Welcome to our Governors' section. (see link below for Governor profiles)

Our Governing Body

The Governing Body, which meets at least once a term, is made up of 12 individuals representing the whole school community who bring a wide variety of skills to support the School including finance capabilities, management experience, teaching experience and pastoral care. All undertake their duties with dedication and passion in a voluntary and unpaid capacity. As we are a voluntary aided school we are advised by both the Chelmsford Diocese and Essex County Council.

Currently, there are:

2 Staff Governors (including the Headteacher)

7 Church Governors including the Rector

2 Parent Governors

1 Local Authority Link Governor

The term “critical friend” is often used to describe the responsibilities and role of the Governing Body. In essence, this means the Governing Body ensures it understands the School’s “big picture” by

• supporting the aims of the School
• working closely with the Headteacher and all staff to gain a strong knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the school
• assisting the Headteacher with strategic planning
• monitoring and evaluating the progress made towards the School’s targets

All the Governors have responsibilities with regard to specific areas of the School.   In some cases this is via a committee and in others as a sub-group who monitor the School directly with respective leaders.  The current committees are as follows:

People and Pay – oversees all issues regarding staffing and well-being

Admissions – promotes the school and oversees the admissions process

Headteacher Performance – as part of the School’s performance management review process

The Governing Body has several statutory duties including appointing the Headteacher as well as agreeing some of the school policies and procedures. It is accountable for its decisions and has to be prepared to give an explanation for the School’s overall performance and explain the decisions and actions taken to those with a legitimate interest such as Ofsted inspectors.

All Governors initially complete basic training before participating in more specific workshops related to the different sub-committees to which they are members. Continuous updates and training are provided by Essex County Council and the Diocese to ensure that Governors get the information they need to perform their duties to the best of their capabilities. 

As it is essential that the Governing Body maintains high standards at all times, it has committed to a Code of Conduct which includes a commitment to ensure confidentiality is observed at all times as the Governors are privy to delicate information relating to the school and its community. Equally, the Governing Body is not involved with the day-to-day running of the school so any comments of this nature will be directed back to the class teachers and the Headteacher in accordance with the School’s policies and procedures.

If you would like further information about becoming a school governor, please visit http://www.essex.gov.uk/Business-Partners/Partners/Schools/school-governors/Pages/School-governors.aspx or if you would like to contact our Chair of Governors you can email chairofgovernors@st-maryscofe.essex.sch.uk

Alternatively you could leave your name and telephone number with the School Office and the Chair of Governors will contact you. 

Governing Body Meeting Minutes

If you wish to read any of the minutes from our Governing Body meetings, please contact the school office on info@st-maryscofe.essex.sch.uk and we can provide you with a printed copy.