The Governing Board at Wittersham Church of England Primary School is made up of appointed and elected Governors who represent the school, the Church, and the wider community it serves. Together, they bring a wealth of skills, experience, and perspectives to support and challenge the school, ensuring it continues to thrive.

Each Governor, other than the Headteacher, normally serves for a set term of office. The Governing Board is supported by a professional Clerk, who ensures that meetings run smoothly by preparing agendas, circulating documents, and recording accurate minutes.

The role of the Governing Board
The Governing Board plays a vital role in the leadership and success of the school. Governors work as a corporate team, always acting in the best interests of pupils, staff, and the community. Their responsibilities include:

• Building strong and effective links between the school, families, and the local community

• Bringing wider knowledge, skills, and experience from outside education to support the school

• Offering an independent perspective and constructive challenge

• Providing accountability for the Headteacher and senior leaders

• Supporting and celebrating the work of the whole school team

Core functions of governance (as set out by the Department for Education):

1. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction

2. Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and for the effective performance management of staff

3. Overseeing the school’s financial performance and making sure its money is well spent

Governance at Wittersham
In practice, this means that the Governing Board is responsible for setting the school’s strategic priorities, agreeing policies, monitoring progress against the school development plan, and ensuring that resources are used efficiently to achieve the best possible outcomes for pupils. Governors are also champions of the school’s Christian values – courage, cooperation, and compassion – ensuring they remain central to all aspects of school life.

The Governing Board does not get involved in the day-to-day running of the school. That is the responsibility of the Headteacher and staff. Instead, Governors focus on the “big picture”, ensuring that the school provides a safe, nurturing, and ambitious education for every child.

Hard copies of all school policies are available on request from the school office.

Local Authority Governor :

Fran Rusbridge

Foundation Governors:

John Collins (Chair), Nick Barnett, Jane Burnett, Helen Farmer, Stephen Rogers (Vice Chair)

Parent Governors:

Kerry Dean, Harry Lingfield

Staff Governors:

Stella Coulson (Headteacher Governor) 

Carly Catt (Staff Governor) 

Clerk to the Governors

Jane Phillips

If you need to contact the Governing Board, please email office@wittersham.kent.sch.uk - marked 'For the attention of the Chair of Governors'.