Governors
Welcome to the Governors page!
Below you will find pictures and short biographies of the members of your current Governing Body. Those of us who don't work at the school are local people with an interest in supporting the school to be the best it can be for the benefit of all the children. Our specific role is to monitor the schools progress towards delivering the schools plan and targets which we agree with the Headteacher each year. We can offer ideas and advice based on our own experiences but we are not running the schools operation - that is Mrs Collin's job.
The school has made tremendous progress over the last couple of years and it is the Governors aim to help that journey continue!
You do not need any particular qualifications to be a Governor, just an interest in the school, enthusiasm to see the school continue to grow and a little bit of time (not much honestly!) to help that process.
Please contact the school office if you are interested in becoming a Governor at WJS.
Ged Smith
Chair of Governors
Originally from Yorkshire but has lived in Whitstable for 20 years. Now retired but worked mostly in the public sector for Royal Mail, the Ministry of Justice and briefly the Metropolitan Police running back office support operations. Likes all sport to watch and still plays 5-a-side weekly and does a bit of running and cycling (very occasionally!). Trying to learn to play the saxophone and speak Spanish.
​Gary Edwards
Co-opted Governor
I have lived in Whitstable since 1997 having relocated for work reasons with my [then] young family. All three of my children thoroughly enjoyed their time at WJS and went on to university and the wider world. My professional area has always been Personnel and Development and after 17 years with KCC's Schools' Personnel Service I decided to leave to set up my own HR Consultancy business but still very much working in the schools sector. I love this town, the people, the beach and the deep sense of community here - all the reasons why our intention to just stay "a few years" turned into setting down roots. I am also deeply passionate about our duty to provide the very best education for children and leaving a lasting legacy for others. Amongst my interests are walking the dog, running along the beach and local woods and the occasional beer watching a decent band in the Neptune
Tim Aldridge
Co-opted Governor
Andrea Moorhouse
Co-Opted Governor
I’m Andrea and I have lived and worked in Whitstable since the 1990s. My first teaching position, straight out of university, was at the school.
I had many happy years teaching at what was Whitstable County Juniors, before moving onto another school in Canterbury, which is now part of the Canterbury Academy.
I stopped teaching to start a family, after which I decided to alter my teaching path and now work at a local preschool.
Now that my children have grown up, I find I have more time which I like to spend lino printing and making glass creations in my kiln at home.
I’m also passionate about being involved in community projects which support families with young children and have created The Magic Wardrobe, a local clothing recycling project that families can use completely free of charge.
Paul Brown
Co-opted Governor
Vice-Chair
Safeguarding
Originally from Northern Ireland, I moved with my family to Whitstable in 2017 at which point, I'm thrilled to say, my little girl joined WSJ. I have been lucky enough to work extensively in both the private and public sectors throughout my career, everything from Goldman Sacs to The Cabinet Office and DfE, and currently, I am working with the UK's leading Children's Charity. As a co-opted governor, I am excited to be able to bring my skills and experience to supporting our wonderful school and look forward to working with parents, teachers and other governors alike in delivering on the vision and meeting our children's educational needs.
Steve Moseley
Parent Governor
I originally grew up on the South Coast, but I’ve now lived in Kent for nearly 30 years, the last 15 years of those in Whitstable.
I'm a Dad of two and very proud to have joined the Governing Board of this fantastic school which has such an important place in the heart of the community.
In my day job, I’m an Executive Director of a Housing Association based in London which is responsible for a wide range of corporate teams covering strategy, health and safety, technology/transformation, communications and corporate governance.
In whatever spare time I have left, I'm an enthusiastic although slightly sedate runner, and I'm also a volunteer crew member on the RNLI Whitstable Lifeboat.
Victoria Turner
Parent Governor
Viv Hayward
Local Authority Governor
Co-Chair of Governors
I am delighted to be part of the Governing Body of this great community school for which I have always had a special affection since working here as a teacher. I hope that my experiences in education will allow me to make a useful contribution in supporting the exceptional work it does for the children in its care and their families. I have always believed that children learn better if they feel safe and have fun, and this certainly exists in WJS which is what draws me back here.
I moved to Whitstable with my family in 1985 and joined the teaching staff here the following year, holding a variety of roles before moving on to headship locally in 1997. After two Primary School headships I then worked for the Local Authority as a School Improvement Advisor to schools in and around Canterbury. After retiring, I worked for Christ Church University as a Link Tutor to local schools (including WJS) with students on Teaching Practice.
Since fully retiring I have been involved as a governor in a school in Herne Bay before taking a break to spend more time with our four young grandchildren. I am involved in several local music groups both as an organiser and participant. I love the beach and sea swimming and was a founder member of ‘Friends of Tankerton Bay’ beach clearing group.
Rebecca Lodge
Staff Governor
Born in Gloucestershire, I moved over to Kent to study teaching some 12 years ago. 6 years ago, I moved to Whitstable initial as a short term idea to be near the sea but when the opportunity to join the WJS family came up I knew I would be staying. I love working at this school with all the staff and fantastic children who make every day such a pleasure. I’ve been here nearly 5 years now and have taught in both Year 4 and 5. Currently, I am enjoying my role as subject leader for History, Geography and Reading.​
Kirsten Collin
Headteacher
As Headteacher, I work closely with the governing board to set and uphold our school's vision, ethos and strategic direction. I am accountable for the educational performance of the school and lead the development and implementation of our policies, practices and procedures.
I manage the day-to-day operations of the school and report regularly to governors on our progress, providing them with the information they need to hold me to account and make strategic decisions about our school's future.
My key responsibilities include:
- Leading teaching and learning across the school
- Managing our financial resources effectively
- Implementing our strategic priorities and reporting on outcomes
- Working collaboratively with governors to drive continuous improvement
I have worked at Whitstable Junior School for 12 years, progressing from English Lead and Lower School phase leader to Assistant Headteacher and SENCo, then Co-Headteacher, and now Headteacher. Before joining WJS, I gained diverse experience as a year group leader in a large primary school in Ealing, West London, and worked in schools across Dorset and the London Borough of Sutton. Each role has enriched my understanding of effective school leadership and inclusive practice.
I am committed to providing a truly inclusive school where every child belongs and feels valued. Inclusion sits at the heart of everything we do – from our curriculum design to our pastoral care. We work to ensure that every pupil has equal opportunities to participate, learn and achieve, and that our school community is one where kindness, respect and understanding flourish.
Beth Harris
Assistant Headteacher
Associate Governor
Charlotte Pearson
Clerk
