Our Governing Body

What does a school governor do?

Governors are responsible for overseeing the management side of a school: strategy, policy, budgeting and staffing. They enable their school to run as effectively as possible, working alongside senior leaders and supporting teachers to provide excellent education to children.
Being a school governor is a commitment to attending governing body meetings which consider issues such as setting the school vision, mitigating financial risk and scrutinising educational outcomes. They are also involved in the school community, acting as critical friends to the headteacher and senior leaders.

Governors bring a wide range of skills and expertise from their professional lives to the governing board and schools benefit greatly from working with skilled volunteers, for example anyone with experience of finance, law, premises management or human resources. A governor with business know-how can transform the running of a school.

Core governor responsibilties

Setting the strategic direction

Governing bodies are the key strategic decision makers in every school. Along with the Head Teacher, it is the job of a governing body to set the school’s aims and objectives around how the school will develop and improve. They set policies, formulate plans and agree targets to help the school achieve these objectives, as well as regularly reviewing their strategic framework in light of that progress.

Creating robust accountability

The governing body is there to support and challenge the school’s senior leadership team. They play a crucial role in holding the Head Teacher to account for securing the best possible outcomes for pupils. Governor accountability includes challenging key decisions and asking pertinent questions about the school’s performance data including policies. Governors delegate operational management of the school and daily processes to the Headteacher. Governors aim to support and develop high standards in education.

Ensuring financial probity

Governing bodies have a strategic role in the financial management of schools. Their key responsibilities include, setting financial priorities through the school development plan, 3 year financial plan and the annual budget. They also decide on how the school’s delegated budget should be spent in accordance with the school improvement plan and statutory curriculum requirement.

Commitment involved

Term of Office - most governor appointments are for a term of four years.

Liability - governors are not individually liable. Liability is collective and held by the governing body as a whole.

Time - governors are expected to attend 6 full governing body meetings during the school year. Some preparation is required for these meetings and these meetings are held during the school day. Other involvement such as ad hoc panels and learning walks are not complusory to attend, but we would strongly recommend you attend as many as possible to maximise your impact as a school governor.

Governor vacancies

We currently do have Governor vacancies at St Michael's Church School and recruitment will commence after Academisation.

To contact the Clerk to Governors please email clerk@stm.act-academytrust.org

Further information can be found: A.C.T MAT - Governance Team

Mike Harrison

Executive Headteacher Governor

Term of Office: 22.04.2025 to Present

Getting to know Mike Harrison

Being at Primary School is one of the most important times in a child’s life and I would like to assure you that at our school, all staff will do their best to nurture your children so that they grow in self-confidence allowing them to engage with all that we have to offer. I feel sure that you will find our school a calm and friendly place where you will always be made to feel welcome.

Alison Anderson

Observor

Term of Office: 01.09.2024 to Present

Getting to know Alison Anderson

Content to follow....

Jaqueline McCamphill

Chair of Governor's

Term of Office: 04.11.2024 to 04.11.2028

Getting to know Jaqueline McCamphill

Why I am a Governor

I recently joined the FGB as a governor for a year to support the children, staff and governors of Saint Michaels. I have been a governor in different guises for over 20 years across many different school settings and I feel honored to be part of this school. I have every intention of playing my part in making our school the best it can be for our children, staff and the wider school community.

My Day Job

My Role - Head of Stewardship, Education Team, Diocese of Ely

· Strategic and Local Governance for all church schools within the Diocese.

· Admissions for VA schools.

· Buildings for VA schools – SCA funding.

Wider support.

· Headteacher recruitment and school performance.

· Small schools and future structure discussions.

· CPD Collaboration Initiative.

· Oversight of EDRA Programme.

Strategic Diocesan Projects.

· Education Team representative on Racial Justice.

· Education Team representative on Net Zero Carbon Strategy.

About me

Professionally

I have worked across the private, charity and education sectors in various leadership roles. I have been a CEO, Deputy CEO, CFO, Bursar and started my career as a professional town and county planner. I have worked in different settings in the education sector for over 23 years. I have always studied in my own time whilst working, as I love learning. I really enjoy supporting schools, as driven by helping those that help children receive the best possible education.

Other Volunteering

· Chair of Trustees at All Saints Inter Church

· Governor at St Anne’s CE Primary in Godmanchester

· Trainee Chaplain for the Benefices of West and South Leightonstowe linked to Brington CE Primary

Personally

I have 2 children, Conor aged 18 and Katharine age 16, and of course my two Welsh Springer dogs, Carly and Archie.

My family is my priority always. I enjoy being with my family, walking, reading, volunteering and learning.

Simon Owen

Staff Governor

Term of Office:01.09.24 to 01.09.28

Getting to know Simon Owen

Content to follow.....

Anthea Kenna

Safeguarding Governor

Term of Office: 03.12.2024 to 03.12.2028

Getting to know Anthea Kenna

Following a career in Church School Headship spanning 25 years I wished to continue supporting schools. I worked in Cambridgeshire and Essex as Headteacher, Associate Adviser and School Improvement Partner and am currently a Cambridgeshire Leader of Governance supporting a number of schools. I am a keen musician and enjoy working with young people, providing quality musical experiences. Performing with many amateur musical groups, either as an instrumentalist or a singer, gives me great pleasure. Although I don’t participate as much now as I would wish to, I have always enjoyed sport and, in my younger days, competed at regional level. In general, I enjoy challenges and am blessed with a great deal of energy. My expertise covers all aspects of school leadership and management and, in particular, those relating to Church Schools. I am committed to giving our young people the very best start in their educational journey.

Heidi Daulton

Children's Community Governor

Term of Office: 01.01.2024 to 01.01.2028

Getting to know Heidi Daulton

Content to follow....

Akunna Nnadi

Parent Governor

Term of Office: 01.02.2024 to 01.02.2028

Getting to know Akunna Nnadi

Content to follow...

Zoe Cutter

Foundation Governor

Term of Office: 01.11.2025 to 01.11.2029

Getting to know Zoe Cutter

I am a newly appointed foundation governor at St Michael’s Church School, motivated by my passion for education and my desire to help strengthen the school’s Christian ethos. I bring my experience in diocesan education and chaplaincy to support the school’s vision and values.

Alongside this, I serve as a volunteer school chaplain in another CofE school, having completed chaplaincy training through the Diocese of Ely. This role reflects my commitment to supporting the spiritual and pastoral needs of students and staff within the school community.

In my day job, I work in the Education Team for the Diocese of Ely. In this role, I provide high-level administrative and organisational support to ensure the smooth running of the education department. I work closely with senior leadership, managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and facilitating communication across teams.

I live in Ely with my husband, two teenagers, and our dog Oscar. In my spare time you can usually find me cheering my children on in their football teams, or driving them to one of their training sessions!

Laura Schneikert

Clerk

Term of Office: 01.11.2025 to Present

Getting to know Laura Schneikert