Rev. Dr. Barry Barton

Academy Chair of Governors &

Foundation Governor

My name is Rev Dr Barry Barton, Academy Chair of Governors and a foundation governor and member of St Richard’s Academy since 2013 and, as a consequence, a member of the newly constituted St Richard’s Academy and Stella Maris Academy, Executive Governing Body.

I have a legal duty to preserve and develop the Catholic character of our school. I am the lead governor for catholicity / religious education at St Richards. My aim is to ensure that every child is supported and challenged to be their very best: academically, personally and spiritually.

I am married to Sue with two grow up daughters and 2 grandsons and retired from a full time career in the NHS and higher education. I was ordained Deacon in Diocese of Leeds 2003 and moved to Dover in 2012. I am Deacon at the parishes of The Good Shepherd (St Paul’s, Dover and St Finbarrs, Aylesham) and Our Lady of Dover, Buckland.

Christopher Burke

Foundation Governor

Tom Connolly

Foundation Governor

Jason O'Callaghan

Foundation Governor

I am Vice Chair for the Governing Body and Chairman of the Finance and Resources Committee and an ex-pupil of Stella Maris. My main goal is to make sure that every penny spent offers the greatest impact for the children of our school.

I am a financial analyst by day. I have two daughters who currently attend the School, with a third joining in the future. Stella Maris has always been close to my heart and I'm very proud to play a part in its community.

Susan Foster

Co-Opted Governor

I work as Clerk to Governors in three local schools and my previous professional experience has been based in education, in both teaching (Modern Foreign Languages) and Sixth Form pastoral support roles, also in Admin. I am also currently employed with a charity which offers creative opportunities for those living with dementia.

I bring administrative and organisational skills to the Governing Body, together with a passion for the School to excel in everything it does.

Rev. Dr. Barry Barton

Academy Chair of Governors &

Foundation Governor

My name is Rev Dr Barry Barton, Academy Chair of Governors and a foundation governor and member of St Richard’s Academy since 2013 and, as a consequence, a member of the newly constituted St Richard’s Academy and Stella Maris Academy, Executive Governing Body.

I have a legal duty to preserve and develop the Catholic character of our school. I am the lead governor for catholicity / religious education at St Richards. My aim is to ensure that every child is supported and challenged to be their very best: academically, personally and spiritually.

I am married to Sue with two grow up daughters and 2 grandsons and retired from a full time career in the NHS and higher education. I was ordained Deacon in Diocese of Leeds 2003 and moved to Dover in 2012. I am Deacon at the parishes of The Good Shepherd (St Paul’s, Dover and St Finbarrs, Aylesham) and Our Lady of Dover, Buckland.

Suzanne Aime

Foundation Governor

Governor of EYFS, Key Stage 1 & Key Stage 2 Computer Science

My name is Suzanne Aime. I was elected as Foundation Governor at St Richard’s in the year 2018. I am married to James, a loving husband, a wonderful father and a great mathematics teacher. Our two children attended St Richards Primary School, excelled in academics and completed successfully as Signum Fidei (Sign of Faith). We are active members of this community since 2012. Currently, I work at one of the grammar schools in Kent as Subject Leader, Computer Science. My passion in computer science and mathematics has instigated me to volunteer as STEM ambassador to inspire students in STEM related subjects. Raised from a family with a strong religious background(Cardinal, bishop, priests and nuns), my aim is not only to encourage and enrich students, to attain their God given potential, academically and socially but also spiritually.

Paul Birken

Foundation Governor

I am delighted to have been offered the opportunity to join as a Foundation Governor in 2021. My eldest first attended the school in 2007, and my two youngest are both at St Richard’s in Year 2 and 6. As a parent, I have seen many changes at the school over the last 14 years and I am excited to be a part in shaping the future for the benefit of the children, teaching staff, parents, and carers. I am keen to bring my experience of changes to further improve and develop the opportunities for the children at St Richard’s. By the time my third child finishes primary school I will have been a part of this school community for 19 years.  

I am 41 years old, and I live in Dover with my wife and 3 daughters who were the first generation in our family to attend a faith school. I find that the school has always provided teaching through care, love, and faith. I am a practicing Catholic having taken the decision to be baptised and confirmed much later in life in 2010. Faith is important to the family and me as well as Mental Health and well-being for staff and children. This is even more crucial to supporting the development of healthy, confident and happy young minds following the effects of lockdown and Covid-19. 

I work as a Manager in a busy A&E Department. Despite the role being challenging and upsetting at times, I joined the NHS to be of public service and to make a difference. It is this same ethos that I wish to bring with me as Foundation Governor and I look forward to working with the SLT and other Governors to support the school in the years to come.

Penny Bordios

Foundation Governor

Beth Boxall

Parent Governor

Judy Doherty

Foundation Governor

I am delighted to have been appointed as a Foundation Governor at St. Richard’s school in 2021 and am looking forward to getting to know the school community. I am an experienced school governor in the primary sector, having served previously at four schools in East Kent. I have a particular interest in early years education and in the teaching of science at primary level.

Before retiring in 2016, I worked for eleven years as a probation officer before moving to a variety of roles in local government, primarily in education and children’s services. I am a qualified Social Worker.

I live with my husband in Folkestone. We have one adult son who lives and works in the north of England. I am a member of Our Lady and St Joseph’s parish. I volunteer locally for the Rainbow Centre, working in both the Food Bank and the Winter Shelter. My wider interests include local history and I am involved in the Finding Eanswythe project in Folkestone.

Alouisa Quansah-Brown

Staff Governor

As a member of the Teaching staff at St Richard’s since January 2020, and Staff Governor I am looking forward to representing the wonderful, hardworking staff at St Richard’s and getting to know the wider school community. I am an experienced class teacher having taught in primary schools for the past 16 years, from volunteering through to becoming a qualified teacher for the last 11 years.

Before teaching I studied for an Art degree and then finally a teaching degree when realising teaching is my passion!

I live with my husband and son in Deal having moved from London 21 years ago. I am a keen artist and devote every spare moment to creating mosaics and walking our lively cocker spaniel!

Fr. Jeff Cridland

Parish Priest

I was born and bred in London and was ordained more than 50 years ago. I have had highs and lows that were equally unexpected. Here are some of the highs; running youth groups in three of my parishes and recruiting a wonderful lady to help care for the unemployed who went on to found the Manna Centre for the Homeless near London Bridge where 175 dinners are served every day in normal times. I spent fourteen years as a pastor in a parish in South London during which time the Sunday Congregation went from 300 to 800. I have loved being involved in education as school chaplain to two different comprehensives at different times and serving as a governor for a total of 36 years in various schools. The lows were most about my health including the years after I was misdiagnosed as diabetic and the period before it was discovered I had been suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for fourteen years. When I got out of those tunnels I experienced great joy. I have always loved belonging to whichever parish community I have served, to the school communities and serving a Lord who always helps us whatever happens if we let him.