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:
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).
Reverend Matthew Beer (Chair):
I'm the vicar of a local church called Telford Minster. I'm passionate about community and people of all ages and seeing each other thrive and grow to be like Jesus and the best they can be. Dawley is a great school where children are nurtured and encouraged. As the chair of the Local Academy my role is to support, encourage, and challenge Dawley to be even greater. I was a year 3 and 4 primary school teacher before coming a vicar and have been on a few school governing boards. I'm married to Emily who is a research scientist in Birmingham, we have a little black dog called Zach.
St. Chad's Academies Trust - Mrs Anna Gordon (Vice Chair):
My name is Anna Gordon and I work as a Financial Accounting Officer for St Chad’s Academies Trust. I have worked in the finance sector for over 20 years and have a passion for ensuring that schools are spending their limited financial resources in the best way that they can to ensure the best outcomes for their children.
I love working with the Dawley LAC team and am happy that I can play a part in making sure that the children of Dawley are reaching their full potential.
St. Chad's Academies Trust - Mrs Ffion Carr:
I have been a teacher and school leader in Shropshire for the last 23 years. I am passionate and committed in all that I do. I believe that all children have the potential to do great things and in my role as a LAC member, I hope to work hard on sharing my experience working alongside the amazing staff at Dawley.
St. Chad's Academies Trust - Mrs Sarah Davies:
Sarah is a Senior School Improvement Advisor for St Chad’s Academy Trust with responsibility for English and Safeguarding. She also leads the DFE funded Opportunity Area Excellence in English Project for one day per week on behalf of the Potteries Education Trust.
Previous to this, Sarah worked for Stoke Local Authority as a Senior School Improvement Adviser and Strategic Moderation Manager for EYFS, KS1 and KS2.
Sarah is an accredited school improvement adviser and has worked in a number of local authorities.
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.
Local Council Representative - Ms Shelley Everton:
Academy - Mr Nick Andrews (Principal):
I'm Nick Andrews 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.
Parent Governor: Vacant
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