Wantage CE Primary School
Governors
The Local Governing Committee (LGC) of the school consists of nine governors representing parents, the church, staff and the community.
As part of the Cambrian Learning Trust (CLT), the LGC operates under a Scheme of Delegation from the Board of the Trust and the CLT Board is responsible for appointing three members of the LGC. Two members of the LGC are Foundation Governors, appointed by the Diocese of Oxford. Two governors act as representatives of the parent body, the staff are represented by one staff governor and the Headteacher is an officer of the committee, not a governor.
The Role of the LGC
The governors’ key role is to support and challenge the Headteacher and staff in their management of the school to ensure that we are delivering the very best education to the children. We promote the provision of a secure, friendly learning environment, high-quality teaching and breadth of opportunity, allowing every child to be happy at school and to flourish and reach their full potential.
Governors also contribute to the school’s development plan and have a role in overseeing the financial management of the school. The LGC meets formally six times per year, with occasional additional meetings as required. Members of the LGC take responsibility for supporting and monitoring various aspects of the life of the school that have been highlighted in the school’s development plan as well as key management areas, such as Safeguarding and Finance.
The CLT recognises that it is essential for governors to be well-informed and regular Governor Development evenings are arranged so that governors from all the Trust schools get together for discussion and workshops. As well as providing necessary updates and training, these offer opportunities for sharing ideas and best practice. In addition, the Chairs of Governors meet several times during the year. Members of the CLTCentral Team are always willing to help and advise the LGC in its work.
If you have any questions about the governing body or are interested in becoming a governor, please contact us via the school office.
Barry Cook and Abi Drewitt - Chairs of Governors
Abigail Drewitt (Vice Chair and Director Appointed Governor)
I have been a board appointed governor since 2021, taking up the role of co-vice chair in 2023 alongside Barry Cook.
I have a wealth of experience in the education sector and I am currently on the leadership team at The Marlborough C of E School Woodstock, with responsibilities for student engagement and personal development. I am passionate about helping to ensure the best possible outcomes for all pupils in the classroom and beyond.
I have a young son and when I'm not spending time with family and friends, I enjoy running and taking part in a variety of sports.
Sarah Gniadek-Pitt (Diocesan Governor)
The Revd Katherine Price (Diocesan Governor)
I am the Vicar of Wantage. I moved to Wantage in 2022 from Oxford, where I was previously a College Chaplain. I visit the school regularly to lead Collective Worship, and I am the lead governor for the school’s Christian ethos. I'm also the mother of a child starting at the school in 2023!
Caroline Haines (Director Appointed Governor)
I have lived in this area for 17 years and I became a Governor this year. I was a teacher for 33 years before I retired a few years ago. I have taught in various counties and my areas of specialism are Primary, SEND and Music. I worked for ten years at Hampshire Music Service. I believe all children should have opportunities to help them reach their full potential and I’m also keen to promote the arts in school to help them achieve that. Music is still a big part of my life. I play piano, have just started learning the organ and I sing in the parish church choir. This year I have enjoyed welcoming several children from school to our choir. I enjoy helping regularly in assemblies with the Open the Book team and listening to readers. You may see me locally out and about, walking my two dogs, a greyhound and King Charles spaniel.
Sheila Apps (Director Appointed Governor)
Kirsty Taylor (Parent Governor)
Kirsty was appointed in July 2024. She is parent to a pupil in Year 1.
Katie Chalmers (Staff Governor)
Lucy Crick (Parent Governor)
Lucy was appointed in March 2026. She is parent to pupils in Year 2 and Year 4.
Contact Details Newbury Street
Wantage
Oxfordshire
OX12 8DJ
Newbury Street
Wantage
Oxfordshire
OX12 8DJ