Chelmsford County High School for Girls became an Academy in January 2011. At that time the school’s serving Governors also became directors of the Academy Trust, a charitable company limited by guarantee. The Academy Trust has a formal funding agreement with the Secretary of State for Education.

Governors are mostly parents of current or former students. There are two Partner Governors from trade and industry, in this case BAE Systems and Ford, and one representing the local authority, who is a solicitor. Some Governors are elected by parents and the remainder appointed by the Governing Body, which comprises 23 members including the Head and three members of staff.

The Governing Body’s role can be explained simply. First, we act as employer to the staff. That includes appointing the Head and Deputy Head, and holding them to account for the school’s performance and outcomes to ensure the quality of education provision. Matters such as the admissions policy and the curriculum come under our scrutiny. Second, we have a strategic role in acting as a “critical friend”, providing support to the leadership and holding its decisions up to constructive examination in the interests of the pupils. Third, we ensure the school operates within the statutory and legal framework laid down by Parliament and complies with charities and company law plus the funding agreement. Fourth, we manage the land, buildings and finances.

The Governing Body meets four times annually. Four key committees meet regularly: Staff and Student Matters; Curriculum; Finance; Premises. Other committees meet when required. Each committee is minuted by the Clerk to the Governing Body and has either the Deputy Head or Business Manager in attendance in addition to the Head, who attends all meetings.

A Management Committee meets three times a year. Members include the chairs of the four key committees, plus the Chair and Vice-Chair of Governors and Head.

I and my fellow Governors are immensely proud of this great school, its outstanding Head, Deputy Head and staff, and our high-achieving students. We are sure our parents share our passion to create the very best future for their daughters. I am grateful to my fellow Governors, who voluntarily devote so much time and effort to making Chelmsford County High one of the country’s finest schools.

In the league tables, our achievements speak for themselves. But we will only stay top of the tree by relentless focus on excellence. Our recent conversion to Academy Status has opened a exciting new chapter in our life. It is a sign that a great school never stands still.

Mrs Susan Shanahan
Chair of Governors