Governors

Welcome from the Governing Body

Welcome to the Governance pages of Christ’s School website. The Governing Body is a team of committed and enthusiastic volunteers, representing all corners of our school community including parents, staff and local churches. We work closely with the Headteacher and senior staff in the school to set strategic direction and ensure strong accountability is in place for everything that happens at Christ’s.

In short, we are often described as ‘critical friends’ of the school; challenging and giving constructive criticism, but always from the perspective of strong support and absolute commitment to the goals of the school.

Below you will find more about the role and responsibilities of the Governing Body, and in the additional pages, further details on the Committee structure that supports much of our work and the various interests and roles of individual Governors. You will also find information about the Governors as people, our pictures and a summary of who we are and the groups we represent. We bring a diverse range of skills and experiences into the Governing Body.

We hope you find these pages useful. If you have any questions or comments, the Governors would be pleased to hear from you; click here to find our contact details.

Christ's School Governing Body

In fond memory

Phil Rushby, an exceptional Chair of Governors and leader, who sadly passed away too soon, and is very much missed by the governing board and the whole school. He leaves a lasting legacy at Christ's School.  

10 May 1968 - 23 June 2020

Governing Body Overview

The role of the Governing Body and individual Governors at Christ's School is:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction

• Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its students, and the performance management of staff

• Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent 

The make-up of the Governing Body at Christ’s School reflects our Christian ethos and the school’s status as a Church of England School. Two local parishes provide Foundation Governors (four from the Richmond Team Ministry and three from the Parish of Holy Trinity and Christ Church, within which the school is situated). The Southwark Diocesan Board of Education provides two additional Foundation Governors, as well as vital professional advice across many areas of the life of the school in furtherance of our Christian ethos. There are three Parent Governor posts, reflecting our belief that parents bring a unique and valuable insight to our deliberations. The Richmond Local Education Authority appoints one Governor. The Head teacher is an ex officio member of the Governing Body, whilst another teacher is elected to the Governing Body by the Staff. The Deputy Heads are Associate Members.

Each of the Governors has at least one area of specific interest (such as Child Protection, Health & Safety, Curriculum or Disadvantaged Students), with regard to which they will engage with the school across areas of activity. There is, therefore, enormous scope for Governors to bring their particular areas of experience and enthusiasm to bear for the benefit of the school. We view diversity as a key strength in decision making and in fulfilling our governance roles, and actively encourage people from all backgrounds to volunteer their expertise and energy to enhance the learning experience of our children.

Click to view the Terms of Reference and Scheme of Delegation for the Governing Body at Christ's School.

The Full Governing Body at Christ's School meets a minimum of four times a year - usually in September, December, March and June, with the Committees meeting more frequently.