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Court Lane Junior Academy

Our Governors

Our Governing body:

  • Works in conjunction with the Headteacher
  • Conducts their work mainly through committees and meetings lead by members of the governing body, with guidance  from the Head Teacher and the relevant paperwork
  • Makes decisions collectively as a team, specific committees or individuals
  • Works with a scheme of delegation from the Board of Trustees of The University of Chichester Academy Trust. For details of the board of trustees please click here.

School governors:

  • Ensure a high standard of educational attainment
  • Oversee the school budget, including staffing and pay levels
  • Maintain a balanced curriculum, particularly that the National Curriculum and Religious Education are taught
  • Review and question reports on test results and pupils continuing achievement in National Curriculum assessments
  • Partake in the appointment of senior staff (including the Head Teacher) and govern staff conduct and discipline
  • Accept widespread responsibility for the conduct of the school
  • Formulate targets for pupil achievement
  • Draft action plans after an Ofsted inspection

You can read more about the role of a Governing Body in the Dfe Governors Handbook. The DfE have also compiled a 'Competency Framework for Governance' which you can read here.

All of the governors at Court Lane Academies are appointed by the University of Chichester Academy Trust. 

Unless explicitly detailed alongside the name of the Governor, the Governor has declared no business or financial interests that impacts Court Lane Academies.

The representatives of the Governing Body are:

Mrs L Flitton - Headteacher of Court Lane Junior Academy

I joined Court Lane Junior Academy in January 2021, having led schools previously in Luton and in Hertfordshire. I have been a member of the governing boards of schools I have worked in since 2007 and now act as a Head Teacher Governor on our joint LGB. I have worked in a range of schools, from small faith settings to large primaries with specialised provisions for pupils with SEND. I am passionate about creating an exciting and ambitious curriculum in an inclusive environment. I work closely with Mrs Geddes, Head Teacher at Court Lane Infant School to ensure that our shared values carry through both schools and that this leads to an enriching experience for our children.

Mrs K Geddes - Headteacher of Court Lane Infant Academy

Since we became a school within the University of Chichester Academy Trust in 2016, I was Head of School and then Headteacher from January 2021. I have been teaching at Court Lane Infant School since 1995 and became Deputy Head in 1998.  I became a Teacher Governor in 1997 and am currently a Governor in my role as Headteacher. During this time I have supported the school in my role as a member of staff and as a Governor so that all pupils and staff have the opportunity to be inspired, motivated and achieve. I am proud to be part of the Court Lane School community and to be part of the learning journey for all staff and pupils.

 

 

Rev Simon Ford

Appointed by Directors - Term of office ends 31/08/24

I have been employed as a Minister working with children and young people for over 20 years and all throughout that time I have had the privilege of being a Governor within Junior Schools. I began my Governor 'career' at Ashley Junior School in the New Forest and 'transferred' to Court Lane Juniors in 2000. I am married to Vanessa and our 3 children have all enjoyed their journey through the school.

Within my job at Cosham Baptist, my role is primarily with children and young people and I value being part of the Governing Body that ensures they get the best all round education. I am now a co-opted governor and I see my main role as one of support and challenge. I love the opportunities when we can get involved with new developments and new ways of engaging children and assisting their learning. I love taking on new challenges - anything from completing a non-stop walk from London Eye to the Spinnaker Tower to putting on 'Experiences' for thousands of local children to enjoy

 Miss E Kelly

I have worked at CLJS for 7 years as both a class teacher and as part of the Leadership Team. I have worked in other schools in Portsmouth for almost 30 years and I'm still enjoying the challenge. I am currently a staff governor and I am passionate about supporting the staff, children and families of Court Lane Schools on our journey to continued success. Outside of school, I enjoy being outside, gardening, walking and relaxing.

 

 

Kate Cobb

I joined the governing board as a parent governor when my eldest child was at the Infants. Both of my children have completed their journey through the Infants and Juniors.

It is my belief that all children, not just my own, should receive an education that is both enjoyable and inspiring, allowing them to achieve their potential.  I am fortunate enough to also be a member of the teaching team at Court Lane Infant Academy. I feel my unique position as a parent, a governor, and a member of staff stands me in good stead to support and challenge Court Lane Academies to provide the best education experiences possible for all our children.

Ben Newell

As a parent I have been involved with Court Lane since 2015. I joined as a governor in 2018 and have a child at the Juniors.

I have been a systems engineer and manager supporting the UK's air traffic control service for the last 20 years, and hope to bring some of the skills I have picked up in that industry, to help the Court Lane academies achieve the best they can for the pupils and staff. I believe it is vital that there is a direct connection between the pupils, parents and the academy's senior leadership team, which is of course where the parent governors come in. Please contact me if you have any queries or concerns via email or approach me when you see me at the school!

Dr Linley Hastewell

I recently joined the board of governors having had two children benefit from their time at both Court Lane Infant and Junior Academies.

Having worked in higher education for over 10 years at the University of Portsmouth in technical, research and lecturing posts I have seen first-hand the positive impact education can have on individuals in providing opportunities for personal development and fulfilling academic aspirations. I have also witnessed an increased need for pastoral care and support to vulnerable pupils and the favourable outcomes that this can bring.

I currently work in the environmental sector and hold a Fellowship at the Royal Geographical Society. My involvement and enthusiasm in this area makes me a strong advocate for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects which I am keen to promote and develop within the academies.

I welcome the opportunity to apply my skills and experience to assist the wider governing body in providing staff and pupils alike with a supportive and encouraging environment that promotes educational engagement and learning.