Governors

Welcome to the governors’ section of the Acland Burghley website. Together our role is to help shape the overall direction and character of the school, monitor progress and standards, review and approve the budget, appoint and support the headteacher and senior staff, review policies and procedures and ensure the school fulfils its statutory duties.

There are several different types of governor on the Governing Body of Acland Burghley so it may be helpful to know what the different types mean and how they come to be chosen. At Acland Burghley we have 15 governors: 7 parent governors, 5 co-opted governors, 1 local authority governor, 1 staff governor and the headteacher.

Associate of the Governing Body: An associate of the Governing Body is an individual who has skills and experience which the Governing Body needs in addition to the 15 governors. Associates of the Governing Body are appointed by the governors. They attend Governing Body meetings but they are not full members of the Governing Body.

Chair of the Governing Body: The chair is a governor who has been elected by the Governing Body to lead it. S/he is elected every year. The staff governor and headteacher cannot be chair, vice chair, or chair of a committee. Any other type of governor can be elected as a chair. 

Co-opted governor: This is an individual from the community who has skills and experience which the Governing Body needs. They are appointed by the existing Governing Body, following an interview. At Acland Burghley we try to think about what skills and experience we will need in the future and the overall composition and diversity of the Governing Body when we select co-opted governors.

Headteacher: The headteacher is always also a governor.

Local authority governor: Maintained schools are required to have at least one local authority governor. They do not have to work for the local authority, but they are nominated by it (in our case, Camden) and appointed by the Governing Body.

Parent governor: At Acland Burghley we conduct an election to fill a parent governor vacancy or vacancies. All parents or carers of registered pupils at the school at the time of this election are eligible to stand to become parent governors.

Staff governor: An individual who is a member of staff, usually elected by the staff, to ensure that staff views are represented on the Governing Body.

If you are interested in becoming a governor, please email 
governors@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk

Our key priorities for this year are

  • raising attainment and achievement for all students;
  • securing the financial future of the school and all its services;
  • extending the range, visibility and quality of arts activities and student participation in them;
  • and developing the school culture and ethos.

We meet regularly and non-staff governors also visit the school, making contact with the different departments and attending events and performances. We welcome contact with all those involved in the school and will be happy to hear your views on any matters of concern.

Minutes of full Governing Body meetings are available on request from info@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk

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Previous Full Governing Body minutes

Academic Year 2020/2021

Academic Year 2019/2020

Key Committee Terms of Reference

  

Contact 

governors@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk

Clerk to Governing Body

Mike Hutchinson

Co-opted governors

 

 

  • Alan Chesters
    Co-opted governor

    Alan Chesters

    Type of Governor:
    Co-opted governor, Chair of Resources Committee

    What this means
    The Committee monitors the school's finances, staffing and premises (including Health & Safety).

    A little bit about me
    I am a retired Human Resources executive, and a long standing School governor in Camden.

    As Governor at Acland Burghley School, I'd most like to achieve
    As governor at Acland Burghley School, I would like to assist it in achieving a recognition of its Outstanding provision whilst remaining an inclusive and community orientated organisation.

  • Sheila Chapman
    Co-opted governor

    Sheila Chapman

    Type of Governor:
    Co-opted Governor to represent the community, with special responsibility for Safeguarding

    What this means
    As the safeguarding link governor, I need to be satisfied that the school's policies and systems work to keep students safe and to enable them to achieve the best possible outcomes. I do this in a number of ways including coming in to school regularly to meet with the school's designated safeguarding lead and chairing termly attendance and behaviour panels. The panels are a really constructive opportunity for governors to meet students and their families to find ways to support students to meet attendance and behaviour expectations and, in so doing, realise their full potential.

    A little bit about me

    I am a solicitor and worked for twenty years in the investment banking industry. In May 2018 I was elected as a local councillor in Islington which is where a lot of Acland Burghley students live. I chair the Children's Services Scrutiny Committee where I am currently leading a deep dive into SEND provision in the borough. I worked for five years as an independent monitor at Pentonville prison. I enjoy writing fiction and running and swimming in Hampstead Heath as well as spending time with my three young children.

    As Governor at Acland Burghley

    I'd like to work with everyone who is part of the school community to make Acland Burghley a place where all students, whatever their background, set ambitious targets for themselves - whether they be creative, academic or vocational - and receive full support to achieve them.

  • Sam Alvis
    Co-opted governor

    Sam Alvis

    Type of governor:
    Co-opted governor

    What this means
     I'm an individual from the community who has skills and experience that the governors feel the Governing Body needs.

    A little bit about me
    I work in policy and public affairs, specialising in political strategy an climate policy. I'm currently Head of Green Renewal at Green Alliance, and was previously a senior advisor to Tony Blair, worked on Brexit policy for the Wellcome Trust, and as a researcher for the Labour Party. Outside of work I play rugby, swim in the lido, am a young advisor to Chatham House and a mentor at the social mobility foundation.

    What I want to achieve

    I hope to help open awareness and opportunities for students in careers or interests that I wasn't aware of growing up.

  • Crispin Woodhead
    Co-opted governor

    Crispin Woodhead

    Type of governor:
    Co-opted governor

    What this means
    I'm an individual from the community who has skills and experience that the governors feel the Governing Body needs.

    A little bit about me
    I studied Modern Languages at Pembroke College, Oxford (French and German) and then piano at The Royal Northern College of Music where I then worked as a junior fellow and lecturer. I then set up an arts management agency in London before taking a post at Rugby School where I worked for 7 years and served as Head of Modern Languages. Since those days I have worked in the arts. I set up a new orchestra, Arcangelo, and then moved to the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment as Chief Executive Officer. Now in my seventh year, I can honestly say that life, even despite the pressures of COVID, has never been more exciting and the move to Acland Burghley School has been and remains the best thing I have ever done. It is a daily privilege.

    I am married to an opera singer and have four children. I have two cats and a dog, Barney, who sometimes sneaks into Acland Burghley with me.

    As governor at Acland Burghley I want to do all I can to support the school in its plans to grow as an inclusive, creative environment, that, in the true spirit of comprehensive education, can embrace, encourage and support so that ambitions are lifted and realised. I think that the partnership with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment has absolutely massive potential to contribute positively to the prospects of all pupils and staff, regardless of whether they want to learn the violin, play in an orchestra or listen to classical music. What we can do together, can and will include all of those wonderful things of course, but is much more fundamental and universally valuable.

  • Dr Claire Melamed
    Co-opted governor

    Dr Claire Melamed

    Type of Governor:
    Co-opted governor,Chair of the Quality of Education Committee

    What this means
    I chair the Quality of Education Committee have been elected by the parents at Acland Burghley. I'm on the Quality of Education Committee, which oversees the development and delivery of the curriculum, and I'm also a member of the Acland Burghley School Trust, which is running a big fundraising campaign to restore the Assembly Hall - keep an eye out for that!

    A little bit about me
    Outside of Acland Burghley, I run an organisation called the 'Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data', which works with governments, especially in Africa and Latin America, to improve the data they use to make policy. I've lived in Tufnell Park all my life, and all four of my children and step-children have been at Acland
    Burghley.

    As Governor at Acland Burghley School, I'd most like to achieve
    It's exciting to be part of this phase of Acland Burghley's development. As a governor, I hope to see the school continue to thrive and grow, and to make sure that ABS offers a happy environment for every child.

 

Parent governors

 

  • Dr Kim Issroff
    Parent governor and chair of governors

    Dr Kim Issroff

    Type of Governor:
    Governing Body

    A little bit about me
    I have been a governor at several schools and chair of governors at my children's primary school. I have completed a Governors' leadership course and understand and have experience of almost all aspects of governance.

    I have over 25 years of experience of research in educational technology in a wide range of education settings from early years to large open online courses. I am particularly interested in the social aspects of learning and the role that technology can play in mediating relationships.

    As Governor at Acland Burghley School, I'd most like to achieve
    I value inclusion and wish that all schools were as inclusive as Acland Burghley. As a governor, I want to ensure that all children feel happy and safe and are supported in our school to grow, develop and achieve. In order for this to happen, we need a broad curriculum that is flexible; talented, skilled and supported staff; efficient and effective financial management; and behaviour management processes that take into account the individuals involved and focus on the development of the children and the adults.

  • Rachel Hermer
    Parent governor

    Rachel Hermer

    Type of Governor:
    Parent Governor, AEN Link Governor

    What this means
    I am responsible for having understanding and oversight of how well the school meets the needs of our pupils with special educational needs and/or disability.

    A little bit about me
    I work for a charity that supports primary schools to challenge gender stereotypes, delivering teacher training and developing strategy. (I also enjoy reading, cooking, keeping vaguely fit and being with my family.)

    As Governor at Acland Burghley School, I'd most like to achieve: continual challenge and support to the school leadership, particularly around excellent teaching and learning, AEN, inclusion and equality, so that provision becomes better and better.

  • Roz Webb
    Parent governor

    Roz Webb

    Type of Governor:
    Parent governor

    What this means:
    We chose ABS for our daughter (year 9) and son (year 7 in September) because it embodies the ethos of a true comprehensive school. I believe that schools should educate children in critical thinking, creativity and compassion and offer a stimulating and empowering education that recognises and respects every child's unique qualities and needs.

    A little bit about me
    I have extensive knowledge of and experience in education. I have been a Governor at Yerbury for six years; I Chair the Curriculum and Learning Committee and have been a Link Governor in areas such as Early Years, SEND, data, boys and writing, and outdoor learning. I have Ofsted training and I know how to be a 'critical friend' to the school, whilst holding it to account.

    I was an English teacher/ Head of Faculty and form tutor in London comprehensives for 16 years. I have been a Senior Assessor for World Class Schools Quality Mark since 2017, observing and assessing children from 'outstanding' schools nationally. Before the pandemic I supported library lessons at ABS and was a parent-reader volunteer at Yerbury for many years.

    I have always had a passion for child welfare and development. I now work with expectant and new parents and I Chair Whittington Maternity Voices, a multi-disciplinary, user-led group who work to improve services and ensure equity of care and give voice to the seldom-heard.

    As a Governor at Acland Burghley School, I'd most like to achieve

    I am willing to give my time, experience and enthusiasm to be an effective, committed governor who can bridge the gap between parents, students and staff.

  • Mary Carson
    Parent governor

    Mary Carson

    Type of Governor:
    Parent governor

    What this means:
    I am a mother to three young people who have gone through and are still going through Acland Burghley. One is at La Swap, one is hopefully going to go there and my youngest is about to enter Year 10.

    A little about me
    As a journalist and multimedia producer I have worked in local, national and international news and current affairs and produced documentaries on subjects that I am passionate about. I have managed budgets large and small as well as managed teams of reporters and filmmakers over two continents, so I am pretty handy on the organisational front.

    Two of my children have learning difficulties of different degrees and we have been on the wrong side of a Governors' Panel, where there was little understanding of how learning difficulties can impact on a child's school journey and little room for a young person to speak confidently about that. In the end dialogue took place and a solution was found that enabled my child to continue their education and get their GCSEs. This was an invaluable experience and I feel that will allow me to bring something extra to the current Governors' structure.

    As Governor at Acland Burghley School, I'd most like to achieve

    I believe strongly in the need to nurture not just our young people but also the adults around them, through development and training in the workplace. I feel the needs of our children are best served through an openness to dialogue, the school experience of parents, transparency and accountability.

  • Beckie Herbert
    Parent governor

    Beckie Herbert

    Type of Governor:
    Parent governor

    What this means:
    I am member of the Resources Committee and also the Health and Safety link governor.

    A little bit about me
    I have a son in year 9. In my work life, I'm a communications specialist and I run my own business advising companies on environmental and social issues. I've worked with all types of organisations from housebuilders to mobile operators, retailers, TV channels and even the Olympics. I once spent a year as a high school teacher in Japan.

    I grew up in the local area and benefited from attending two Camden state schools. I want every child to get a great education whatever their background, learning style or educational needs. I believe that schooling should prepare kids for life (not just exams), giving them opportunities to gain practical, social and communications skills alongside academic ones.

    As Governor at Acland Burghley School, I'd most like to achieve

    Acland Burghley is a fantastic school with a great ethos. As a governor, I want to be a 'critical friend' - challenging and supporting the school to keep improving, and sharing what I've learnt from my work where it can benefit the school.

  • Rachel Wrangham
    Parent governor

    Rachel Wrangham

    Type of Governor:
    Parent governor

    What this means
    I have three children in Camden schools (the eldest is Alex in Y10 at ABS), and I work for the Open University in adult education. I'm currently a governor at Kentish Town Primary, where I've been both Vice Chair and Chair of the Curriculum and Monitoring committee. I'm involved in all sorts of education-related projects more widely in Camden - I'm a co-opted member of the Council's Scrutiny Committee for Children, Schools and Families, and I was a member of a panel that looked at school exclusions.

    A little bit about me
    My main interests are inclusion and ambition.  As a governor, I would do my best to ensure that neurodiverse children and children of all abilities receive the best possible support and education at ABS, and that the school has the highest possible aspirations for them.

    As Governor at Acland Burghley School, I'd most like to achieve
    I'm also deeply involved in a range of different local environmental and sustainability projects - I helped to set up 'The Sustainers' a few years back, and to get solar panels for Kentish Town School - and I would bring these skills and interests to ABS as well.

  • Dr Wanda Wyporska
    Parent governor

    Dr Wanda Wyporska

    Type of Governor:Parent Governor

    What this means

    I have a son in Y7 and I run a charity, so I've got extensive experience in managing budgets and finance, employment law and HR, and have been on a number of charity boards. I was the lead on equalities policy and practice for an education trade union and worked on tackling inequalities, including those in education, in my role as Director of The Equality Trust. I've been involved in setting up projects where young people take the lead to campaign and develop their agency.

    A little bit about me

    I've lived in the area for several decades. I'm passionate about education and the importance of every young person having the opportunity to find out what they love to do. I believe that education should be a springboard for discovery and that it is a lifelong process. Many of these seeds are sown at school.

    I love history, reading and will try any craft. I'm also addicted to family history, which is fine, because now it's my job!

    As Governor at Acland Burghley School, I'd most like to achieve

    An environment where everyone is confident that they are valued, listened to and have a chance to input, so that Acland Burghley can draw on the rich diversity of its community to be the best it can be for its students and staff.

 

Staff governor

  

 

Headteacher

  

  • Nicholas John
    Headteacher

    Nicholas John

    Type of Governor:
    Headteacher

    What this means
    The Governing Board is my employer. Their role is to support me to lead the school. My role is to give them the information to continue to fulfil this role really effectively, and to hold me and my colleagues to account.

    A little bit about me
    I qualified as an English teacher in 1999, and have worked in mixed, community, comprehensive schools ever since. From 1999 to 2009, I worked in Norfolk. I moved to London in 2009, and joined Acland Burghley as Headteacher in 2015.

    As Governor at Acland Burghley School, I'd most like to achieve
    Creating Excellence Together

 

Associates of the Governing Body

 

 

  • Madeleine Holt
    Associate of the Governing Body

    Madeleine Holt

    Type of Governor:
    Associates of the Governing Body

    A little bit about me
    I am an education campaigner and filmmaker, with a particular interest in innovative schools. In 2019 I won the Fred and Anne Jarvis Award for education campaigning, awarded each year by the National Education Union. I helped set up the More than a Score campaign for alternatives to SATs and other high stakes testing in primary schools. I also run Meet the Parents, a social enterprise unique to North London which encourages all families to send their children to local comprehensives. In my earlier career I was a reporter for the BBC for 20 years, mainly as a culture correspondent on Newsnight.

    As Governor at Acland Burghley School, I'd most like to achieve
    Making the school more creative, innovative and embedded in the local community.

  • Josie Smalling
    Associate of the Governing Body

    Josie Smalling

    Type of Governor:
    Associates of the Governing Body

    What this means
    I serve on the Teaching and Learning committee and sit on behaviour panels as well. I also sit on attendance panels each term with the Attendance Officer. I am passionate about keeping students within school rather than excluding them.

    A little bit about me
    I am a qualified hairdresser and taught both hairdressing and barbering in an FE college for 16 years. I have four children, all of whom have gone to Acland Burghley. I have been a governor at Acland Burghley for over 8 years. I am Islington born and bred and have lived in the borough all my life. I have a deep commitment to social justice in education. I enjoy yoga and pilates in my spare time.

  • Jenna Julius
    Associate of the Governing Body

    Jenna Julius

    Type of governor:
    Associates of the Governing Body

    What this means I've been appointed by the governors as someone who has skills and experience in addition to those of the governors themselves.

    A little bit about me
    I work as an Economist for an education charity where i use data and statistical methods to gain insights into what works in the education system. My current research focuses on the extent to which the structure of the education system affects the quality of education, school funding and the progression of young people from education to employment.

    As a governor at Acland Burghley I'd most like to achieve....?
    I am lucky enough to be joining Acland Burghley at a very exciting time and I hope to support the school in continuing to thrive and provide all its pupils with the opportunities to develop and achieve their potential.

 

 

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