Meet our Governors
Ms Kate Hursthouse
Chair of Governors
Parent Governor
Elected by the Governing body
4 year term
23.3.2020 – 23.3.2024
Mr Michael Graham
Vice Chair of Governors
Appointed by the Governing Body
4 year term
16.7.2019 – 16.7.2023
Mrs Carleeann Barrett
Staff Governor
Elected by members of staff
4 year term
10.12.2018 – 10.12.2022
Mrs Dawn Hutson
Community Governor
Appointed by the Governing Body
4 year term
21.9.2021 – 21.0.2025
Mrs Lisa Phillips
Parent Governor
Appointed by the Governing Body
4 year term
23.3.2020 – 23.3.2024
Mr Cliff Slater
Community Governor
Appointed by the Governing Body
4 year term
13.12.2018 – 13.12.2022
Rev Sue Wise
Community Governor
Appointed by the Governing Body
4 year term
11.7.2021 – 11.7.2025
What is a School Governor?
Our School Governors, are volunteers, who work closely with our school to support the education of your children. They are drawn from all parts of our local community, and it is their role to ensure that high standards are maintained throughout all aspects of your child’s education.
Governing bodies are typically made up of between 7 and 20 governors, comprising of members of school staff, members of the community, members of the local authority, parents and, in church schools, members of the diocese.
The minimum requirements for the membership of the governing body are:
- A minimum of 7 governors in total (higher minimum in some foundation and all voluntary aided schools)
- At least 2 parent governors
- The headteacher (unless they resign)
- 1 staff governor
- 1 local authority governor
- Any number of co-opted governors
- No more than a third of the governing body can also be staff members
What Does a School Governor Do?
Governors sit on the school’s governing board and work with the school to ensure they improve each year. They:
- Hold the headteacher to account for a school’s performance.
- Make sure the budget is spent wisely.
- Set the school targets and ensure they are met.
- Take part in hearings and appeals.
- Making sure school buildings are welcoming and safe.
- Appoint and dismiss staff.
Governors attend meetings during the school year to discuss the school’s progress.
GOV.UK has guidance on the roles and duties of Governing Bodies.
You can also find our more about Governor’s Responsibilities in the Department for Education Governance Handbook.
How to Become a School Governor
To be a School Governor you must be over 18 years old and you:
Don’t need to have children or formal qualifications
Don’t need to have children at the school
The role is demanding but it can also be rewarding. It’s a good way to give back to your local community and help improve schools in Essex.
School Governor Vacancies in Essex can be found on the Government website.
Former Governors
Mr Nigel Cotton
Community Governor
Appointed by the Governing Body
4 year term
23.3.2020 – 23.3.2024
Resigned 1.9.2021
Mrs Nicki Kelly
Chair – Parent Governor
Elected by parents of pupils
4 year term
8.5.2018 – 8.5.2022
Resigned 2.9.2021
Mrs Sasha Furze
Headteacher
Resigned 31.8.2021
Mrs Joanne Madders
Staff / Link Governor
Elected by members of staff
4 year term
17.9.2017 – 17.9.2021
Resigned 17.9.2021
Mrs Melissa Cookson
Parent / Inclusion Governor
Elected by parents of pupils
4 year term
15.4.2020 – 15.4.2024
Resigned 26.9.2021