Governors
Introduction from the Chair of Governors, Maurice McBride
School Governors work in Partnership with the Headteacher and her staff to ensure that our children receive the very best education and whole school experience at Hartford Church of England High School. Our shared ambition is to meet our legal aim, namely to serve (our) community by providing education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice (HCEHS Instrument of Government).
Governors are responsible for the strategic leadership of the school, especially the preservation and development of its Christian character; we are not responsible for the school’s day-to-day management. Governors are drawn from different walks of life, and each one brings their own experience and expertise. We are all volunteers.
Staff, parents and the Local Authority all have elected representatives on the Governing Board, but as a Voluntary Aided school, the majority are appointed by the Church of England, shared between the Diocesan Board of Education and the Parochial Church Council of our Parish church, St John’s Hartford. Some governors are co-opted onto the Board for their particular skills.
Governors in a maintained school like ours have three core functions which can be summed up as ensuring the clarity of the school’s vision, Christian ethos, and strategic direction, the accountability of the Head teacher in the performance of her responsibilities and the scrutiny of the public funds used to fulfil our purpose.
In the latest Ofsted report in 2023, governance was included in the “good” rating for leadership and management. The inspectors concluded, “Governors bring a range of skills to the school. They provide leaders with appropriate support and challenge.” The Governing Board are aiming to improve on this judgement at the next school inspection.
If you are interested in serving as a governor or have any questions about governance in our school, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me or any of the governors.
On a personal note, I have lived in the local community for many years and I have served this school as a Governor for over twenty years. Both of my daughters were educated some years ago in this school and today, some students from my daughters’ classes are working as associate and teaching staff here! It continues to be a huge privilege to work with our fantastic staff and Governors and our students in my role as a Governor. I am committed to ensuring that the Governing Board work for the best for every child in our community and that the school remains an inclusive family for children of all faiths and none.
If you ever wish to speak to me, I can be contacted via the Clerk to the Governing Board by email: jwhite@hartfordhigh.co.uk.
Are you interested in becoming a Governor?
Governors do not need to have any special skills or qualifications and the Local Education Authority provides the necessary training. If you think you might like to become a parent governor you will need to be a parent of a student in the school.
There are currently no Governor vacancies.
Contacting the Governing Board
The Chair of Governors can be contacted via the Clerk at jwhite@hartfordhigh.co.uk.