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Find out more information about the governors.
The Board of Governors has many responsibilities set out by law. The Board answers to parents and the wider local community, and ultimately to Osted inspectors, for the school’s overall performance. It works with the Headteacher and staff to help the school deliver the best possible education by fulfilling the following roles:
Providing a strategic view
The Governing Body is ultimately responsible for the school’s strategy for improvement. Its most important task is probably in the appointment of the Headteacher and deputy head, and in working with them and the staff to achieve the highest standards for the school.
Ensuring accountability
The Headteacher reports to the Board of Governors on the school’s performance. The Board does not get involved in managerial decisions, but it holds the school to account on whether it delivers on its policies and performance. This covers everything in the life of the school from Safeguarding and exam results to personnel and financial management.
In all its various activities the governors’ role has been summarised as acting as a ‘critical friend’. We are friends of the school, its staff and teachers, but a friend who does not ask difficult questions is not helpful.
The governors at St Anne’s School provide their time on a voluntary basis. They come from a range of different backgrounds including the local authority, parents, staff, and foundation governors (appointed either by the Parish Council Council at St Anne’s Church or the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education).
The Governing Body meets once a term and all governors are expected to sit on at least one of the three main committees (Curriculum, Community, Resources). These committees meet at least once a term to deal with detailed aspects of the Governor’s work. ‘Named’ Governors have responsibility for particular areas such as Safeguarding and SEN.
Governors are usually around at parents’ evenings but are often in and out of the school. You can contact the governors by writing either by email to [email protected] or by letter through the school office.
Father Gordon Jeanes – Chair of Governors
Vicar of St Anne’s Church
Ex-officio governor
Member of all committees (except Admissions)
Attendance at meetings in 2018/9: 13/13
Gordon is also a governor at St Faith’s School, Wandsworth
Karen Gentry – Clerk to the Governors
Pam Davies
Chair of Curriculum Committee and Admissions Committee
Member of Community Committee and Pay and Personnel Committee
Governor responsible for Safeguarding
Attendance at meetings in 2018/9: 7/13 (due to illness)
Appointed by the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
Pam has in the past been a governor of both primary and secondary schools. At present she is a Trustee of the Southwark Diocesan Mothers’ Union and of the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education.
Sharon Dickinson
Chair of Community Committee
Appointed by St Anne’s Parish Church Council
Attendance at meetings in 2018/9: 8/9
Sharon is the parent of a child in the school. She has experience in medical and social work.
Leila Farah
Member of Community Committee
Governor responsible for Safeguarding
Attendance at meetings in 2018/9: 5/6
Elected parent governor
Martin Baker
Chair of Resources Committee
Elected parent governor
Attendance at meetings in 2018/9: 7/7
Mark Faldo
Member of the Resources Committee
Appointed by the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
Attendance at meetings in 2018/9: 6/7
Jackie Nelson
Member of Community Committee and Admissions Committee
Appointed by St Anne’s Parish Church Council
Formerly a parent of a child in the school
Attendance at meetings in 2018/9: 3/6
Sandra McGowan
Member of Curriculum Committee
Appointed by St Anne’s Parish Church Council
Formerly a parent of a child in the school
Attendance at meetings in 2018/9: 1/6 due to illness
David Harrison
Member of curriculum committee
Appointed by St Anne’s Parish Church Council
Formerly (many years ago!) a parent of a child in the school
Attendance since appointment 3/3
