Simon James - Chair of Governors, Co-opted

I have been a Governor since 2020. I am a Dad of two and passionate about the betterment of our pupil's education and experience at school. I am the Chair of Cound Parish Council and a volunteer leader with 1st Shrewsbury Scouts, so I bring a wealth of facilitation and diplomacy skills. I am a Chartered Forester working in the charity sector; managing woodlands, providing advice, overseeing budgets and supporting wellbeing in woodlands UK wide. 

Catherine Egleton – Vice Chair of Governors, Foundation Governor

I was born in the Black Country and went to school in Coseley and Sedgley. After training as a teacher in Liverpool and Manchester, I moved to Enfield in North London. My children were born and raised in Enfield. I moved to Shropshire in 2019. 

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 have been a Foundation Governor, appointed by The Diocese of Hereford, since 2002.

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.

Steve Hall – Local Authority Governor

I grew up in Birmingham but have spent the last 25 years in South Shropshire. Both of my now grown up daughters went to Church Preen Primary School.

I am now semi-retired  but still work as a Chartered Accountant and business consultant so my main contribution as  Governor is on the administration and finance side. 

I have been a Governor firstly at Church Preen and then at The Edge Federation (having helped to set it up) for 20 years and was also a Governor at William Brookes for 10 years.  I want to do everything I can to support the survival of small rural schools and believe that the best way forward for them is as part of small federations where they can share resources to expand the educational opportunities for their pupils.

Carole Fenton – Co-opted Governor

I was a teacher for 45 years. My first few years were spent in secondary education where I taught music and began to develop an interest in working with children who have additional learning needs. I moved into primary education in 1990 where I became the headteacher of a primary school with an additional provision for children who have speech & communication difficulties. In 2013 I retired from headship but was not ready to retire from the world of education.  I took up a teaching post at Wistanstow in 2020 and retired in 2024. I am passionate about providing our children with the best possible education so that each individual reaches their true potential. I thoroughly enjoy my role as Governor as I feel it provides me with further opportunities to work alongside staff, families and our community to ensure our pupils receive an enriching and inspiring curriculum.

Laura Furniss – Co-opted Governor

I became a governor in September 2020.  I have two children that attend Brockton Primary School, and I am an active member of the Friends of Brockton School (FOBS).  Both myself and my older daughter also attended small rural primary schools and I understand how important they are to families and the local community.  

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

I am the Church of England minister for Craven Arms and lead a new church in the town called Christ Church Craven Arms. Previously I worked as a scientist and them became head of science at various secondary schools and London and Shropshire. It is a real pleasure to be able to engage with the children, parents and staff of the Edge federation schools in my role as governor.

Caroline Bedford – Associate Governor

I joined The Edge Federation as a governor in September 2022 and sit on the Curriculum Committee. I am a Headteacher at a secondary school in Newport and I have a wealth of experience in curriculum, assessment and providing quality first teaching for students with SEND. I am able to share this knowledge in my role as governor to support the work in the Federation schools.

Lauren Bjorn - Parent Governor

I became a Parent Governor in September 2024. I attended a small rural primary school and only since becoming a parent have truly appreciated the value and benefits this provided me in my early years.   Being able to send our children to a small, rural school was one of the driving factors behind our relocation to the area.

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 

I joined the Edge Federation Governors as a Parent Governor in September 2024, and I am a member of the Business Management Committee.  I am committed to helping to ensure the very best outcomes for all children across our Federation . I have a background in finance, working for the last 14 years as a Chartered Accountant in London and Birmingham, and am looking forward to making a positive contribution to the financial sustainability of our schools going forwards.

Lauren Bjorn – Parent Governor

Richard Pope – Parent Governor

Elle Evans – Staff Governor

Sue Phillips – Head of School (Wistanstow), Associate Governor

Marilyn Hunt – Executive Headteacher (ex-officio)