Welcome to the Governors' section.

The Governing Body is responsible for making sure the school improves each year. It sets the direction and ensures that the school is meeting its targets, while allowing the headteacher and teaching professionals to manage the school on a day-to-day basis.  Governors attend meetings where reports on the school’s progress are discussed. They test information received by asking the right questions to ensure that the school spends its budget wisely against the priorities shown in the school plan.

The Full Governing Body meets three times per year, and receives reports from two sub-committees, a Resources Committee and a Curriculum and Standards Committee, which each meet three times per year.  Additionally, the FGB meets annually in May to discuss and approve the school budget, and again in September for the AGM.

Governors have an important role in developing and monitoring the School Improvement Plan.  They receive reports from the Headteacher and other staff at governor meetings, but additionally, pairs of governors have specific responsibility for monitoring different aspects of the plan.  To do this, they visit the school and classes, meet with key staff, analyse data, and ask questions to ensure they are confident that the actions identified in the plan are being carried out and are having a positive impact.  All governors attend 'Governors' Day' when they spend the whole day in school, visiting classes, talking to staff and pupils, joining in at breaktimes, having lunch with pupils, and finding out more about areas of interest to them.

Governors regularly communicate with parents through Governor newsletters and have a dedicated News Board at the front of the school.  They attend Parent Consultations, and send out regular questionnaires to parents to find out their views on a number of issues.  They take an active part in the life of the school, attending events, school council meetings and PTA activities.

Mrs Catherine Grattan - Headteacher

Mr Brian Maynard – Chair of Governors

 

I have lived in Higham since 1997. When my daughter attended Higham Primary School, I became a Parent Governor in June 2006. I switched to become a Local Authority Governor after my daughter moved on to her secondary school in 2012. I have been the Chair of Governors at Higham Primary School since September 2011, having previously been the Chair of the Curriculum & Standards Committee and the Vice Chair of the Full Governing Body. In my time as Chair of Governors there have been four Ofsted visits. The first was judged as “Satisfactory” and the other three judged as “Good”, with the last Ofsted visit taking place in January 2024.

My main objectives as the Chair of Governors are the safety and well-being of all staff and children at Higham Primary School and the continuing drive to ensure that the children who attend the school receive the best possible learning experience through consistently excellent teaching. I want every child to leave Higham Primary School having fulfilled their full potential and are ready for the challenges of secondary education.

I am a strong believer in the Governing Body being part of a team in association with the teaching staff, office staff, premises staff, kitchen staff and parents/carers working together with a common goal – to deliver the optimum experience for EVERY child that walks through our gates every morning.

I previously worked as a Bank Manager in the City of London. I try to use my leadership skills, finance skills , analytical skills and people skills obtained through 36 years in the City in my role as Chair of Governors, Pupil Premium Governor and as a member of both the Curriculum & Standards and Resources Committees.

I look forward to meeting with parents at parent consultation evenings, class parent representative meetings and school events to see and hear the school in action.  I can be contacted via the School Office.

The highlight for me every year is spending a whole day in school , with my fellow Governors, in March, where I can see the children's learning in progress in the classroom, have lunch with the children and hear them talk so passionately and positively about life at Higham Primary School from Year R to Year 6.

I am immensely proud to have been the Chair of Governors for over 14 years and to have helped shape the future of Higham Primary School along with the rest of the Governing Body, Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team.

 

Mrs Vanessa Levy - Deputy Head/Staff Governor

I have worked at Higham Primary School since September 2007, working across the school to support pupils and staff. In my current role as deputy headteacher, I am responsible for assessment, curriculum, English, mathematics and Early Years. I work alongside the headteacher and governors to help deliver the shared vision for the school. At Higham, we work hard to ensure the best possible outcomes for all our pupils; academically, socially and emotionally.

 

Mr Shaun Walton    Site Manager/Co-opted Governor

I’ve been Site Manager at Higham Primary since May 2006, and over the years I’ve also taken on roles as Staff Governor (2007) and later Co-Opted Governor (2018). All three of my sons came through the school, so I know first-hand what an important part it plays in family and community life.

In my role, I attend both the Resource Committee and Full Governing Body meetings. I bring with me years of experience in the day-to-day running of the buildings and grounds, along with a strong background in health and safety. I believe this practical knowledge helps the Governing Body make good decisions that keep Higham Primary a safe, welcoming place to work and learn. It’s a school I’m proud to be part of every day.

Mrs Justine Brown - Co-opted Governor

 

I have three boys, all currently at Higham School – Joshua in Year 6, Ben in Year 4 and Aiden in Year 1.  I attended Higham School, as did my parents so I have a real passion for the school.  I enjoy volunteering to listen to reading as well as for school trips and events.  I have recently become Chair of the PTA but have been involved since Joshua started in Year R.  I love seeing the school thrive and grow and look forward to representing the Parents and working with the Staff and Governors over the coming year.  
 

 

Mr Dave Hickson - Co-Opted Governor

 

Having lived in Higham for 11 years, in 2021 I answered the expression of interest for co-opted governors at Higham Primary. I saw this as a way of contributing something to the village that my wife Sarah and I have loved to call home since 2010.

Taking on the role interested me although I have no affiliation with the school. I believe I can give something back to the community and the future of those that will grow, learn and flourish in it. School is a fundamental base for this to happen, I would like to believe my experience can contribute something to this and support those accountable and responsible for it. 

I genuinely believe in the power of education; we all learn every day. During my career I have been a technical trainer, mentor and have lectured at Birmingham University. 

I am an apprentice trained Engineer and have an MSc in Systems Engineering from Birmingham University, I am currently working towards Chartered Engineer status. 

 

Mr Frederick Lloyd - Parent Governor

My daughter Isabella attends Higham Primary School, she goes in with a smile and comes out happy.

Witnessing her develop, gain confidence, and make friends has motivated me to give back to the school and wider community as much as I can.

Education is paramount to a child's development and learning in a safe, cared for and happy environment is non-negotiable.

The governor role, thankfully exists to support the Higham colleagues and improve the school educational standards, giving our children the chance of reaching their full potential. Responsibilities consist of setting the school strategic direction, supporting whilst creating robust accountability for the headteacher and to ensure its financial stability against a decreasing yearly budget.

Whilst fulfilling these duties, I am also here for parents and carers to listen to your ideas and opinions, without prejudice or judgement. Everyone's thoughts and comments are important to us.

I have over 20 years of high-level leadership experience covering many different areas of expertise.

I am going to utilise my knowledge and experience to create solutions if any difficult problems arise, challenge the status quo's, ask why? and do my very best to assist the team in fostering collaboration and cohesion between parents, teachers, and our children.

 

Ms Sarah Knight - Parent Governor

My name is Sarah, I have a child who is currently at Higham School and is really happy there. I’d like to think that I make a good school governor as I am a good communicator and am able to speak on behalf of others, with a non biased attitude. I currently work for local government as well as run my own business. I have qualifications in early years education, and in my previous careers I spent lots of time working with young people across all ages and abilities from nursery to secondary. I have written, implemented  and contributed to child protection policies, education plans, and various procedures to do with safeguarding. I also have experience of working with young people with autism, adhd and those with specific educational needs. I believe in education across all mediums and think that sports and the arts are equally as important as the academic subjects. I think that it’s important that schools work alongside parents when it comes to the education of our children and also to prioritise how their budget is spent. I enjoy being a Governor at Higham School, I ensure that I always question decisions and assist in making sure that the teachers and educators at our school are accountable alongside us as parents for all aspects of our children’s education

 

Mrs Raj Resoda - Co-opted Governor

As a parent of a happy and thriving pupil at Higham Primary School, I am deeply invested in the continued success and development of the school community. I was keen to take on a role where I could make a meaningful and lasting contribution to the education of all children in our area, and to support the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to provide a nurturing and high-quality learning environment. The opportunity to serve as a governor allows me to draw upon my extensive experience in education, having worked for many years as a primary school teacher. I bring with me a strong understanding of the curriculum, safeguarding, pupil development, and the day-to-day challenges and rewards of school life.

I am passionate about ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education that enables them not only to succeed academically, but also to grow in confidence, creativity, and resilience. I believe that my professional background, alongside my personal commitment as a parent and member of the local community, places me in a strong position to support and collaborate with the school’s leadership. I am enthusiastic about working as part of the governing body to contribute to the school’s continued positive growth and to help ensure the best possible outcomes for every child.

 

Mrs Clare Donnell - Co-opted Governor

 

Mr Nigel Cook - Co-opted Governor

 

Mrs Clare Driscoll - Associate Member

 

Mrs Ruth Welch - Co-opted Governor

 

The current Governing Body Members and their Roles