Scroll to content
The Mount Stewart Schools home page

The Mount Stewart
Schools Federation

Governance

Welcome to our Governors’ section.


Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.  You will also find information explaining how you can become a governor.

Mount Stewart Schools – Federated Governing Body

Title

Name

Status

Position

Term End

Mrs

Gillan Barnard

Co-opted

Chair, Parental engagement and communication

Curriculum Diversity

18.06.28

Mr Kishan ParshotamCo-optedVice Chair, Pupil voice and pupil leadership22.03.26

Miss

Sharan Uppal

Staff

Governor Training and induction

 

Mr

John Ryan

Co-opted

Health & Safety

   19.10.28

Mrs

Penny Christodoulou

Co-opted

HR

18.10.26

Miss

Dorcas Onabanjo

Co-opted

SEND and Cultural Diversity

12.12.26

 Mr

Darren Phillimore-Farden

Co-opted

ARP and Wellbeing

20.02.27

Mr

Manoj Varsani

Co-opted

Early Career Framework

   15.07.25

   Mrs

  Zahra Obaydi 

  Parent 

  Curriculum

  31.08.24

   Mrs

  Rasila Pindoria

   Co-opted 

  Safeguarding

  24.11.25

Mrs

Sally Newing

Associate

Headteacher

 

MrsSarah JonesAssociateOperations Manager 
Miss Rachel JohnsonAssociateDeputy Headteacher 

Governor Diversity

At Mount Stewart Schools Federation, we acknowledge the vital role that diversity of thought, voices, and perspectives plays in fostering effective governance and the efficient operation of any organisation. To support these principles, we routinely gather diversity-related data from our governing body. Depending on the current data available, we utilise this information to:

 

  • Target recruitment efforts to bridge gaps in experience and diversity.
  • Adapt and refine board practices to facilitate full and inclusive participation.
  • Prioritise training and awareness initiatives in areas that require attention.
  • Address potential "blind spots" by seeking broader advice and perspectives on current and forthcoming opportunities, challenges, and risks.