To find out more about the purpose and responsibilities of the Governing Body, and how you could get involved, please visit our Governance webpage.

Simon James
Chair of Governors, Co-opted

Catherine Egleton
Vice Chair of Governors, Foundation Governor

Richard Rhodes
Foundation Governor

Carole Fenton
Co-opted Governor

Laura Furniss
Co-opted Governor

Rev. Dr. Steve Alston
Co-opted Governor

Lauren Bjorn
Parent Governor

Richard Pope
Parent Governor

Caroline Bedford
Associate Governor

Elle Evans
Staff Governor
James Peakman
Co-opted Governor
Mr P O'Malley
Interim Executive Headteacher
The role of Governors
Governors work together to carry out their core functions:
- Ensuring there is clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the schools and their pupils and the performance management of staff
- Overseeing the financial performance of the schools, making sure money is well spent
- Ensuring the voices of stakeholders are heard
Governors must also ensure that the governing body complies with all legal and statutory requirements.
How we work
As a critical friend to the school, our governing body works closely with the Executive Headteacher to provide challenge and support. They make decisions collectively, using relevant documents and data to guide them. Our governing body conducts business through regular meetings, where they scrutinise and discuss key issues affecting our schools.
We are fortunate to have a committed and skilled governing body, who take a keen interest in our schools’ continued development and success. Our governors are passionate about providing the best possible education for our pupils, and we’re grateful for their dedication and expertise.

Simon James
Chair of Governors, Co-opted
Professionally, I am the CEO of the Small Woods Association, a UK charity, and also run my own business. I bring strong financial and strategic leadership experience to the governing body. I am also Chair of Cound Parish Council, where I’ve developed valuable skills in facilitation and diplomacy.
As a Chartered Forester working in the charity sector, I manage woodlands, provide expert advice, oversee budgets, and support wellbeing initiatives across the UK. I am proud to contribute to the continued success and development of our schools.

Catherine Egleton
Vice Chair of Governors, Foundation Governor
I am one of the Foundation Governors at the Edge Federation and am very pleased to be able to serve our schools in this way. I have a life long interest in the environment and sustainability as well as being passionate about making sure that young people get the best opportunities possible to learn and thrive.

Richard Rhodes
Foundation Governor
I was born in Shrewsbury and, after completing a five-year engineering apprenticeship, I spent 34 years in the Army working in logistics serving in UK, Germany and the Falkland Islands. I have lived in Brockton with my wife since 1995. I have two married children and four grandchildren. Due to moving every 2 to 3 years with the Army, both my children went to boarding school to provide them with a stable educational environment.
I have a number of voluntary roles, including being Treasurer of St James Church Shipton and also Treasurer of Condover Deanery. I am also very much involved in the Girlguiding Walking Scheme as a trainer, assessor and moderator and have been a trainer and assessor in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme for more than 25 years.
Since becoming a governor, I like to think that I have contributed, initially to Brockton CofE Primary School and more latterly to The Edge Federation of schools, to the success of the schools. The role provides an interesting, enjoyable and rewarding experience. I am a member of the Business Management Committee.

Carole Fenton
Co-opted Governor

Laura Furniss
Co-opted Governor
I believe that the relationship between a school and its parents/carers is an important part of a child’s education. A good parent partnership will always lead to better outcomes for both our children and our school.
I am the safeguarding and Early Years link governor and am also part of the curriculum committee.
Being a pre-school manager, I am extremely passionate about safeguarding children and the role early years has to play in our children’s education. I strongly believe that all children have the right to quality education and feel very lucky to have a career where I can strive to make this happen and also to be part of the Edge Federations team of governors.

Rev. Dr. Steve Alston
Co-opted Governor

Lauren Bjorn
Parent Governor
I am a qualified project and programme manager working within the University sector. My day-to-day job focusses on delivering changes that will enhance student experience and enable students to achieve their best outcomes. I also have experience in strategic planning and delivery, skills which I hope will help us drive the Federation forward for the benefit of all our children.

Richard Pope
Parent Governor

Caroline Bedford
Associate Governor
