Our Governors
What is the role of the Governing Body?
The work of a governing body is integral to school leadership and school development. Working with school leaders, Governors support the school to be the very best it can be. They create and drive the school’s vision and values, celebrate success and offer adequate challenge so that whole school community, not only achieves, but thrives. St Mary's Governing Body works together to:
- develop a vision and strategy for the school
- oversee the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent
- hold the school leaders to account to ensure that every pupil has the best possible education
- engage with pupils, staff, parents and the school community to understand their views
St Mary’s Governing Body is led by our Co-Chair of Governors – Carole O’Donnell and Chris Eastwood. They coordinate the work of the Governing Body, lead meetings, and work closely with Senior Leaders to ensure the school is well supported, challenged and guided in line with its vision and values.
Register of Governors and pecuniary interests
| Governors Name | Date of Appointment | Expiry | Business & Pecuniary Interests | Type |
|
Chris Eastwood Co-Chair of Governors |
01.02.2022 | 31.01.2026 | Child at the school | Foundation |
| Ronnie Walters | 01.06.2022 | 31.05.2026 | Children at the school | Foundation |
| Robin Gupta | 01.05.2024 | 01.05.2028 | None declared | Foundation |
| Kathleen Newell | 01.12.2022 | 30.11.2026 | Employee at Atkins Realis who collect data for Governor for Schools and Cabinet Office for a pilot project Future Skills. | Foundation |
| Jane Cowell | 17.10.2023 | 17.10.2027 | Works at the school | Co-opted |
|
Lee Francis Acting Headteacher |
01.09.2024 | ongoing | Works at the school | Acting Ex Officio |
| Sabine Doil | 18.05.2022 | 17.05.2026 | Child at the school | Parent |
| Joy Ludlow | 07.10.2020 | ongoing | Governor at Oldbury C of E School | Foundation Ex Officio |
|
Jon Craig Vice Chair of Governors |
01.02.2025 | 31.01.2029 | Child at school | Foundation |
| Kelly Instrell | 07.01.2026 | 06.01.2030 | Child at school | Parent |
| Gillian Leaper | 01.05.2023 | 30.04.2027 | None declared | Foundation |
|
Carole O'Donnell Co-Chair of Governors |
01.10.2024 | 30.09.2028 |
Chair of governors at: Coaley Primary Governance roles at: Viney Hill Christian Adventure Centre, Gloucester Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel. Treasurer at: St Bartholomew's Church, Coaley, Diocesan Lay Chair on Bishops Council at Gloucester Diocesan Board of Finance. Member of Trust Board at Gloucester Diocesan Trust. Laity Chair at Gloucester Diocesan Synod. County Lead Volunteer at Gloucestershire Scout Council. |
Foundation |
The whole Governing Body meets at least 6 times a year.
Ethos and Standards
The Ethos and Standards committee has two core purposes: educational standards and the school’s distinctive Christian vision.
-
Joy Ludlow (Committee Chair)
- Lee Francis (Acting Headteacher)
- Jane Cowell, Ronnie Walters, Jonathan Craig, Kathleen Newell and Gillian Leaper
Finance, Resources and Premises
The Finance, Resources and Premises have three core purposes: maintaining strong oversight for buildings and health and safety, compliance with the financial procedures and monitoring the efficient use of resources within the school.
-
Chris Eastwood (Committee Chair)
- Lee Francis (Acting Headteacher)
- Sabine Doil, Carole O'Donnell, Robin Gupta and Kelly Instrell
Panels
Panels within a Governing Body are small groups of governors who focus on specific areas of responsibility. These panels make recommendations or, where appropriate, take agreed decisions on behalf of the full Governing Body, helping the work of Governors to be efficient, thorough and supportive of the school.
- Pay Panel – Meeting Annually – September/October
- Complaints Panel – Established as required
- Grievance Panel – Established as required
- OFSTED Inspection Panel – Established as required
- Working Parties - Established as required
Link Governors - Core
- Pupil Premium
- Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
- Special Education Needs and Disabilities
- Safeguarding
- Ethos
- Attendance