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Meet the team

The Development and Engagement team is responsible for supporting St Paul’s School’s charitable aims, an extensive catalogue of community events, the school’s marketing and the Old Pauline Club. The team are here to help.

If you have any general enquiries, please email community@stpaulsschool.org.uk.

Ellie Sleeman

Strategic Director of Development, Engagement and Marketing

Ellie heads up the St Paul’s Community team (which oversees relationships with parents, past parents and Old Paulines) and the Communication and Marketing department, manages relationships with principal donors and supporters, and develops the engagement and fundraising strategies for the school. Ellie joined St Paul’s in 2017 bringing with her vast experience across the corporate, education and charity sectors, including most recently senior roles at Wellington College and the Roundhouse.

James Grant

Associate Director, St Paul’s Community

James is responsible for forging closer links between St Paul’s School and its alumni. James runs engagement activities including events, business networking, mentoring, sport, school reunions and more. James joined St Paul’s in June 2023 after working at the Armed Forces charity, SSAFA. He is an Old Pauline (1990-95), who also sits on the executive committee of the Old Pauline Club as Sports Director.

Kirsty Murdoch

Head of Development and Operations

Kirsty is responsible for implementing the fundraising strategy across the St Paul’s School community, with a particular focus on the regular giving and legacy programmes, and streamlining processes within the development team. Kirsty joined St Paul’s in January 2024 and has more than a decade of experience working in fundraising and partnerships in the education and charity sectors, including schools such as Dulwich College, Notting Hill Prep and Godolphin and Latymer.

Rachael Kirkham

Head of Events and Engagement

Rachael leads on the events and engagement strategy for St Paul’s and the Pauline community including the programme of stewardship, cultivation and fundraising events, professional networking and alumni engagement. Rachael joined St Paul’s in 2020 bringing with her a wealth of experience in the worlds of not-for-profit, donor stewardship, fundraising and special events from a variety of organisations including University of Westminster, Cancerbackup, Macmillan Cancer Support leading the Donor Stewardship and Special Events team, and managing the Philanthropy and Events team at Children with Cancer UK.

Jasmine Bates

Engagement and Events Manager

Jasmine is part of the events team, managing and assisting across a range of events at St Paul’s. Jasmine joined St Paul’s in September 2023 after finishing her Master’s degree and working as a concert manager with different music groups and events.

Florence Garnham

Engagement and Events Manager

Florence is part of the Events and Engagement team, managing a variety of events and engagement activities across the school and wider community. She joined St Paul’s in the summer of 2025 bringing with her a breadth of experience in events management and community relations, having previously worked in the charity and fundraising sector as well as the higher education sector. Prior to this, Florence completed a Masters degree in Media and Cultural Politics and an undergraduate degree in History and Politics, during which she was heavily involved in organising university society events.

Andrea Hudson

Development Operations Manager

Andrea leads the team’s data strategy, develops enrichment projects and oversees gift management. Andrea joined St Paul’s in 2014 and has a wealth of experience across the independent schools sector, including Marlborough College, St James & The Abbey, RGS Worcester and Downe House.

Viera Ghods

Alumni and Development Administrator

Viera supports Alumni relations, engagement events and stewardship as well as assisting with the team’s data strategy and data enrichment projects. Viera joined St Paul’s in 2009 as Campaign Administrator to support the Renewal Campaign, having previously worked in the charity sector.

India Gammon

Head of Marketing and Communications

India oversees the Marketing team and is responsible for developing and implementing a Marketing & Communications strategy, liaising with departments across the school. She brings with her a wealth of experience within the UK independent schools sector, with background in admissions, social media, copywriting and events. She joined St Paul’s in 2024 having been on the Senior Leadership Team at Finton House School and, prior to that, working within the External Relations department at Oakham School.

Harry Hopkins

Marketing and Communications Manager

Harry studied International Relations at Oxford Brookes University, before beginning his career in marketing, initially within the retail sector. He later moved into the world of education, joining the world’s leading learning company; Pearson Plc, before being welcomed into the St Paul’s team in July 2025. He now works across a range of projects on the school’s internal and external communications, alongside supporting the marketing for the Old Pauline Club, as well as St Paul’s Junior School. He also provides his support to the Athletics Department, coaching and advising the pupils.

Xillen van Rooyen

Marketing & Communications Manager

Xillen studied a Bachelor of Commerce in Management Sciences at Stellenbosch University, graduating in 2013 with elective subjects in Marketing and Accounting. Xillen has over twelve years of experience in marketing and communications within the education sector, with roles in both South Africa and the UK, including Michaelhouse and Highgate Wood School. Xillen joined St Paul’s in June 2025 as Marketing and Communications Manager, with a particular focus on supporting the Admissions department, Academic departments, and the Careers and Universities department. Xillen also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from UNISA.

Georgia Barron

PA to the Strategic Director of Development, Engagement and Marketing

Georgia is the Personal Assistant to Ellie Sleeman, Strategic Director of Development, Engagement and Marketing. She also provides general office support to the team, and is involved in team operations. Georgia joined St Paul’s School in May 2025.

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