School Governors

Chair of Governors	Mr Shaun Hodges
Foundation Governors	Rev Charles Chadwick Mrs Jenny Patten (Vice Chair & Chair of Curriculum)
Community Governors	Mrs June Mead (Chair of Finance) Mrs Elizabeth Peel
Local Authority Governor	Mr Derek Wintle
Staff Governors	Mrs Mary-Jane Collington (Headteacher) Mrs Nita Hickey Mrs Caroline Dibble (SEN Governor and CP & Safeguarding Governor)
Parent Governors	Mr Shaun Hodges (Chair of Governors) Mr Paul Saleh Mrs Tracey Porter Mr Steve Hellard 1 x Vacancy
Associate Governor	Mr Derek Nevell (Deputy Head Teacher)
Clerk to the Governors	Mrs Dawn Fothergill

Parent Governor Vacancy

A vacancy has arisen for a Parent Governor at St. Mary’s.  Schools need enthusiastic and committed people to become governors.  Being a governor is not easy, but it is important, interesting and satisfying. Governors have the opportunity to express their own views, to listen to the views of other representing the school and its community and to influence pupils’ education for the better.

As a school governor you would be part of a team (the governing body) with a range of important responsibilities.  Governors work in partnership with school staff to shape the future of the school, to decide the key issues that will help staff to raise standards and to determine how the school will best spend its money to achieve these aims.

Although Parent Governors are voted for by the parents of the school, they are not delegates, nor do they always have to act as a spokesperson for the parents.  In our school the term of office for Parent Governors is 4 years, as laid down in our Instrument of Government.  Parent Governors are not required to resign once their children have left the school, but may serve out the rest of their term of office.

Governors don’t need qualifications, just the desire to make a positive contribution, show interest, and time and the opportunity to visit the school ‘at work’ during the school day from time to time. 

Somerset Governor Services provides a comprehensive development programme of courses, workshops and other events for all governors at locations across the County. 

If you would like to become a governor at St. Mary’s, you may find it useful to contact our Clerk to Governors, Mrs Dawn Fothergill, on 01278 422691 to obtain further information.  A copy of “A guide for prospective school governors in Dorset and Somerset” can also be obtained from the school office.