Below is a brief introduction of who the Governors are at our school and what their roles are. In principle there are three main roles of the Governing Body of a school:

To provide a strategic view for the school – planning where the school is heading; this includes appointing the headteacher and agreeing the broad priorities for school improvement

To act as a critical or challenging friend – offering advice & support and constructively questioning the status quo

To ensure accountability – ensuring what should be happening is happening, for example, that the students are receiving their education entitlement, the school is safe and the improvement priorities are being progressed. We do this at termly main meetings, in committee and through visits to the school. We also report on progress to you and other stakeholders.

 

Emily Cannon - Head of School

Date of Appointment: 1st January 2026

Relevant business and percuniary interest: Nil Declaration

 

Louise Donno - Chair of Governors

Date of Appointment: 1st September 2023

Relevant business and pecuniary interest: Ingatestone and Fryerning Junior School PTA – Charles Cox Trust

Councillor for Ingatestone and Fryerning Parish Council

Term of Office: 4 years to 31st August 2027

 

Adam Cooper - Vice Chair of Governors

Date of Appointment: 4th December 2025

Relevant business and pecuniary interest: LAMA Services Ltd

Term of Office: 4 years to 3rd December 2029

 

Jenny McCarthy – Parent Governor

Date of Appointment: 20th October 2025

Relevant business and pecuniary interest: Nil declaration

Term of Office: 3 years to 19th October 2028

 

Laura Parker – Trust Appointed Governor

Date of Appointment: 11th March 2024

Relevant business and pecuniary interest: Nil declaration

Term of Office: 4 years to 10th March 2028

 

Harriet Whyman – Parent Governor

Date of Appointment: 20th October 2025

Relevant business and pecuniary interest: Nil declaration

Term of Office: 3 years to 19th October 2028

 

Stacy Wootten – Trust Appointed Governor

Date of Appointment: 9th October 2023

Relevant business and pecuniary interest: Nil declaration

Term of Office: 4 years to 8th October 2027

 

Historic (left within the last 12 months)

 

Governor – Hannah Barton-Wells

Resigned 31/08/2025

 

Governor – Patricia Whiteley

Resigned 23/05/2025

 

Head Teacher – Neil Taggart

Resigned 31/12/2025

 

Parent Governor – Tom Staples

Resigned 08/01/2026