A school’s Board of Governors is accountable for the use of public funds, the quality of education provided by the school and its contribution to the wider community.
Following discussion and agreement across both governing bodies, a new Interim Joint Governing Body (IGB) will be established, bringing together governors from both schools. This reflects a shared view that closer working between the schools is the right step in supporting their continued development.
The IGB will operate for an initial period of around two years, after which a longer-term governing structure will be confirmed.
Why this change?
Both governing bodies believe this approach will:
- Provide a strong, stable board drawn from both existing governing bodies
- Enable a clearer overview of pupils’ journey from Nursery through to Year 6
- Strengthen support and challenge across the schools
- Allow time and space to carefully consider the future relationship between the schools
Importantly, there is no predetermined outcome. Over time, governors will consider whether it is best for the schools to:
- Remain as two schools working closely together, or
- Move towards a more formal alignment
This will be a thoughtful and measured process, with governors playing a key role throughout.
What will this mean in practice?
The new governing structure will include:
- Sarah Baker (Executive Chair)
- Tony Smith (Chair)
- Kam Shergill (Vice Chair – Infants)
- Daniel White (Vice Chair – Juniors)
The board will also include governors from both current governing bodies.
During this period, the IGB will work closely with school leaders and the Trust, including being fully involved in key decisions about future leadership.
Our focus
This is about supporting the Overdale schools to become even stronger by building on their many strengths.
This includes:
- A strong inclusive ethos
- Rich opportunities such as Forest School and wider enrichment
- A broad and balanced curriculum, including the appropriate use of digital tools
- Preparing pupils socially and personally, as well as academically
Working with you
We will:
- Share further information about the full governing body shortly
- Provide opportunities for parents to engage and ask questions
- Continue to listen to and reflect the views of the community
If you have any questions, please contact the school.
This is an opportunity to continue building on both schools’ strengths, and we are confident this structure will support their ongoing development.