advancing to phase lead and Assistant Headteacher. I began my teaching career over thirty years ago, teaching English as a foreign language in Japan for The British Council and managing an English Language School.
Credentials and Educational Philosophy
I hold the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and the National Award for SENCo. My career is driven by a passion for inclusive education that profoundly influences the lives of all students. I am committed to providing educational experiences that equip children with the skills and knowledge necessary for positive, constructive life outcomes. My philosophy focuses on developing the whole child and fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment aimed at raising aspirations and celebrating success.
Leadership Approach
My leadership is characterised by high expectations for myself, my colleagues, and the children we serve. I lead with a blend of compassion and passion, ensuring that every decision is centred around the well-being and development of the children in our care.
Charlotte Pearson
Clerk
