Governance
Welcome to our Governors’ section.
The Governing Body perform an essential role in the strategic leadership of the school. Along with the Headteacher, they hold the school to account, ensuring they are fulfilling their statutory duties such as, curriculum; financial; safeguarding; health & safety and many more.
The school is governed by governors appointed by the Diocese of Brentwood who are trustees of the school; a governor appointed by the London Borough of Havering; parent governors elected by the parents of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School; staff governors elected by the staff of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and the Headteacher.
The governors elect their own chairman and vice chairman and meet regularly (at least once per term). We thank the governors for their continued support and advice in promoting the development of the school.
The Governing Body at St Mary's Catholic Primary School perform their statutory duties in accordance with Governance Guidelines nationally. At St Mary's we operate a committee system to share the workload across all Governors. The standard committees are as follows:
Curriculum & Pupil Achievement Committee;
Resource Committee;
Admissions Committee;
Pay Review Committee.
In addition to these committees, the Full Governing Body meet termly. Governor attendance at all meetings is recorded.
MEET THE GOVERNORS
Monica Allitt - Chair of Governors

Monica is a Teacher in a Catholic Girls’ school in the Brentwood Diocese. With 18 Years of experience working in Catholic Education, she is passionate about education for young people and ensuring that schools provide the opportunities for them to grow pastorally, spiritually and academically. As a regular parishioner at St Mary’s Mother of God Catholic Church she strongly believes in the vital partnership between the Church, school and home so that every child at St Mary’s Catholic Primary school can flourish.
Tim Nagle - Foundation Governor

Tim is a dedicated father of two children and has a strong commitment to supporting educational excellence and development. With a professional background in financial services, he brings valuable expertise in strategic decision-making, data-driven insights, and financial management, which can contribute significantly to the governance of the school.
Active in sports and coaching, Tim understands the importance of teamwork, leadership, and nurturing individual potential. He is passionate about promoting physical education and extracurricular activities, recognising their role in developing well-rounded students.
As a supporter of school development initiatives, Tim actively engages with opportunities to enhance the school environment and improve outcomes for pupils. His collaborative approach and focus on continuous improvement align with the school’s mission to create a thriving and inclusive community for all learners.
Sheila O’Sullivan – Foundation Governor, Vice Chair
Chair of Curriculum Committee & Pupil Achievement Committees, Admissions
Katherine Hart - Foundation Governor

Katherine has a longstanding connection with St Mary’s, having been a pupil at the school herself. She has 18 years’ experience as a primary teacher, including 12 years in senior leadership roles. Her professional expertise lies in Assessment and Pupil Premium, and she is committed to ensuring that all pupils achieve their full potential, irrespective of their individual circumstances. Katherine is a parent of two and a parishioner at St Joseph’s, Upminster, where her children are educated.
David Hartop - Foundation Governor
Dominic Asogwa - Foundation Governor
Adesola Tojuola - Foundation Governor

My name is Adesola Tojuola and I am a foundation governor of the school. My appointment started in April 2025.
I hold a bachelors degree in law and currently work in financial services as a Data Governance professional.
My experience spans across banking and pharmaceutical industries.
When I am not busy governing data, I have two boys Raymond (14) and Ethan (11) who keep me on my feet. Both my boys attend Catholic school.
Leah Hamlin - Staff Governor
Michael McCarthy - Local Authority Governor
Tolu Lawal - Parent Governor

Hi, I am Tolu, a mum to two boys at the school. I’m grateful to be part of such a welcoming and supportive school community, and I am passionate about helping children feel confident, included, and supported as they learn and grow.
I became a parent governor because I care deeply about family wellbeing and believe it’s important that parents’ voices are heard. Strong partnerships between families and the school play a key role in helping children thrive.
I’m approachable and enjoy connecting with people. I look forward to working with families and staff to help ensure every child has a positive, enriching, and joyful school experience.
Iddanella Sarmiento - Parent Governor