Governors

The Trustees of the school have responsibility for the strategic management of the school. Working very closely with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), they act as a ‘critical friend’ to ensure that all aspects of the running of the school are completed to a very high standard. The Full Board meet eight times a year, with a separate Finance committee meeting five times a year. A separate body of Members has an overview of the work of the Trustees.

List of Governors

Chair of Governors: Mr M Holbrook

Contact the Clerk, on admin@warnefordschool.org

We are currently looking for new governors to join our Board of Trustees. It's a very rewarding role and allows you to have an input into how the school operates and helps the school maintain the high level of achievement that we have experienced over many years.

Please see the letter below for more information.

We have looked at the skills that are currently in shorter supply on the Board of Trustees and would LOVE to hear from you if you have particular expertise in Finance/Accountancy, Human Resources, Fundraising or Marketing. Equally, if you know of anyone else who would be interested then please pass this information on to them – they don’t need to be a parent, just interested in volunteering some of their time to make a real difference at Warneford.

If you don’t have any specific experience in those areas but would be interested in getting involved, we would be delighted to hear from you too. If you, or somebody you know, is interested or you have any questions then please don’t hesitate to contact us by email at trustee@warnefordschool.org

We look forward to hearing from you.

From the Trustees of Highworth Warneford School

Malcolm Holbrook – Chair of Trustee’s and Members

I have been a Governor/Trustee for over 30 years across Primary, Junior and Secondary schools. By working together with fellow Governors/Trustees, the Head and all the staff, my aim is to ensure all students achieve their academic goals and to give them the best chance of success as they continue their education into adulthood. I enjoy working with the excellent staff at the school and admire their dedication and professionalism. The student’s future is of the uppermost importance, and we play a vital role in setting high standards of educational achievement. We must ensure the school continues to develop for the benefit of the current and future students.

I have a wide range of skills from my professional life to help the school achieve its goals. I was the Schools Business Manager for over 13 years with responsibility for the Finance, Premises, Health & Safety, Human Resources to ensure we provided the best environment for the education of the students. My role also included bidding for funds from various areas including the ESFA, one of the most significant successful bids was the £2 Million raised for the new sports hall which has been a tremendous acquisition for the school. The school continues to bid for additional funding to maintain and improve the environment to support the quality of education required. Prior to my Business Manager role at the school, I was National Sales Manager for a large UK Energy Utility Company, covering England, Wales, and Scotland, with financial control over the acquisition of new customers and dealing with Customer service.

Jon Williams - Vice Chair of Trustees.

I've been a parent governor at Warneford for around 5 years and have been the Vice Chair for a couple of years. I currently have 2 daughters at the school in years 9 and 10 (as well as another who has gone on to undertake her A-levels after a successful spell at Warneford). My background in strategy, planning and finance (I work for an insurance company in Bristol) hopefully helps with the strategic and financial management of the school. Teachers have a really hard job to do with very limited resources and I really appreciate the opportunity of being able to support them to do this.

Robin James - Chair of Finance Committee

I have lived in Highworth for over 30 years and have two children, both attended Eastrop, Southfield and Highworth Warneford school. I have over 20 years' experience of being a governor at all three schools. Actively involved in Finance and Premises matters at all schools. Currently Director of Grove Learning Trust and Chair of Finance, Risk and Audit at highworth Warneford. In my professional life I have a background in project management, quality systems and procedures to ISO 9000 and ISO 14001. Led on developing environmental packing and developing environmental procurement standards for a large telecommunications company and working with other European telco’s to develop joint European wide standards. Most recently, a part time Information Manager for a Swindon based charity, promoting IT use in deprived areas, working with Government agencies, local councils, other charities and voluntary agencies, developing all key charity policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance. Degree in Zoology with Botany and elected a fellow of the Royal Entomological Society whilst still at university. I am interested in entomology, especially lepidoptera and family genealogy with links to well-known families locally and in the Cotswolds.

Gary Llewellyn - Trustee

I became a Parent Governor in November 2009. At the time, I had a son at the School and my twin daughters had finished a few years earlier and had gone on to further education. As the School had given my 3 children an excellent education, I felt the need to give something back. In November 2012, I became a Community Governor.

In September 2020, I became a Trustee. I am responsible for Safeguarding. This is done in association with the Head Teacher. I am Chairman of the Joint Steering Group (with Highworth Town Juniors FC) promoting the School as the location for all-weather pitch. I have been a Chartered Town Planner for nearly 30 years and work locally as a Planning Consultant. I have used my knowledge and expertise to help the School with reference to its premises (buildings and grounds). This has included: -

· The diversion of a public footpath away from the playing fields;

· The provision of a portacabin as the drama room;

· The case for the sports hall and the way in which it can be used by the local community.

· Commenting on planning applications for new housing development in Highworth; and

· Making representations on the local Development Plan to promote the modernisation and improvement of the School.

Catherine Coffey – Parent Governor

I am Catherine Coffey, I’m a busy Mum of four and run Digital Communications Content for HSBC Bank, Innovation. I joined the trustees at Highworth Warneford School as SenGo as I have direct experience of additional needs within my own family and recognise the challenges and worries that they can bring. I believe in accessible education for all and hope that my parental experience can contribute to and compliment the overarching understanding and provision of inclusive support for our young people.

Richard Gaskell - Vice Chair of Finance Committee

I have over 20 years of experience working in finance for a large multi-national insurance company. A qualified accountant, I have worked in various management roles as well as providing financial support to business leaders. As a qualified accountant I possess an analytical mindset, a strategic focus and a proactive approach to problem solving. All of which I believe positions me well to fulfill the role as trustee.

Kyle Gaskin - Staff Governor

I have over 10 years’ experience working within the educational sector, working at various schools from a small independent specialist school to large national based multi academy trusts.

I’ve worked in lots of different support roles, starting my career as a performing arts technician, trying my hand at cover supervising and pe support before then finding my passion in IT support where I have worked for the last 9 years.

The experience I have not only in the various roles I have taken on, but different educational establishments has moulded my skill set to help me fulfil a role well as trustee.

Having joined Warneford as Network Manager in March 2020 under unprecedented circumstances I was always made to feel supported and welcomed. I really enjoy working here and I am proud to say I am employee of Warneford. Over the years working here I have gained a sense of the strong community in Highworth and wanted to put myself forward as a trustee to help in any way I can.

Joanne Brown - Trustee

Profile Pending

Articles of Association and Funding Agreement

Please click on the links below for copies of our Annual Reports and Financial Statements.

Schools Accountants and Schools Responsible Officer Details

Bishops Fleming Bath Ltd
Minerva House
Lower Bristol Road
BATH
BA2 5ER

Telephone: 01225 486300

Academy Information

Highworth Warneford School is a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales with company number 07660247. The registered office is at Shrivenham Road, Highworth, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN6 7BZ. Highworth Warneford School officially converted to Academy status on 1 July 2011.