GENERAL PRINCIPLES

The role of the Local Governing Board of St George’s CE Primary School and Pre-School is a strategic one, and its key functions are to:

• set the aims and objectives for the school;
• set the policies for achieving those aims and objectives;
• set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives;
• monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives;
• be a source of support and challenge to the Senior Leadership Team (a critical friend);
• be ultimately accountable for welfare, well-being, safeguarding and education of all the children at St George’s, and for the health and safety of our whole school community.

Each individual governor is a member of the Governing Board. Individual governors may not act independently of the rest of the Governing Board; decisions are the joint responsibility of the Governing Board. 

The Headteacher (Mrs Katy Astle) is responsible for the internal organisation, management and control of St George’s School and the implementation of the strategic framework established by the Governing Board.  She is also a member of the Governing Board. 

 

GOVERNING BODY 2026-2027

St George's CE Primary School and Pre-School and St Mark's CE Primary School share a single governing body to oversee both schools.

• Mrs Cheryl Sutton (Foundation Governor): Chairperson (Health & Safety)
• Mrs Bridget Leary (Foundation Governor):  Deputy Chairperson (Pupil Premium)
• Mrs Katy Astle - Headteacher (Ex-officio)
• Mrs Carol Richards - Foundation Governor
• Mrs Judith Bird - Foundation Governor (SEND)
• Mrs Lizabeth Fielder - Foundation Governor (SIAMS) 
• Mrs Heather Pardoe - Co-opted Governor (Safeguarding)
• Ms Amy Howe (Deputy Headteacher) - Staff Governor

Parent Governors:  x2 vacancies

 

GOVERNOR RESPONSIBILTIES

Individual Governors take a lead responsibility for specific aspects of the school.  Some of these roles are statutory - for example safeguarding, SEND and H&S - whilst others have been determined by the Full Governing Body (FGB).

Welcome letter from Cheryl Sutton, Chair of LGB

I am pleased to introduce myself as the new Chair of Governors for the combined Governing Body of St Mark’s CE Primary School and St George’s CE Primary School and Pre-School. I have taught and worked in education for over 30 years: as a SENCO, a Deputy Headteacher and a Headteacher. I worked with a local authority as a School Improvement Advisor, and I have mentored aspiring headteachers. My experience has given me a strong understanding of both the opportunities and challenges that face schools. I know the importance of creating environments where children feel happy, safe and able to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

Our role as Governors is to ensure that both schools continue to provide the best possible opportunities and outcomes for our children by supporting our Headteacher and staff. I wish to thank the hard work of our outgoing Chair, my colleague Richard Purchase, for his valuable time and commitment over many years.

I know that our schools are highly valued by their pupils, families and the wider community, with many positive strengths to build upon. We need to move forward and celebrate the achievements of our children and staff. We plan to promote all that is positive about both schools, including the opportunities they work tirelessly to provide to the communities they serve.

Cheryl Sutton, Chair of Governors 2026-2027

Declaration of Business & Personal Interests

This is a statutory document for the Governing Body to ensure that governors not only act impartially, but are also seen to act impartially.  The Governing Body has a responsibility to avoid any conflict between their business and personal interests/affairs and those of the school.  There is a legal duty on all governors to declare an interest likely to lead to questions of bias when considering any item of business at a meeting and for the governor concerned to withdraw, if necessary, whilst the matter is considered.  

Governors are required to complete a 'Declaration of Business Interests' on appointment and this declaration is reviewed annually.  These are maintained as a Register of Business / Pecuniary Interests.  Additionally, as an item on the agenda of every Governing Body and committee meeting, Governors are required to state whether they have any such interests.  

The register enables governors to demonstrate that in spending public money they do not benefit personally from decisions which they make.