Governors are one of the largest volunteer groups in the country and have an important part to play in raising school standards. The role of the governing body is key to the effectiveness of a school.
Ofsted has noted that the most effective schools demonstrate effective leadership and management which include the governing body.
What do governors do?
The role of the governing body is a strategic one, its key functions are to:
- set the aims and objectives for the Academy
- set the policies for achieving those aims and objectives
- set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives
- monitor and evaluate the progress the Academy is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives
- be a source of challenge and support to the Principal (a critical friend)
- Importance of Foundation Governors
A strong, well-led Local Academy Committee, supportive of the Academy, its teachers and its mission makes an important contribution to the Academy’s well-being and effectiveness. The foundation governors will have an especial care for the Academy’s Christian character.
Foundation governors in Church schools are those appointed by the Church authorities. Often in Anglican schools the incumbent of the parish will be a member of the Local Academy Committee, by virtue of his/her office – this is called an ex-officio governor. Other foundation governors will mostly be active lay people.
The current Local Academy Committee is detailed below (with pen portraits).
Mrs Emma Oakley
St. Chad's Academies Trust (Chair)
Mrs Lea Millinchip
St. Chad's Academies Trust
Miss Emma Woodhouse
Staff Representative
Revd Scott Edwards
Church Representative
Miss Kerri Houlston
Trust Headteacher
Mrs Emma Oakley
St. Chad's Academies Trust (Chair) Emma.oakley@taw.org.uk
Mrs Emma Oakley
St. Chad’s Academies Trust
My name is Emma Oakley and I have been a primary school teacher for 25 years now. It has been a privilege to work with thousands of children over the years and during the last 14 years, in schools in Telford. I am very passionate about my work and creating an inclusive environment for every learner and am currently Assistant Principal at another St. Chad’s trust academy. I feel very proud to be joining the community of Dawley C of E Academy and supporting the school in ensuring the children achieve their best.
Miss Emma Woodhouse
Staff Representative
Miss Emma Woodhouse
I am Emma Woodhouse and I have been a teacher for over 13 years. I first started working here at Dawley C of E Academy four years ago. I am also a safeguarding lead and the English Lead. I love books, reading and writing! I also love seeing children fulfilling their potential, and I know how hard all the children and all the staff work at Dawley C of E to make this happen. I am happy to be representing the staff as part of the governing team and helping to support our school and our children in this role.
Revd Scott Edwards
Church Representative
Revd Scott Edwards
Team Vicar of the Central Telford Parish
I’m originally from Wall Heath near to Dudley and am therefore a Black Country lad. Before moving to Telford, I spent 12 years as the vicar of St Mary’s Church, Chessington on the edge of London which has Chessington World of Adventures in the parish. I am married to Judy, am an Aston Villa football fan and love gardening. I have a love of paintings and sharing stories. I am inspired by the life and rule of St Benedict which encourages us to have a life of balance and have always enjoyed building a good relationship with the local primary schools where I’ve served. I have always loved Saint Luke’s gospel and the way it emphasises Jesus’ heart for those on the margins.
Mrs Kerri Houlston
Trust Headteacher
Miss Kerri Houlston
Trust Headteacher
I’m Kerri Houlston and Principal at Dawley. It is an absolute privilege to work at Dawley and have contact with the children, families and community of Dawley. We constantly strive to offer the best we can for the children and ensure that we offer a fun and challenging curriculum for all, with the philosophy that it is OK to make mistakes as this is part of the learning process. We have fantastic children, parents and staff and Dawley has really become part of the local community, something which the governors and myself are really proud of.