Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.
In simple terms, the Governors have a strategic responsibility for the management of the school. The Leadership Team make the day to day decisions whilst Governors are responsible for setting the budget, overseeing the curriculum, the appointment and dismissal of staff and deciding the policy on admissions.
This video explores the crucial role governance plays at our school. Without our dedicated governing body, the school would be unable to succeed. A huge thank you to all the members of our board. #VisibleGovernance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRqJ_bFipHk
The Governing Body of a Foundation school is responsible for all aspects of school life, including:
The Full Governing Body and each Committee meets formally at least once a term, and minutes of these meetings are available to parents.
The governors serve on two committees as follows;
The Terms of Reference for both Committees are below and outline what the Committees do.
for all contact, in the first instance, please email office@stalbridge.dorset.sch.uk
I have lived in Stalbridge for 3 years now, with my wife and 2 children, both whom attend Stalbridge Primary School. I am a self-employed designer and maker in live entertainment, which requires a broad set of hard and soft skills. I am also a Director of a small charity, The Society of British Theatre Designers and a Trustee for the Stalbridge Scout Group. As a relative newcomer, I am keen to play my part in this vibrant community and help support our most valuable asset, our young people.
I have lived in Stalbridge for over 30 years and enjoy getting involved in all kinds of local projects; from wildflower planting to the Christmas lights. My three children, who are grown up now, all attended Stalbridge Primary school. I have worked in various schools in Dorset for over 25 years; mostly in the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) and Key Stage 1. I am a foundation Governor, which means I was appointed by the church. We are keen to promote the links between the church and the school and are always open to suggestions about how to enhance this link.
I have lived in Stalbridge for 23 years with my husband, we have two grown up children both whom attended Stalbridge Primary School. I have worked within the education sector for 20 years and have a good knowledge of business management, both in the primary and secondary sectors. When I am not working for our own company Stalbridge Building Supplies I am a volunteer at Stalbridge library, it is a pleasure to be able to work and support the local community.
office@stalbridge.dorset.sch.uk
Following over 20 years of teaching in London I am very happy to be in Stalbridge. Have worked across Primary and Secondary schools as an Advanced Skills Teacher and across two Universities working with Initial Teacher Training, this is my 4th Primary Headship. During my time as Senior lecturer at Roehampton University, I completed my MA.
Having taught in secondary schools for ten years, I began my primary teaching career in 2019, eager for a change of environment and a fresh challenge! The breadth of the primary curriculum is so exciting, (if occasionally a little daunting!), and the opportunity to teach such a wide range of interesting lessons is something I feel very lucky to do. I joined Stalbridge in 2022 and currently teach our Year 5 class.
I have a long history with the school having attended myself along with my sons, and am employed as the Manager at Stalbridge Pre-School. I joined the governing body to strengthen the links between the school and pre-school. I am currently the safeguarding, foundation stage and wellbeing link governor and also Chair of the Standards, Curriculum and Wellbeing sub-committee.
I live in Stalbridge with my husband and three children, our two boys attend Stalbridge Primary school. I work at a local secondary school as an ELSA-trained teaching assistant. I joined the Governing Body in October 2020 as I am interested in the education and wellbeing of children and I am pleased I have the opportunity to be part of the school's continued development and success.
I started my career as a pilot in the Royal Navy, specialising as a flying instructor and ultimately serving as the Executive Officer of a training squadron. I have a passion for delivering quality, student-focused training and encouraging growth, development, and constructive questioning. As a parent to two students at Stalbridge Primary School, I am keen to foster a positive and constructive learning environment for all at the school.
I have lived in the area for over 13 years and our two daughters attend Stalbridge Primary School. After 10.5 years in clinical practice locally as a vet, I now work in business management for Medivet as Referrals Director and have a hobby business as a sound engineer. I am passionate that all children should have equal opportunity to shine whatever their needs or background.
My Hospitality and Retail Management background has taken me around the world for over 20 years. This changed when my husband and I moved to Dorset for a quieter life as new parents in 2017. I now work for myself in several different roles including the travel industry, craft workshops, handmade jewellery sales, and my online crystal business. I became a foundation governor to not only strengthen the link between the Congregational Church and Stalbridge Primary School, but also to help support the development of all within the school. I am passionate about helping young people to follow their dreams, and I bring encouragement, fairness, and positivity to all I meet.
I am delighted to join the Board of Governors for Stalbridge CofE Primary School. My career has been in education since I began teaching English Lit in the mid-1980s. Over my career, I have been a Head of English, Housemaster, Deputy Head, and finally, for fifteen years as a Head. My Headship was at Frensham Heights school, which unusually ran from Nursery to A Levels, giving me some good understanding of the incredible work of Primary age teachers and Teaching Assistants. My wife and I moved to Stalbridge three years ago, and we have quickly fallen in love with our life here, and it seemed a natural way for me to contribute to the village by becoming a Governor. I look forward to meeting parents and staff as we jointly work towards continuous school implement.
Governors Serving in the last 12 months
Judy Waite - Ex-Officio Foundation Governor
Graham Hart - Parent Governor
Simon Witcombe - Foundation Governor
The Governors are more than happy to discuss any matters regarding school life.
Parents are welcome to contact the Governors either by approaching a Parent Governor in person or via the Clerk, Amanda Goddard at a.goddard@stalbridge.dorset.sch.uk