Who are the Governors and what do we do?
Behind the scenes, there is a hardworking team of governors committed to working in partnership with the headteacher and staff to provide the best possible education for Southway’s pupils.
The governing body includes:
The headteacher
1 staff governor
1 LA governor
3 parent governors (1 vacancy)
5 co-opted governors (1 vacancy)
The governors come from a range of professions and bring different skills and experience to their role. The one thing governors have in common is a passion for education and the difference it makes to the lives of young people.
The governing body has three core functions, determined by the Department for Education:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Overseeing the financial performance of the school and make sure its money is well spent
- Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils.
The governing body is not responsible for the day-to-day running of the school but instead provides non-executive leadership. Duties include:
- Setting the strategy for the school, including its ethos and objectives
- Agreeing, monitoring and evaluating the School Development Plan
- Approving and monitoring the school budget
- Ensuring value for money is obtained for the school
- Appointing the headteacher and carrying out headteacher performance management
- Meeting statutory requirements, for example in Safeguarding, Health & Safety and Curriculum content
- Ensuring Southway meets the needs of all its pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs
- Engaging with stakeholders, including pupils, parents, staff and the wider community.
These duties are met through a series of meetings and visits to the school. The governing body meets three times each term and each meeting has a particular focus, such as Strategy & Policies, Teaching & Learning, and Finances & Premises. At these meetings, governors use the data, evidence and reports provided to ask challenging questions and reach decisions.
The governing body works in close partnership with the headteacher and senior leadership team, acting as a critical friend by providing support and challenge. Governors are given specific areas of interest and responsibility at the start of each academic year, such as curriculum subjects, Safeguarding, Finance, Health & Safety and SEND. Throughout the year, governors carry out visits to monitor progress in their link area, reporting back to the governing body at the relevant meeting. Governors are not renumerated for their work and comply with the Governors’ Charter.
Together we are committed to helping Southway achieve its vision so that all its pupils are happy and confident, achieve personal success, and develop a love of learning.
If you are interested in becoming a governor, we would be pleased to hear from you. Please get in touch via the school office.
Elinor Wood
Chair of Governors
Parent Governor / Chair of Governors
I became a Parent Governor in March 2022 as I wanted to contribute my time and skills to the governance of this successful school.
I have two children at Southway .
I am a fundraiser by profession and currently lead the Alumni, Development & Archive team at Ardingly College .
Before moving into the education sector, I worked with a number of arts organisations, including the London Mozart Players and Fairfield Halls.
I studied History at University and continue to read history books for pleasure.
I am a keen amateur musician and enjoy playing cello with local orchestras .
Co-Opted Governor
I am currently the Assistant Head, Pastoral & Boarding at Burgess Hill Girls.
I started my career in the mainstream sector at a school in Nottinghamshire, as a music teacher however I have always had a pastoral element to my role.
I have also worked in a full boarding school in Oxfordshire as both a music teacher and resident Head of Year / Housemistress.
When not at work I am mainly found with Hector the spaniel or CrossFit training or swimming.
Sam MacGregor
Co-Opted Governor
I joined the Governing Body in 2023. I have two primary school age children not at Southway.
I am currently a Governance and Oversight Manager at a private investment firm with a focus on supporting governance processes and decision frameworks for Boards and Committees. I am an Associate of the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland/qualified Company Secretary with a Masters in Law.
I moved to Burgess Hill two years ago after a long period of living and working abroad and am keen to support the community that has been so welcoming.
In my leisure time I enjoy long walks with Flump the dog and bike rides with my children.
I am currently employed as the Designated Safeguarding and Mental Health lead at Ardingly College. Prior to his current role I spent five years working as a safeguarding lead in the state sector and a year working within the local authority multi-agency safeguarding hub.
With over 15 years of non-teaching pastoral experience, I can often be found having 1:1 discussions with students, leading whole class or cohort sessions. Assisting students to become ready for life both in and out of education.
I attended university as a mature student in 2018 to attain a degree in Working with Children and Young People, furthering his experience in supporting students. I have also recently achieved his Senior Mental Health Lead Certification and an Advanced Certificate in Safeguarding.
Outside of education, I am an avid Liverpool fan and can often be found on the football field refereeing local and county-level football.
This is my first governing body role, but I am passionate at using my long safeguarding experience in improving the outcomes for all at Southway Junior School and looks forward to meeting as many of the Southway community in the very near future.
As a research physicist and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am excited to bring my passion for science, technology and inclusivity to the school Governing Board. With a PhD in Materials Physics and experience designing analytical instruments to characterise materials and surfaces, I have a deep understanding of the importance of creativity, teamwork and enthusiasm in driving progress.
As a health and safety professional; with experience in physical first aid, mental health first aid and an eclectic range of risk assessments; I am also committed to promoting a safe and inclusive environment for all. Beyond my professional work, I am passionate about outreach and education, particularly in STEM fields. As a qualified netball coach and umpire, I have worked with children and teams of all ages, and I understand the importance of crafting engaging and stimulating material that is tailored to the right audience. My volunteer work with children with cerebral palsy and mobility issues has given me a deep appreciation for the power of therapy and activity in improving physical, psychological and emotional well-being. My personal interests in gaming, foraging and exploring the world with my partner and rescued streetdog; now sofa-princess reflect my curiosity and love of learning.
I am thrilled to bring my diverse experiences and perspectives to the school Governing Body, and I look forward to working with the school community to promote excellent, innovation and inclusivity in education.
Parent Governor / Chair of Finance & Premises Committee
I have two children, my eldest son is at Downlands and our youngest son is at Southway.
I was delighted to join the governing body in November 2019 as I wanted to contribute to the governing of the school and offer my experience as a Chartered Engineer, Manager and small business owner. I am very interested to learn from and work with the great team Southway has in place.
I have a masters in Mechanical Engineering & a strong passion for science and engineering having spent my career working primarily in R&D as a consultant engineer in the automotive industry, working on a range of projects for many of the world's car companies. More recently I managed a large engineering department and test and development facility
I now work part time on our family business, a hair salon in central Brighton and also as a technical onsultant and project manager at a start-up which is designing and making a new marine engine.
I enjoy cycling & motor sport (although my days of participating are behind me... for the time being!)
