Governance at Hexton JMI
Governors are ordinary people from the local community who volunteer to work alongside the senior leaders of the school to have a positive impact on the pupil’s education. They offer strategic guidance to drive school improvement, rather than getting involved in the operational aspects of a school.
A governor’s relationship with the school involves challenging policy and procedures to raise school standards and to hold the headteacher to account. Governors usually attend at least six meetings per year, as a full governing body and, in some schools, in committees. Volunteering as a governor requires drive and commitment, but there are also professional and personal benefits, such as the opportunity to shape the future of education as well as personal career development.
It is not necessary to need to be a parent or education professional to volunteer as a governor. Schools require a variety of professional and interpersonal skills to ensure their governing bodies are effective. Volunteers need to be over 18 and willing to devote time to improving educational standards.
If you are interested in becoming a governor at Hexton JMI, please visit https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/about-the-council/volunteering/schools-and-youth-work/school-governor/school-governors.aspx or complete this application form – https://www.hertsforlearning.co.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Governance/school-governor-application-form.doc – and send to governance@hfleducation.org.
Meet our governors
Mark Hall
I’m Mark Hall; I’m proud to be Chair of Governors for Hexton JMI. I’ve been involved with the school for 4 years. I’m pleased to be involved in this historic village school and I’m willing to do whatever I can to continue to provide the best possible education for our children in such a lovely and unique setting. Being Chair means working with our headteacher to ensure we maintain the high standards of education; it means working with the other governors to be ensure we are working as effectively as possible and it also means being the headteacher’s ‘critical friend’ which holds the head accountable. What else can I tell you about myself?! In my day job I work for TUI, the holiday company (which does let me travel the world occasionally!); I’m a big Newcastle United fan. I’m a proud dad to three children and finally, if I can find any more time, I like to train and compete in triathlons (very badly!).
Antony Wallace
I’m Antony Wallace, a co-opted governor. I joined in September 2019 when Mark approached me as a fellow resident of Hexton, and with a child shortly due to start at the school, I was happy to help out. I live in Hexton with my wife, Lucy, and our son attends Hexton JMI. We all enjoy getting outside, walking in the local hills, or going for a bike ride - we love being able to cycle to school! I am also a keen skier, and love to swim, especially in the sea!
Karen Ireland
My name is Karen Ireland. I am a governor at Hexton school and am retired and live in Shillington. I’m really enjoying the fact that retirement allows me to spend more of my time walking our dog. I have been in Primary education all my working life, and at one point was headteacher at Hexton for seven years. I enjoy being outdoors and have a (scruffy) allotment in Shillington. I like swimming and walking. This year my husband and I went skiing again for the first time in three years. We were very excited about that, and rather relieved that the knees held out!
Kirstie Gran
I'm Kirstie Gran. I have been a governor since October 2020, as I wanted to support the school and share my insights on children’s development, health and wellbeing, which is my passion. My roles include being the SEND, Geography and PE link. I absolutely love being outside and playing with my family, walking/hiking, yoga, travelling and dancing! As a family, we love being outside, exploring, sports and building things! I would love to get a dog- hopefully in a few years’ time (and also a horse!).
Watch this space – other governor profiles coming soon!
Hexton JMI Governing Board 2022-2023
Name | Role | Date of First Appointment | Term of Office | Responsibilities | Meeting Attendance 2022-23 | Pecuniary Interests |
Kirstie Gran | Parent | 25 Sep | 25 Sep | Geography PE SEND | 5/5 | None |
Sandra Guerreiro | Clerk
| N/A | N/A | Clerking | 1/1 | None |
Mark Hall | Parent | 21 Mar | 21 Mar | English Health Music | 5/5 | None |
Karen Ireland | Co-opted | 22 Sep | 22 Sep | EYFS MFL | 5/5 | None |
Samantha Squires | Ex-Officio | 1 Sep | 1 Sep | Headteacher | 5/5 | None |
Antony Wallace | Co-opted | 1 Jul | 1 Jul | Computing Maths | 4/5 | None |
Jennifer Weeks | Local | 19 Jan | 19 Jan | Safeguarding Science | 2/5 | None |
Governors | ||||||
Lee Burgess | Co-opted (resigned) | 10 Jan | 16 Jul |
| 0/5 | None |
Rebecca Lewis | Clerk (resigned) | N/A | N/A | Clerking | 1/1 | None |
