Governors Profiles
David Knight MBE - Chair of Governors
Foundation Governor
I qualified as a teacher (of English and Physical Education), working in a Secondary school in Liverpool. During this period, I developed a passion for the " education of the whole person", striving to ensure that each student fulfilled their potential.
Transferring my career to Local Government, I worked in the Sport and Leisure sector for some 21 years, finishing as Director of Leisure and Culture with Portsmouth City Council. During this service in the public sector I gained a number of skills which, I believe, enables me to contribute to the varied duties of a Governor : financial and commercial, marketing and communications, human resources and project management skills.
My youngest daughter attended St Edmund's and was exceedingly happy and successful here.
I was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Honours list in 2016.
Appointed: 18/07/2022
Term of Office Expiry: 17/07/2026
Sophie Venables - Vice-Chair of Governors
Parent Governor
I have worked in education for 20 years at middle and senior secondary school leadership and I now have a role as a Teaching School Director.
I have four children, the youngest two of whom are at St Edmund's. I have always been interested in supporting my children's schools and have been an active member of St Swithun's PTA for 10 years - I'm not afraid to roll up my sleeves and join in!
I particularly enjoy working as a Parent Governor at St Edmund's as it allows me to use my experience as a parent as well as my professional expertise in a different way.
I hope to support St Edmund's at this exciting time in the school's development and also wish to enhance my own understanding of Catholic secondary education to better support the school in the future.
Appointed: 07/02/2024
Term of Office Expiry: 06/02/2028
Simon Graham - Headteacher
Staff/Headteacher Governor
Appointed: 01/09/2011
Susy Carvalho
Foundation Governor
I was appointed as Foundation Governor by the Bishop in July 2022, with the primary objective of ensuring that all pupils receive the best possible education, in addition to preserving the Catholic vision and ethos of the school.
My eldest two children currently attends St Edmund’s, whilst my younger child attends St Swithun’s Primary school: both schools providing excellent academic, and spiritual care.
I have a degree in Economics and a Management Diploma in Business Administration. I’ve worked in various management, accounting, finance, and investments-related roles over the past 20 years for Multi-National Corporations. This means I have a sound understanding of business management, financial oversight, and driving strategic objectives to implementation.
I am very much looking forward to this new role and working alongside the experienced governing board of St Edmund’s, which will undoubtedly serve as a wonderful learning experience.
Appointed: 23/07/2022
Term of Office Expiry: 22/07/2026
Helena Clarke
Associate Member
I have taught in the 11-18 sector since 2002 across a number of schools and sixth form colleges and currently hold the role of Director of Support for Learning at Woking Sixth Form College.
From my current position in 16-19 education, I am well placed to bring a college perspective into my role as Associate Governor at St Edmund’s along with an insight into the expectations on our students once they leave our school.
I have 2 children who both attended St Edmund’s and have been very well served by the fantastic academic education and supportive pastoral care provided by our excellent school.
I am passionate about the importance of Catholic education and believe it builds a secure foundation in young people.
Although I no longer work in a Catholic school, I have continued to be involved in the wider Catholic education environment through my role leading Children’s Liturgy in my parish of Corpus Christi and St Joseph’s and am looking forward to expanding my contribution to Catholic Education through my role as Associate Governor at St Edmund’s.
Appointed: 06/12/2023
Term of Office Expiry: 05/12/2027
Margaret Dobson
Foundation Governor
I began my career with a degree in History at London University followed by a PGCE. I then taught History and some RE at a Catholic comprehensive in Greenford, West London.
Life changed when I married. My husband was then a submariner in the Royal Navy and I was introduced to Portsmouth. To prepare for many moves I studied for the Private Secretary’s Diploma at Highbury College. I then worked as a medical secretary for a consultant in St Mary’s Oncology Department.
We spent several years moving between bases in Scotland, Plymouth and Portsmouth with two young children but finally returned to Portsmouth and never left! I had noticed large groups of children in green blazers being escorted through Commercial Road towards St John’s Cathedral at certain times of year. In 1994 I joined them with a one year, part time contract to teach History and provide some Special Needs support.
I remained for 28 years. I experienced teaching in several departments including RE, Leisure and Tourism and EAL classes. From 2006 I was a settled member of the Geography Team which provided the opportunity to become a GCSE examiner and to work on field trips from the Isle of Wight to Iceland.
During my years as a teacher at St Edmund’s there were many changes, challenges and triumphs. Throughout it all the school’s genuine Catholic Christian identity was unchanged enabling the whole school community to remain a place of tolerance, friendship and caring for others.
I an pleased to have been given the opportunity to continue to work with the St Edmund’s Community as a Foundation Governor.
Appointed: 02/07/2024
Term of Office Expiry: 01/07/2028
Fr Thomas Hiney
Foundation Governor
I worked as a journalist and author for several years, writing for The Sunday Times and The Observer, as well as for a South African-based NGO. I wrote a biography of the American novelist Raymond Chandler, which was serialised in the British press, and named as a “New York Times Editors’ Book of the Year”,as well as a book called On the Missionary Trail, which was serialised by BBC Radio 4 as their Book of the Week.
In my early 30s, while working in South Africa, I came back to the Christian faith of my childhood, and eventually returned to the UK, where I retrained as an Anglican pastor, eventually working in that role as an Army Chaplain for five years. In 2020 I was received into the Roman Catholic Church by Bishop Philip Egan, and sent to Rome for further studies, in order to be ordained as a Catholic priest. Assistant Priest at the Cathedral in Portsmouth is my first assignment since my ordination in July 2024
I still write, and had a book called The Song of Ascents published by the American publisher Ignatius Press in 2022. With God’s help, I really hope I can contribute to the impressive story that is clearly happening at St Edmund’s school.
Appointed: 09/09/2024
Term of Office Expiry: 08/09/2028
Jacob Hoare
Foundation Governor
I have worked in business since 2005, both inside and outside the local area. I am particularly interested in renewable energy, recycling and waste management, with a focus on new technologies.
I am a director of several companies that operate in a range of industries, from recruitment to recycling and transport to property development. I am involved in raising money for specialist projects through angel investors, venture finance, private equity alongside more traditional commercial finance.
I enjoy the entrepreneurial world, particularly problem solving, meeting new and interesting people and growing businesses in a crowded and fast paced industry. I like the challenge of looking at new technologies and trying to identify those that could help solve the issues we are facing both today and in the future.
Over 17 years I have developed a range of skills such as project management, problem solving, human resources and financial development that will help me support St Edmund’s in getting the best for pupils and staff.
Alongside my work I have 3 young children, am co-chair (lay) of The Closer to Christ Campaign and I am studying part time with Oxford University for an MBA.
Appointed: 29/05/2022
Term of Office Expiry: 28/05/2026
Chidubem Ikeatuegwu
Foundation Governor
Born in Nigeria, I originally qualified as a mechanical engineer. Over the years I rose to manage a number of engineering projects, and along the way gradually fell in love with management. As a result I returned to the University for a formal degree in management, graduating with a master's degree in project management. I went further and completed a PhD in 'Business Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship' at the University of Portsmouth. I now teach the same subject at the University of Southampton. Now settling into a career in teaching I very recently started pursuing another degree in Education at the same University that I teach.
I have one child who currently attends St. Edmund's. My family are regular at St. John's Cathedral and we always look forward to the 10:00 Sunday service and its liturgical music that mirrors the African liturgical music I grew up with. Besides my love for liturgical music, I also clap for Arsenal, I watch a lot of football, and I do a lot of athletics, usually on the roads and at parks; yet I have never ran a marathon!
Although I have spent considerable time sitting and listening in classrooms and have previously at various times been involved in teaching on part-time basis, I consider myself 'young' in the field of education, yet I am very excited at combining my management knowledge and experience with being a Foundation Governor. I see it a privilege being given a chance to contribute to Catholic education and the future of our children, and I look forward to a whole new experience.
Appointed: 01/09/2023
Term of Office Expiry: 31/08/2027
Ian White
Staff Governor
I joined the Army at 16 in the Corp of the Royal Engineers, after leaving the Army I found it very difficult to settle into a regular Job, doing the same thing day in day out was a real struggle as I like to keep my mind active with varying tasks and the Army delivered that in abundance.
When the opportunity came up to manage IT in a school I jumped at it, no two days are the same and every day presents a new challenge, and still does... 19 Years later!
I get the opportunity to interact with the future generations of young people, hoping that I can make a positive impact on their lives as they move to become productive members of society.
I have a long family connection to St Edmund’s, my mum went to the original school when it was at the Cathedral, all of my family and siblings have been to St Edmund’s as well as my three children. You could argue that if I were to work in any school, destiny brought me back to St Edmund’s!
Appointed: 13/01/2023
Term of Office Expiry: 12/01/2027
Sarah Thompson
Parent Governor
As a primary school teacher with a background in psychology, I am passionate about ensuring that all children access a high-quality, broad education. As such, I am especially pleased to have been appointed as a parent governor at St Edmund’s Catholic School. Not only does my daughter currently attend the school but my younger siblings also did, thriving from its wonderful pastoral care and aspirational environment.
As a military spouse, I have experienced a variety of roles from which I’ve developed strong communication, analytical and problem-solving skills. Most recently, during a two-year posting in Virginia Beach, USA, I worked as a substitute teacher, which gave me fresh perspective and new ideas. I also used this time to undertake some continued professional development to gain a better understanding of special educational needs and mental health of children and young people.
I am looking forward to working collaboratively with my fellow governors and staff to contribute to the continued success of the school.
Appointed: 01/12/2024
Term of Office Expiry: 31/11/2028
Chris Whitfield
Foundation Governor
I was delighted to have been appointed as a Foundation Governor at St Edmund’s Catholic School, Portsmouth in November 2017.
I have over 40 years’ experience in education, starting first as a teacher of Modern Languages, then Head of Department, Head of Year, Deputy Head and, finally, Headteacher of Oaklands Catholic School in Waterlooville for nearly 23 years. During my final few years at Oaklands I was also an Ofsted inspector.
In 2007 I was awarded a Papal Knighthood (Knight of St Gregory : KSG) by Pope Benedict for services to Catholic Education.
In 2010, following 3 years as Principal of an international School in Thailand, I was asked by Bishop Crispian to look after St Edmund’s as Acting Head for a year to help the school through a difficult period. This was a very rewarding experience which allowed me to build up strong professional links with the school community and the present head, Simon Graham.
I now look forward to using my experience and skills in working with the Head to ensure that St Edmund’s continues to prosper and remains the outstanding school that it is today.
Appointed: 06/11/2021
Term of Office Expiry: 05/11/2025
Dr Malcolm Whitworth
L.A. Governor
I was very pleased to have been appointed as a Governor at St. Edmund's Catholic School in October 2020.
I am a lecturer in Engineering Geology at the University of Portsmouth, where I have been teaching for 21 years. This has given me extensive experience in managing research projects, delivering teaching and an awareness of students’ academic and pastoral needs.
I am a firm believer in the importance of good quality education at all levels and that all children should have the very best opportunities.
I am new to the role and I am already enjoying working as part of a team on the Governing Body, getting to know the school and supporting the Head, staff and pupils.
I have two children who attend the school so can contribute from a parent’s perspective as well as acting as the Local Authority Governor on the Governing Body.
It is an honour to be able to contribute to such a caring school community, which provides an outstanding spiritual and academic education.
Appointed: 21/10/2024
Term of Office Expiry: 20/10/2028
