Skip to content ↓

Governors

Highwood is part of the Orchard Learning Alliance (OLA). The OLA Board – made up of Members and Trustees – is an integral part of the Trust. It holds the Executive Team to account and ensures strong governance, compliance and best practice across all OLA schools.

At Highwood, the Local Governing Body (LGB) works with the Head of School and staff to make sure every child receives a safe, high-quality education. The Head of School leads the day-to-day running of the school, while governors are responsible for its strategic direction and long-term development. No governor has authority as an individual; decisions are made collectively.

The LGB provides support and challenge, monitors school performance, oversees safeguarding, and ensures that resources are used effectively. Governors focus on pupils’ wellbeing, progress, the curriculum, and the overall experience of school life. As a “critical friend”, the LGB celebrates strengths and helps drive continuous improvement for the whole school community.

Our Governing Body is made up of volunteers drawn from the school’s stakeholders – parents, staff and members of the local community – each with an equal voice in decision-making. The Board meets half-termly (six times per year) and operates a flat structure in which all governors attend every meeting.

We are always keen to welcome new members, so if you would like to get involved or ask a question, please use the form https://forms.office.com/r/n3L972NxxV.

The Governing Body meeting minutes can be found below.  If you require minutes from earlier meetings, please request this using the form above.

Highwood Primary School Governing Body

Highwood Full Governing Body from 1st September 2025 (updated 11th December 2025)

Name Appointing Body Term of Office Attendance at FGB Meeting 2024-2025 Register of Interest Roles Voting Rights
Mr Matt Hickey OLA 01.09.2014-ongoing 100% (6) Bulmershe Gymnastics & KJM Childcare Interim Executive Head YES
Mrs Roxanna Welsh OLA 01.01.2026-ongoing n/a n/a Head of School YES
Mrs Wendy Sabaroche Co-opted 20.03.2023-19.03.2027 100% (6) CGI IT UK Ltd & Parent Chair; Development & IT YES
Mrs Kay Bridges Co-opted 30.10.2023-29.10.2027 100% (6) None Vice Chair Yes
Dr Lois Beaver Co-opted 16.07.2022-15.07.2026 83% (5) SECAT Trustee Safeguarding & SEND YES
Mr Mike Dangerfield Parents 22.11.2024-21.11.2028 83% (5) Parent & Personal relationship with a member of school staff (managed according to conflict-of-interest policy) Standards Link Governor YES
Mrs Alison Penny Co-opted 25.02.2025-24.02.2029 67% (4)   Safeguarding & SEND YES
Mr Danny Hind Parents 17.10.2025-16.10.2029 n/a Parent & Personal relationship with a member of school staff (managed according to conflict-of-interest policy) Governor YES
Mrs Anita Downes Staff   n/a   Year 4 Teacher YES
Mrs Lucy Morris Staff   n/a   Family Support Worker YES
Members who have served in the past 12 months:
Mrs Jen Ravindran
Mr Rehan Kamal