Governors

Governor Vision

Framlingham Sir Robert Hitcham’s is an Ofsted determined ‘good’ school and is well regarded in the local community - our Governing Body continues to build on and enhance this.

Our aim is to provide truly outstanding education that develops all our pupils into confident, well-rounded, caring young people who learn effectively and contribute to their communities and wider society. We strive to do this through the provision of outstanding teaching in a caring and supportive environment that gives every child the opportunity to achieve their academic, personal and social potential.

We will strive to ensure that:

• every child’s social, moral, spiritual and cultural development is promoted with an emphasis on our Christian ethos and provide positive experiences through a wide range of academic, sports, arts and other cultural opportunities.
• the distinctive Christian ethos of our school and its focus on Christian values is sustained, enabling our pupils to grow and develop in a loving caring community where the very best standards of conduct, moral purpose, integrity and concern for others are the norm.
• the Governing body continues to develop, in order to provide more challenge, rigour and strategic support to the school.
• we build on our sustainable and supportive links between Governors, School Staff, Parents and the wider community.
• there is improvement in the pupils' year on year achievement levels and consistent progress.
• the school is financially sound, making the best use of its income in ways which have a positive impact on the quality of teaching and learning, achievement, assessment and pupils’ experience.

The Structure and Role of the Governing Body

Our Governing Body is made up of members of the local community, clergy, parents and school staff  who work as a team on a voluntary basis to promote the well-being and  effectiveness of the school,  thereby enhancing teaching and learning and supporting the strategic leadership of the school. Raising educational standards in school is always a key priority.  Governors typically serve for four years and meet together at least 6 times per year.

Governors provide challenge and support to the Senior Leadership Team and hold the Headteacher to account for the achievement of the children. We make decisions together on matters such as performance, targets, school policies and the school development plan.We are responsible for admissions and recruitment. We ensure the school has effective policies in a wide range of areas such as safeguarding, health and safety, financial controls etc. We also monitor the impact of policies and oversee the school budget and staffing structure.

We try to be visible within school and play an active part in celebrating in the success of the children by supporting school activities and events.The Headteacher is responsible for the internal organisation, day to day management and control of the school. We are not expected to be routinely involved in the day to day activity of the school. Our role is strategic to help every child reach their highest spiritual, personal and educational potential.

The Governors meet as a whole group twice a term.  Committees for Learning and Achievement, Resources (which includes Finance, Personnel & Buildings) and Admissions meet regularly and the minutes of their meetings are shared at the whole Governing Body meetings.

Becoming a School Governor?

The most important qualities for becoming a Governor at Framlingham Sir Robert Hitcham’s are enthusiasm, commitment and an interest in education. You don’t need teaching experience, but it’s useful to bring skills from other areas of your life. You will need to attend a Governors' meeting each half term. You will also be expected to join some sub-committees – these cover different areas like the curriculum, admissions, finance or buildings. You will need to be able to work well in a team, as you will be making joint decisions on policy.

Demands on your time depend partly on what’s going on in the school. As a Governor, you may need to contribute approximately eight to ten hours a month. 

When there’s a vacancy for a Parent Governor, the school will inform all parents and the wider community, so that everyone has  a chance to stand for election.  Even if there’s no vacancy at present, you  can talk to our current Chair of Governors by first contacting the School Office.

Before you put yourself forward, talk to your employer. Many employers recognise the role of school Governor as useful work experience and may offer paid leave for Governor duties.

Procedure for appointing a Parent Governor

We have no Associate Governors at Framlingham Sir Robert Hitcham's, and therefore no Governors have any voting restrictions.

Governor Biographies 

   Douglas Stroud - Chair of Governors

I worked in industry for a few years before becoming a teacher.  I have taught in Surrey but worked in Suffolk for most of my career where I have taught in several different schools.  I was head teacher in a small village school and then established and led a large primary school in Kesgrave. Teaching and leading a school is such an important role. A parent's child is their most important possession and our job is to work together as governors, staff, parents and the community to do the very best we can for every pupil in the school. Although I have an all round interest in teaching and learning I have a particular interest in SEND and staff development.

   Revd Chris Davey - Rector of St Michael's Church - Vice Chair

I have been in ordained ministry over 25 years and in that time have served on a number of Governing Bodies and Academy Board of Directors, both state and church schools. Having been a paediatric nurse before ordination I have worked with Children and young people a great deal over the years and think our youngsters deserve the best education possible so they have the widest opportunities in life. I firmly believe a Church School provides a unique ethos in which all our children can have a happy and fruitful school journey, growing in confidence and ability as they discover their full potential. I look forward to serving as a Governor at Robert Hitcham as the school continues to serve our community. 

  Glenys Morgan 

I have been a part of life in Framlingham and St Michael's Church for over 40 years and have been involved in the education of its children for the majority of that time until my retirement.  I feel passionately that our children deserve the very best education and opportunities to develop and flourish so I was delighted to be proposed as a Foundation Governor by the Parochial Church Council.  It is a privilege to be a member of the Governing Body and be able to contribute to the continuing development of the school and its children.

  William Glasse

I have lived in Framlingham for 25 years and moved with the rest of my family to Suffolk in 1981, although I was at school here too. I am fortunate to travel quite widely in my work, which has taught me to love and respect the unique community and standard of living that this town offers; I cannot imagine home being anywhere else. I am actively involved in non-conformist church life in East Suffolk and I hope by supporting this school with my skills and experience I can be part of fostering that sense of a safe and caring community that will be as important to future generations as it is now. I believe firmly that our early education lays the foundations for what we become later and so it is critically important that our children’s first experiences of school are about more than just learning things for tests’ sake.

  Penny Akerman

My family moved to Saxtead in 1986 when a long association with Framlingham Sir Robert Hitcham’s began.  Our own four children attended the school and in 1998, I became a member of the teaching staff, in the role of class teacher and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, until my retirement in July 2020.  I have a good understanding of the challenges and rewards which come with the privilege of working with our young learners and a particular interest in supporting those who struggle with literacy acquisition. Having assisted in the running of several school camps and witnessed the smiles on the children’s faces as they acquire new skills in a different environment, I fully endorse the benefits of outdoor activities and learning.  This is reflected in my hobbies which are mostly riding or sailing when a good book passes the time on long trips!  I welcome the opportunity to continue my involvement with the school in a voluntary capacity.

  Louise Hulley

Prior to my retirement in 2021 I had worked in school finance for nearly 20 years, first in Buckinghamshire, then on moving to Suffolk in 2011 I joined the amazing office team at SRH dealing with finance, premises and personnel.

I feel privileged to be able to continue supporting SRH in my role as a governor, with particular interest in insuring resources are used effectively for the education and wellbeing of pupils at our school.

  Linda Lavery 

In 2012, my husband and I retired back to Suffolk, having taught in Ipswich early in our careers and subsequently in schools in Lancashire and Bedford.

Music is my great interest, both playing and choral singing, and has been a major part of my life in (and outside of) teaching.

Our local children all deserve a happy, secure environment in which to learn and to thrive. I am delighted  to have the opportunity to be associated with Sir Robert Hitcham’s School, and be part of its on-going development, support and encouragement to the children in its care

  Danielle Rogers  - Staff Governor

My husband and I have lived locally all our lives and are delighted to see our daughter (currently in Reception) begin her journey at Sir Robert Hitcham’s. Having worked as a primary school teacher for several years, I hope as a Parent Governor, to be able to use my knowledge and experience to support the school and its pupils. I believe our children are entitled to learn in a rich and happy environment. I have a passion for supporting children’s learning through their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

  Michael Eyles

My family and I have lived in and around Framlingham for 34 years having moved here from the Midlands in 1989. I have a long association with Sir Robert Hitcham's through my wife, Sue, who has worked in the Nursery for many years and with both daughters and now a granddaughter attending the school. I have also been involved (some time ago now!) with the Friends of the school.

I have worked in the technology sector for over 30 years and am now semi-retired. My hope is to bring some of this experience to bear in helping the school prepare our children for a future in which technology will inevitably have an increasing role and impact in their lives.

I believe that our children's early experience of education fundamentally influences their direction and outcomes in life and that we should do all we can to nurture and support their love of learning and respect for each other. It is a privilege to have an opportunity to help SRH build on its success in providing a loving, caring and exciting environment in which our children can learn and grow.

  Oliver Winstone

My wife and I moved to Framlingham in 2021, at which point our older daughter joined Reception at Sir Robert Hitcham’s. Our younger daughter followed her into Reception the following year.

I have a passion for Primary Education. In my day job I work as an Education Specialist for the world’s leading publisher of printed music, Hal Leonard. As part of my role it’s essential that I’m up-to-date with the latest best-practice and resources in the music sector and in wider Primary education field. As a Governor I am proud to represent the interests of parents, and strive to make our school the best it can be, allowing all our children to have a first-rate start to their lives.

  Mary Lamb

I am married to a former primary school teacher and have 2 daughters. I worked in secondary schools teaching Art and Design Technology until retirement. I have been a governor in 3 schools during my career and hope that my experiences may benefit the school. In the latter years of my working life, I trained part time within the Church of England and work as a self-supporting minister attached to St Michaels Church in Framlingham with a main focus on Family and All age worship. This has involved me working in many different ways with the primary school during the past 15 years. I feel that I may be able to contribute especially to the spiritual and creative aspects of the school. As a foundation governor I hope to support the whole school community as we move forward. I firmly believe that a happy learning environment is the best way to enable young people to thrive and grow to their full potential.

  Hannah Khan

I moved to Framlingham with my family in 2017 having spent many years away from Suffolk. My two children attend SRH and I feel very fortunate that they have been supported by the dedicated and nurturing staff here. 

I have recently rejoined work in the NHS after a few years out to raise my children. I feel there are many transferable skills that can be brought from my job and as a parent to the role of governor. I am privileged to be able to represent the parents on the governing board.

In my free time I enjoy running and dressmaking. I love travelling around Europe and experiencing all the adventures this offers.