Elizabeth Cahill – Headteacher

Elizabeth was appointed as Headteacher of St Agatha’s Catholic Primary School in September 2013. As such, her position on the board of governors is Ex Officio. This means she is a member of the governing body by virtue of holding the Headteacher’s post. She sits on all the committees. 

Having qualified as a teacher in 1992, Elizabeth has taught across Early years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 in Catholic Primary schools across Merton and Kingston. Previously, she completed a Law Degree, a Master’s Degree in School Leadership and a National Professional Qualification in Headship. More recently Elizabeth has completed her National Professional Qualification in Executive Leadership and is now studying for a Doctorate in Education with St Mary’s University.

Elizabeth is married and is a mother to two children.

Paula Johnstone – Vice Chair, Faith & Community Member

Paula Joined the Board of Governors in March 2023 as one of our Foundation Governors. She is a member of the Faith and Community Committee, Link Governor for RE and Attendance, and Vice Chair of the Board of Governors.

Paula has a BA (Hons) Public Administration and a Post Grad in Management Studies. She started her career at Surrey County Council as a Committee Manager.  She moved to Hong Kong in 1996 where she worked for Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association (Cathay Pacific), returning to Kingston in 2000. She rejoined Surrey County Council in the Education Department working for the South East Regional Special Education Needs Partnership. She moved again in 2005 with her family to Dubai, UAE, where she worked as an Office Manager for a QS Consultancy, and then at an International School in 6^th Form Administration and University Admissions. She returned to Kingston in 2021 and currently works as the Lead Exam Invigilator and Cover Supervisor at a local Secondary School.

Paula is married with 3 adult children. She is a past pupil of St Agatha's and an active member of the Parish. She has been a Catechist for over 20 years, and is currently one of the Confirmation Catechists, and the Parish Lead for Catechesis.

Carolina Otero-Lopes - Chair of the Curriculum & Achievement Committee 

Carolina has been a Governor at the school since April 2019. She chaired the Children, Families and Community Committee for 3 years and is Chair of the Curriculum & Achievement Committee since September 2023. As an insights professional she has worked for over 20 years for international companies driving brand strategy, conducting research, analysing data, monitoring trends, measuring performance and developing communications. She has participated in corporate graduate programs assessing and mentoring university candidates in their application process.

Carolina is a Foundation governor and is an active member of St Agatha's Parish. Her daughter and son attended St Agatha’s and are now at secondary school. 

Rebecca Murphy

Rebecca has been a governor at St Agatha's for over 10 years and is currently a community governor with link responsibility for Finance and Safeguarding.  Both her children attended the school. She is a Chartered Accountant currently working as the  Corporate Responsibility Lead for a global professional services firm.  

Tom Hoyle

Tom was elected as a parent-governor in November 2022. He has two daughters at St Agatha's. He is the link governor for SEND and supports the school's sustainability strategy.

Tom has worked across the charity sector and in social business. He currently manages transformation projects in natural environment charities, and previously ran a corporate foundation focused on sustainable livelihoods in developing countries. Tom began his charity career in special educational needs policy and campaigns with Ambitious About Autism. He helped set up Project Harar, an NGO in Ethiopia providing access to surgical care, and has consulted for several charities, grantmakers and start-ups in the UK and overseas.

Tom studied NGO Management at Bayes Business School and holds degrees in international relations from the University of Leeds.

Sarah Sones - Staff Governor

Sarah Sones serves as a Staff Governor and is proud to represent her colleagues within the school community. She is a dedicated leader of the Early Years team, where she teaches the youngest children as they begin their educational journeys. Sarah has secured her position as an early years expert over a 25 year teaching career.  She brings valuable insight into how nurturing relationships, supportive environments, and high‑quality early learning experiences shape confident and curious learners.

Sarah offers the Governing Body a clear understanding of daily practice, staff perspectives, and the unique strengths of our school.

She is committed to ensuring that staff voices are heard in strategic discussions and that decisions reflect both wellbeing and excellent teaching practice.  Sarah’s extensive knowledge and experience as a Designated safeguarding lead enables her to support the Safeguarding governor.

Sarah feels privileged to be part of such a passionate team and values the opportunity to help shape the future of the school. She is committed to supporting the children, families, and staff who contribute to the vibrant and nurturing environment that makes the school so special.

Peter Hindmarsh - Foundation Governor and Chair Faith and Communities Committee

Peter Hindmarsh has been a Foundation Governor for two years and recently took over as Chapter of the Faith and Communities Committee.  Prior to retirement from the NHS and University College London he was Professor of Paediatric Endocrinology.  

Nicki Murphy – Foundation Governor

Nicki was appointed as a Foundation Governor at St Agatha’s in April 2024 and is a member of the Curriculum and Achievement Committee.

Nicki has a B.Ed. (Hons) and M.Ed. with over 43 years’ experience in secondary education. Throughout her teaching career she held a range of leadership roles, including Assistant Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead, giving her extensive experience in pastoral care, safeguarding, and supporting pupils’ academic progress. 

Nicki is a committed member of St Agatha’s Parish and serves as a Catechist at St Agatha’s Church. As a parent of five sons, all of whom attended St Agatha’s, she has a strong personal connection to the school and a clear understanding of the importance of partnership between school, parish, and families.