Governors
The Local Governing Body (LGB) of the school consists of nine governors representing parents, the church, staff and the community.
As part of the Vale Academy Trust (VAT), the LGB operates under a Scheme of Delegation from the Board of the Trust and the VAT Board is responsible for appointing three members of the LGB. Two members of the LGB are Foundation Governors, appointed by the Diocese of Oxford. Two governors act as representatives of the parent body, the staff are represented by one staff governor and the Headteacher is an ex officio member.
The Role of the LGB
The governors’ key role is to support and challenge the Headteacher and staff in their management of the school to ensure that we are delivering the very best education to the children. We promote the provision of a secure, friendly learning environment, high-quality teaching and breadth of opportunity, allowing every child to be happy at school and to flourish and reach their full potential.
Governors also contribute to the school’s development plan and have a role in overseeing the financial management of the school. The LGB meets formally six times per year, with occasional additional meetings as required. Members of the LGB take responsibility for supporting and monitoring various aspects of the life of the school that have been highlighted in the school’s development plan as well as key management areas, such as Safeguarding and Finance.
The Vale Academy Trust recognises that it is essential for governors to be well-informed and regular Governor Development evenings are arranged so that governors from all the Trust schools get together for discussion and workshops. As well as providing necessary updates and training, these offer opportunities for sharing ideas and best practice. In addition, the Chairs of Governors meet several times during the year. Members of the VAT Central Team are always willing to help and advise the LGB in its work.
If you have any questions about the governing body or are interested in becoming a governor, please contact me via the school office.
Sue Hunter - Chair of Governors
Sue Hunter (Chair of Governors)
I am a Foundation Governor at Wantage CE am happy to be leading a dedicated and skilled team of governors who are as passionate as I am about making sure that Wantage CE pupils receive the best possible education in an environment that helps them to Learn, be Inspired, Flourish and Enjoy life.
I retired in 2014 after a career as a science teacher both in the UK and overseas. Becoming a governor allowed me to maintain a practical interest in education and I have found it stimulating, sometimes challenging but always hugely satisfying.
Barry Cook (Co-Vice Chair of Governors)
I work for Magnox Ltd, currently as a Project Manager, in decommissioning the legacy from 60 years' R&D and operations of the civil nuclear industry. I have a technical background, having received a master's degree in chemical engineering from Cambridge University, and have extensive experience in cost estimating, strategic development, safety and hazard management, and project planning.
I took on a parent governor role after the end of covid lockdowns, having been impressed by the school's efforts in remote learning and support over those difficult times. I have since taken on specific governorship areas relating to financial oversight and health & safety where I can apply my work experience, as well as being co-vice chair.
When not ferrying my daughter to her various activities, I enjoy reading science fiction and fantasy, listening to country music, and modern jive/blues dancing. My wife and I are active members of the church community at St Johns in Grove.
Nicola Ormston (Parent Governor)
I am a Parent Governor at Wantage C of E & have two children currently at the school & one at Secondary school. One of my children also has Autism which is a challenge but has taught me a lot & gives me a greater understanding of families dealing with SEND children & all that comes with that. I also help with the school PTA, read with the children & help on trips out when my busy life allows!
I work part-time as a Senior Staff Nurse in Neuro Intensive Care, Oxford & love my job helping patients & their families at such critical & emotional times in their lives. I work as part of a big Multi-disciplinary team & have subsequently developed a number of transferrable skills to use across all areas of my life.
On a more personal level as a family, we are very involved Wantage Town F.C with two children playing, I’m a Team secretary and we volunteer at events as often as we can.
The Revd Katherine Price (Diocesan Governor)
I am the Vicar of Wantage. I moved to Wantage in 2022 from Oxford, where I was previously a College Chaplain. I visit the school regularly to lead Collective Worship, and I am the lead governor for the school’s Christian ethos. I'm also the mother of a child starting at the school in 2023!
Abigail Drewitt (Co-Vice Chair and Director Appointed Governor)
I have been a board appointed governor since 2021, taking up the role of co-vice chair in 2023 alongside Barry Cook.
I have a wealth of experience in the education sector and I am currently on the leadership team at The Marlborough C of E School Woodstock, with responsibilities for student engagement and personal development. I am passionate about helping to ensure the best possible outcomes for all pupils in the classroom and beyond.
I have a young son and when I'm not spending time with family and friends, I enjoy running and taking part in a variety of sports.
Caroline Haines (Director Appointed Governor)
I have lived in this area for 17 years and I became a Governor this year. I was a teacher for 33 years before I retired a few years ago. I have taught in various counties and my areas of specialism are Primary, SEND and Music. I worked for ten years at Hampshire Music Service. I believe all children should have opportunities to help them reach their full potential and I’m also keen to promote the arts in school to help them achieve that. Music is still a big part of my life. I play piano, have just started learning the organ and I sing in the parish church choir. This year I have enjoyed welcoming several children from school to our choir. I enjoy helping regularly in assemblies with the Open the Book team and listening to readers. You may see me locally out and about, walking my two dogs, a greyhound and King Charles spaniel.
Philly Shishton (Staff Governor)
I am Year 4 Teacher at Wantage CE. I have worked here for 7 years teaching in Foundation, Year 1, Year 3 and Year 4. I became a Governor in 2023. I have my own horse that I enjoy riding in my free time and I also play Netball for Faringdon Fury. I decided to join the LGB to contribute to wider school life and be the voice of the staff.