Welcome to our Governors’ section. 

Please find below information regarding who our governors are, what they're responsible for, their declared interests and terms of office.

Governor Biographies

Kate Owbridge - Chair of Governors

My name is Kate Owbridge and having grown up and lived in South London for most of my life, I moved to Laddingford (only a few doors from the Chequers!) with my partner Gary in 2015. I am part of the congregation of St Mary's Church Laddingford, and on the PCC of Laddingford and Yalding so it made sense to become a foundation governor. I have been a primary teacher since 1993, and a primary headteacher since 2004 and I am currently an executive head in Crowborough. I have worked with many governing boards and I really wanted to put back into my local school some of the support that I have had in my career from governors. 

I have no spare time, as I fill it with crafting, playing the recorder, baking, education events and seeing my friends and family. Particularly my nieces and nephews, my two god-daughters and my baby step-grandson.

Sharon Waterman - Vice Chair

My name is Sharon Waterman and I am a Coach and Consultant with over 28 years experience in education. I have been a Principal of a large secondary academy in Kent and held the position of Education Director in a Multi Academy Trust of 28 secondary, primary and special academies. I have lived in Laddingford for 18 years and have enjoyed being part of the Governing Body since 2019. I have a keen interest in health and fitness and in my spare time I play golf.

 

Cheryl Johnson - Co-opted Governor

My name is Cheryl Johnson, I work as a senior student manager at a local independent boarding school supporting students and parents academically and pastorally. Within my spare time I enjoy spending time with the family and running. I wanted to be part of the governing body at Laddingford School to support the already highly experienced, passionate team. 

 

 

Jason Bryant - Co-opted Governor

My name is Jason Bryant and I have lived in the village for 25 years. I work as a pharmaceutical consultant helping companies bring their medicines to patients all around the world. When I'm not working, I love to fix stuff, roam the local countryside, walk the family spaniel (which usually involves a swim of some kind), and when away from home I can usually be found on my boat which is moored in Essex on the Blackwater.  I'm a father of 2 and chairman of the Yuletide Market committee.  

 

 

 

Amy Yates - Parent Governor

I have a long-standing connection with Laddingford St Mary’s C of E Primary School, as all four of my children previously attended. Although I am no longer a parent at the school, I remain committed to supporting its continued success.

I became a governor in January 2017 to give something back to the school and the community. I am passionate about ensuring that every child has the chance to thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment. I firmly believe that primary school is where the foundation for lifelong learning is built, and I enjoy contributing to decisions that make a real difference to the lives of children and families in the local community.

Being a governor has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of how schools operate, including the challenges and opportunities they face. 

In my professional life, I work in Publishing, and I bring my organisational, communication and analytical skills to my role as governor.

Father Paul Kish - Foundation Governor

I'm Father Paul, one of the school's foundation governors. I am originally from Ilkley in West Yorkshire and now vicar of Yalding and Laddingford with Collier Street. I have been a governor at all of our local schools in these parishes since I came here to be vicar in 2016. Previously, I have been an industrial chaplain and a school chaplain and I was ordained in the diocese of Gloucester in 1998.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vince German - Co-opted Governor

I live in Laddingford with my wife and daughter having moved into the village in 2021. In our short time in the village, we’ve become active members of the local community. As well as joining the school as a governor, I’ve also become a flood warden for Laddingford. I work as a Graphic Designer for a small agency in Clerkenwell, London. I support our varied client base with their communications, striving to ensure that they engage effectively with their target audiences through online and offline channels. More historically, I studied at the University of Nottingham and graduated with a 2:1 (Hons) in Management in 2003.

 

 

Luke Sehmer - Parent Governor

My daughter has attended Laddingford since 2022, and I am an active volunteer for the Friends of Laddingford School (FLS).  We have loved getting to know the Laddingford community, and by being a Parent Governor, I hope to continue to play a role in the success of Laddingford St Mary’s.

 I am currently an independent strategy & insight consultant, helping my clients to understand their customers better and deliver the right products & services to address their needs in balance with the commercial pressures of their business.

 

	Nominating Authority	First Appointed	Term Start	Term End
Co-opted governors
Mr Jason Bryant		10 Nov 2020	10 Nov 2024	09 Nov 2028
Mrs Sharon Waterman		19 Mar 2019	19 Mar 2023	18 Mar 2027
Mrs Cheryl Johnson		24 Mar 2020	20 Mar 2024	19 Mar 2028
Mr Vince German		9 Nov 2022	9 Nov 2022	8 Nov 2026
Mr Wayne Alexander		7 Dec 2023	7 Dec 2023	6 Dec 2027
Mrs Kelly Woods		7 May 2025	7 May 2025	6 May 2029
Headteacher
Mrs Lucy Clark		2 Jan 2024	2 Jan 2024
Parent governors
Vacancy (1)
Mr Luke Sehmer		07 May 2025	07 May 2025	6 May 2029
Staff governors
Miss Laura Fittall		9 Oct 2024	9 Oct 2024	8 Oct 2028
Foundation governors
Mr Wayne Alexander	Rochester Diocese	7 Dec 2023	7 May 2025	6 May 2029
Mrs Kate Owbridge		19 Mar 2019	19 Mar 2023	18 Mar 2027
Fr Paul Kish	(ex-officio)	16 Nov 2016
Local Authority Governors
Mr Steven Hann		7 July 2025	7 July 2025	6 July 2029