Governors
The Governing Body of St Matthew’s School comprises 14 members:
- 2 Foundation Governors appointed by the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
- 4 Foundation Governors appointed by the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St Matthew’s Church, Redhill
- 1 Foundation Governor appointed by Reigate Deanery Synod
- The Vicar of St Matthew’s Church, Redhill (ex officio)
- 2 elected Parent Governors (elected by the parents)
- The Headteacher (ex officio)
- 2 Elected Staff Governors (elected by the school staff)
- 1 Local Authority Governor
The current members of the Governing Body are:
| Appointed Diocesan Foundation Governors | Mr W Alexander (Chairman) Rev R Webb |
| Appointed PCC Foundation Governors | Mrs M Maseya Mr C Roulston Mr P Turner Mrs G Yates |
| Appointed Reigate Deanery Synod Foundation Governor | Mrs W Wren |
| The Vicar of St Matthew’s Church (ex officio) | Rev A Cunnington |
| Elected Parent Governors | Mrs J Dowie Mrs T Hudson-Foreman |
| The Headteacher (ex officio) | Mrs J Lightfoot |
| Elected Staff Governors | Mrs K Dunt Mrs S Lawrence |
| Local Authority Governor | Mr D Clamp |
Clerk to the Governors: Ms L O'Byrne
The core responsibilities of school governors can be summarised as:
- Providing strategic management (this is not the same as the day to day running of the school which is the responsibility of the Headteacher)
- Acting as a critical friend to the school
- Ensuring accountability
- Challenging and supporting senior staff
- Promoting high standards of education and achievement
- Planning the school’s long term future
- Setting the school’s aims and values
- Appointing senior members of staff including the Headteacher
- Budgetary allocation and control
The full Governing Body meets formally each term. In addition there are two Governors’ Committees (the Children and Learning Committee and the Resources Committee) which meet at least once a term. Minutes of governors meetings are available from the office.
As part of their monitoring role Governors visit the school to consult with the Headteacher and senior management, meet with subject leaders, observe lessons, carry out Health & Safety checks etc.
Governors are present at Parents’ Evenings and other events in order to talk with parents.
Consultation with staff about school procedures and policies is carried out through meetings, individual discussions and letters as appropriate.