Welcome to the Governance section.

Jo Lewington (Chair)

 I have been a parent at Anthony Roper for over 17 years – first with my son who is now at university and currently with my twins who are in year 6. I have been on the Governing Body for a large proportion of that time.

I am passionate about supporting our school while continuously striving for better and
aiming higher for all our students.

My professional background in accountancy and business services allows me to use my experience of budgeting, strategy, change management and data analysis to benefit the governing body and school.

Charlie Steggles (Vice Chair, Parent Governor)

Charlie is a Parent Governor and Vice Chair. She works as the Operational Hub Lead for the Kent and Medway Careers Hub and has experience in education strategy, policy and impact measurement. As SEND and Training & Development Governor, Charlie is passionate about inclusion, staW growth and helping every child reach their full
potential.

Paul Cooper (LA Governor)

Paul joined the board of governors more than 10 years ago and is currently the Local Authority Governor. Paul has a finance background and is the lead governor for this at the school. His children were at the school in 2010.

Lydia Elders (Parent Governor)

Lydia joined the board of governors in 2025 as a parent governor. She is a mother of two children who are ARPS alumni. Professionally she has over twenty years of experience working as a teacher and has a focus on safeguarding and the curriculum within the governing body team.

Amanda Hadkiss (Partnership Governor)

Amanda joined the board of governors in 2023 as a partnership governor. She works as a barrister specialising in commercial and business disputes. She has a particular interest in pupil progress and performance data and in helping every child to reach their full potential.

Francesca Hibbert (Staff Governor)

I joined the school in 2017 and have since taught across KS1 and KS2, gaining valuable experience with learners of diWerent ages. I love my job and feel inspires by the chance to support children as they grow. I’m passionate about shaping young minds, encouraging curiosity and helping pupils build confidence. Supporting the wider school
community also matters to me and I’m keen to contribute positively wherever I can. As I continue developing professionally, I hope to make an even stronger impact on pupils, colleagues and the school environment. I remain committed to ongoing reflection and growth in my practice.

Dr Rachel Muckle (Parent Governor)

Rachel joined the board of governors in 2025 as a parent governor. She is the mother of two children at the school. Professionally she works as a Clinical Psychologist and has a special interest in SEND and the whole school wellbeing.

Adam Nicholls (Headteacher)

Since childhood, I always wanted to be a teacher: I used to play 'schools' when I was little, and my parents would take me to a local stationery shop to buy blank exercise books to mark! After over 10 years in the classroom, teaching from Reception to Year 6 across Bexley and Kent, being the Headteacher of our school is a real privilege, working alongside passionate colleagues to curate an ambitious and memorable experience for our pupils. I’m very proud to be working with a group of Governors who bring a wealth of experience and passion to the strategic development of our school.

Ian Thomas (Co-Opted Governor)

Ian joined the board of governors in 2021 as a parent governor. At the end of his term, he rejoined as a Co-opted Governor. After a career in finance, he retrained as a teacher and has worked in secondary education as class teacher and department head for the last 10 years also serving as staff governor for a local secondary school for 3 years. His focus is on curriculum development, health and safety and chairs the headteacher's appraisal process. His son left the school in 2023.