All schools in England have a Governing Body, which is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the school. The Governing Body works in close partnership with the Headteacher, staff and the local authority to ensure the school is being run in the best way possible and provides a safe environment where children flourish and grow both academically and socially.
The Governing Body is often described as a ‘critical friend’ to the Headteacher as its role is to support, challenge, to ask questions (often difficult ones) and ultimately to represent the wider school community in ensuring we achieve our vision for our school.
Who we are
Our Governing Body is made up of 13 members. Membership is a mix of people including our Head Teacher Mr Clifford and our Vicar Fr. Edd Turner, parent, church and Local Authority representatives. We have a range of backgrounds which allows us to bring different ideas and experiences to the Governors role. We all give our time voluntarily and commit getting involved fully and to training and learning to ensure we are up to date on issues that matter to our school. Most importantly we have a common purpose and drive to do the best we can for all of the pupils at St Andrews.
In 2014 the Governing Body carried out a skills audit to ensure we had the right mix of skills to be effective. This led to the recruitment of new Governors with specific skills we required. Now we are fully resourced and feel confident we have the skills, experiences and commitment to work with Mr Clifford and the teaching staff to make St Andrews the best school it can be for our children.
Our Governors
James Adeshiyan – Chair of Governors
Philip Miall – London Diocesan Board Schools Governor
Chris Cole – Local Authority Governor
John Hey – Synod/Deanery Governor
Sarah Tobin – Parent Governor
Olivia Clifford – Parent Governor
Kate Carroll – London Diocesan Board Schools Governor
Violet Henry – Synod/Deanery Governor
Rachael Franklin – Parochial Church Council Governor
Fr Edd Turner – Vicar
Matt Clifford – Head Teacher
Please click on the document at the bottom of the page to see the structure of the Governing Body:
What we do
The role of the Governing body is primarily a strategic one. We work alongside our Headteacher Mr Clifford and the staff at the school to ensure the delivery our shared vision for the school. Specifically, this includes:
How we do it
The Governing Body meets 5 times in the year to discuss, advise and review the areas above.
In addition there are separate committees which focus on priority areas. These include:
We also:
Our Governors attend training which is suitable for their role and each year the governing body meet with an external adviser for a Governor review, Accountability and Support Programme (GRASP). This years GRASP document can be read by clicking on the relevant document below.
Further information about the Governing Body and Governors
If you would like to get in touch with the Governing Body about the work we do, with any concerns or if you are interested in becoming a Governor contact our Chair James Adeshiyan via the school:
Telephone: 020 8886 3379
Email: parentgovs.st.andrews@outlook.com