Governors
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Madeleine Gabriel
Chair of Governors
I became a governor at Drumbeat in 2013 and have been Chair of Governors since 2021. I became interested in special education as neurodiversity is common in my family and my nephew is autistic. As Chair it’s a privilege to play a role in running the school and get to know the staff, senior leadership team and pupils.
I live in Eltham and in my day job I’m a director at a national charity working on sustainable energy and climate change. My background is as a researcher, so I can bring skills in data analysis to the governing board. Outside of work I’m a keen runner and have just signed up for my first marathon!
Michelle Charlesworth
Vice Chair and Co-opted Governor
First and foremost I am a parent of a child that has attended Drumbeat school since reception class and is now in 6th form.
Drumbeat has given us as a family an enormous amount of support. When I became a parent governor around 5 years ago I wanted to give something back. I am passionate that the children at Drumbeat have a robust education that meets their individual needs and that parents are supported.
Professionally I am a counsellor/clinical supervisor in private practice and a counselling manager for an organisation supporting families that have experienced trauma.
Marie Neave
Executive Headteacher
Helen Bradman
Staff Governor
Staff governors are elected by the staff of the school to represent them on the
governing body, and bring with them professional experience and knowledge.
The role of a staff governor is the same as any other governor, strategic leadership
and holding the Headteacher to account, but also includes providing a ‘staff viewpoint’.
Their role isn't to represent staff, nor to be held to account by the governing board.
Bryony Bowen
Co-opted Governor & HOS
Anastasia Oikonomou
Elected Parent Governor
I’m Anastasia, Mum to two young boys (both who attend Drumbeat).
When I saw the opportunity to run for parent governor , I knew immediately I wanted to be involved as I wholeheartedly believe that all children should have the opportunity to enjoy and thrive in an environment that will enable them to achieve their full potential.
Claire Seiler
Vice Chair & Elected Parent Governor
I am Claire Seiler, parent of a young lady in the Drumbeat 6th Form and Vice Chair on the Governing body.
I have a background in finance and technology which is useful for understanding the school finances. As a parent of a daughter who has been at Drumbeat since it came into being I want what is best for the school and am proud of what has been achieved.
Nazerinne Udo
Elected Parent Governor
Nicola Clitheroe
Elected Parent Governor
My name is Nicola, I am a mother of four. Two of my children have Autism and my youngest son currently attends Drumbeat. My older daughter previously attended Drumbeat Brockley and is now volunteering at the school.
I have always been passionate about Drumbeat. My two children love school and feel safe, it's been like a second home.
When the opportunity arose to become a school governor I jumped at the chance to see things from another perspective and offer my views as a parent.
Kedi Goode
Co-opted Governor
Joesph Lettington
Co-opted Governor
I became a governor in 2022 and very pleased to support this wonderful school. I feel passionately about social inclusion and work hard to promote the rights of the child in both my professional and personal life. Outside of being a governor at Drumbeat, I am a psychologist and prior to that, spent over ten years as a teacher in primary schools in and around London and in Spain. I live not too far from Drumbeat in the Beckenham area and outside of work, you might find me in the gym, socialising or reading a good book!
I sit on the education committee and bring with me experience of leading areas of teaching and learning in school and hope to be able to support and challenge school leaders to ensure the best outcomes for the children at Drumbeat.
Denise Gallagher
Head of School and Associate member
Charlotte Finch
School Business Director & Associate member
The function of the Governing Body is to take a largely strategic role in overseeing the development of the school; the Headteacher is in charge of the day to day management and leadership of the school.
Minutes from recent Governors meetings are available on request.