Meet our Governors

Our governors play an active role in school life. They regularly visit the school, listen to children read, join us on educational visits and support the development of our Christian vision and values. They work closely with school leaders to provide both support and challenge, helping to ensure that every child receives the best possible education and care.

Chair of Governors  -   Mr. Robert Gregory

I was born and grew up in Ramsgate including attending St Laurence Methodist Church. After college and working in hotels and the wine trade, I changed career and joined the public sector. After nearly 20 years in government finance and 15 more years in public purchasing I returned to Ramsgate to look after my mother.

I have two grown up children and have voluntary roles in a small number of local organisations.  My role on the Governors is to lead meetings and support the school and Trust in their work and occasional panel hearings where an independent opinion is required.

In government I worked across departments to deliver projects and design solutions to complex issues. I am proud of work I completed with nearly 50 apprentices: developing their work skills and encouraging their personal development.

Vice-Chair of Governors -   Mrs Michelle Kiting
I have been a governor at St Laurence for the last 11 years.  I was originally appointed as a parent governor when our daughter joined the school in Year 3, she is now about to turn 18 and I have never left !  I have remained a governor for so long as I passionately care about the pupils of St Laurence; making their journey through the school a happy one and  helping them reach their full potential.

I have long standing roots in the local community having lived in Ramsgate for over 25 years and in the St Laurence area for the last 12.  Our daughter had an amazing time St Laurence, developing both academically and emotionally. It was the sense of community that first attracted us the school and it is this community that has also supported me to grow and develop in my role as a governor to where I now sit as Vice Chair and Safeguarding Lead Governor.

In my professional life I work as a Senior Midwife at the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital. I find these two roles very complementary to each other, especially when it comes to supporting the school in fulfilling all of its statutory obligations to safeguarding.  It is also a wonderful feeling to know that not only have I had the opportunity to participate in the births of some of our pupils and I can now have a role in helping them grow and develop.

Governor - Mr. Floyd Roberts

I was born and grew up in London and moved to Kent in 2010. I have over 30 years experience working in central and local government finance and as a school Finance Director. I am currently employed as a senior business partner for a local education authority.  Having worked at both school and local government level my expertise is in finance, H&S and strategic planning. In my role as a governor, I have been committed to advocating for both the school and the Trust, fostering a collaborative spirit that enables every pupil to flourish and fulfil their potential.

Governor - Rev. Catherine Tucker

In 2021 she became Team Rector of the Dover Town Team Ministry, also serving as Port Chaplain and Honorary Chaplain to Dover College and the Mayor, and pioneering ‘Pilgrimage Local’ in partnership with local heritage leaders. She has recently moved to Ramsgate as Priest-in-Charge of the five churches of the St Laurence-in-Thanet Team. Catherine has an ongoing interest in the relationship between faith and the body and writes meditations and journalling on this theme.

Catherine began her career in contemporary dance and choreography, collaborating with visual artists and later studying the philosophy of aesthetics as a mature student. She experienced a call to priesthood while serving at St Mary’s Church, Balham, and trained at Westcott House, Cambridge, completing an M.Phil. in Philosophy of Religion. After her curacy in the Forest Hill Team Ministry, where she also chaired Street Pastors Lewisham, she became Vicar of Holy Saviour Croydon and Area Dean of Croydon North, founding the Public Spirit social justice project for young people.

Governor - Mrs. Sharon Cutler

I have a wide experience of secondary education, having taught English in both the private and state sectors. I now work part-time for an agency tutoring children in the care system. I am a Parochial Churchwarden for St Laurence-in-Thanet and my interests include visiting art galleries and reading extensively.

Governor -Mrs. Sarah Mountjoy (SENCO)

I have worked at St Laurence-in-Thanet CE Junior Academy since 2017, beginning as a class teacher before moving into subject and middle leadership. During this time, I have also mentored student teachers and new members of staff, supporting their professional growth and understanding of inclusive practice.

In 2023, I took on the role of SENCo, which allows me to focus on ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive. My eldest attended St Laurence and flourished here, giving me valuable insight into the school’s nurturing and inclusive ethos from a parent’s point of view as well as a teacher’s.

This combination of experiences enables me to contribute as a Governor with empathy and understanding.

Governor - Mrs Louise Buckland (Headteacher)

I was born in Germany as a military child and spent my childhood moving regularly, attending a number of different schools. This experience gave me an early appreciation of the importance of belonging, stability and strong relationships within education.

I have worked in education for over 20 years, all of which has been in Ramsgate. I began my teaching career at St Ethelbert’s Primary School before joining St Laurence-in-Thanet CE Junior Academy in 2014 as a Year 6 teacher and Assistant Headteacher. I was appointed Deputy Headteacher five years ago and am now proud to serve as Headteacher of the school.

My professional journey has been shaped by a strong commitment to raising aspirations for all children, ensuring that every pupil is supported to reach their full potential both academically and personally. I am passionate about fostering positive, trusting relationships with families and staff, recognising that children thrive best when school and home work closely together.

At the heart of my leadership is a belief that school should be a safe, happy and inclusive place where every child feels valued, confident and able to flourish. I am proud to lead a school community that shares these values and is dedicated to helping every child succeed.

How to contact the Governors

Parents may contact our Chair of Governors, Robert Gregory, through our Clerk, Melissa French, via her email mfrench@aquilatrust.co.uk

Governor Documents

Governor list and business interests.

Trustee meeting attendance.

Scheme of Delegation

Scheme of Delegation appendix 2