Our dedicated, experienced, and enthusiastic Governors lead all three schools in The Edge Schools’ Federation. For further information about the responsibilities of our governing body, please click here.
Find out more about our individual governors below. If you are interested in becoming a governor or have skills that you think could contribute to our work, please click here to find our more.

Simon James
Chair of Governors, Co-opted

Catherine Egleton
Vice Chair of Governors, Foundation Governor

Richard Rhodes
Foundation Governor

Carole Fenton
Co-opted Governor

Elle Evans
Staff Governor

Laura Furniss
Co-opted Governor

Rev. Dr. Steve Alston
Co-opted Governor

Lauren Bjorn
Parent Governor

Richard Pope
Parent Governor

James Peakman
Co-opted Governor

Caroline Bedford
Associate Governor
Mr P O'Malley
Interim Executive Headteacher

Simon James
Chair of Governors, Co-opted
I have been a Governor since 2020 and currently serve as Chair. As a parent of two children, I am passionate about ensuring all pupils receive the best possible education and school experience.
Professionally, I am the CEO of the Small Woods Association, a UK charity, and also run my own business. I bring strong financial and strategic leadership experience to the governing body. I am also Chair of Cound Parish Council, where I’ve developed valuable skills in facilitation and diplomacy.
As a Chartered Forester working in the charity sector, I manage woodlands, provide expert advice, oversee budgets, and support wellbeing initiatives across the UK. I am proud to contribute to the continued success and development of our schools.

Marilyn Hunt
Executive Headteacher

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.

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.

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 my older daughter and I 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.

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.

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 lifelong 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.

Elle Evans
Staff Governor
