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Local Governance Committee
We are recruiting for two Parent Governors to join the Local Governance Committee. For full information and application form, please see here.
If you wish to get in touch with the Local Governance Committee at any time, please contact Sally Divall or Donna Tandy, Co Chair of Governors or Deb Clayton, Clerk to Governors:
RAS-chair@palladianacademytrust.comd.clayton@palladianacademytrust.com
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Sally Divall (Co-Chair of Governors) I have been fortunate to live in Bath for 35 years and my children grew up here and were educated at Ralph Allen School. I studied Natural Sciences at university and worked in business and in research before becoming a science teacher. I then worked for over 20 years as a science teacher and recently retired as a headteacher. I want all young people to be able to develop a deep love of thinking and learning while honing their skills for adult life and am excited to be part of the Ralph Allen community. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, mountain walking and various outdoor pursuits. |
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Donna Tandy (Co-chair of Governors) (Trust Board Appointed Governor)Donna has worked in education for 26 years as a teacher, headteacher, academy improvement partner and Deputy CEO before joining Palladian. She has significant experience in the Multi Academy Trust sector across primary and secondary phases and is passionate about making a difference to all pupils, families and colleagues. Donna firmly believes in the power of collaboration and partnership working to bring about effective change and impact, both within the Trust and more widely. She is also an Ofsted Inspector. |
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Steve Casemore, (Parent Governor)Ralph Allen School is a wonderful institution that has been providing excellent education opportunities and outcomes for local children, including my own, for many years. It is my great pleasure to be a governor to both support, and when required, challenge the Headteacher and the decisions that the school makes. In addition, I use the professional skills I have developed through a career in Finance to help the school make best use of its finite resources. |
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Andy Greenhough (Headteacher)I became Headteacher of Ralph Allen School on 1 January 2018. I was previously Vice Principal at the school where I have worked since September 2012. A Yorkshireman, I have a BSc in Physics from Nottingham University, PGCE from Nottingham Trent University, and a Masters in Leadership in Education from Nottingham University. As well as Ralph Allen School, I have taught at William Sharp School and been Assistant Principal at Nottingham University Samworth Academy. |
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Melita De Matteis (Community Governor)I am a newly appointed parent governor, with a strong desire to contribute to the existing journey of creative, caring educational excellence for our young people. I have a long history with Ralph Allen as three of my children have moved through the school and onto higher education and exciting careers. I currently have a son and a grandson in years 7 and 10 respectively. As a mother of five children, people management and strategic planning have been fundamental skills learnt on the job! My background is in performing arts, languages and teaching, which have given me the bedrock for communication and connection. My own personal journey led me to become a mindfulness and wellbeing coach, specialising in youth work. I am inspired to promote self-care and awareness through meaningful and reflective conversations which foster empathy. I believe that our collective ideas, dreams and strategies can effectively shape new learning models and support existing ones, whilst fully honouring and nurturing individuals. |
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Simeon Bates (Community Governor)As an accomplished and passionate educationalist, I am honoured to be newly appointed governor at Ralph Allen School. Having qualified as a secondary and P16 teacher of Music I gained extensive professional experience when working as a practitioner, Head of Department, Programme Leader for School Centred Initial Teacher Training and Specialist Leader in Inclusive Education. The depth of practical and pedagogical knowledge alongside strategic leadership experience is what I bring to this body. Beyond the school environment I have a keen interest in multiculturalism and social-integration; a topic that I explored during my Master’s in Arts Education and which I presented at the British Educational Research Association’s 2022 Conference. When working for the Ministry of Justice I evaluated education in prisons, employing a range of data-collection tools and reporting my findings to governmental committees. From this breadth of experience, I also bring my analytical and communicational skills. As a father of two children attending school within the Palladian Trust. I have a vested interest, both personal and professional, in supporting the educational opportunities offered to our children. |
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Mark Daniell (Staff Governor)I have been teaching English for 11 years. Before I came to Ralph Allen I worked in Bristol and took up roles such as Head of Key Stage Three and Literacy Co-ordinator. Having worked at Ralph Allen for six years now I can say it is a dream job. The inclusive and supportive ethos that the school promotes shines through in everything we do. My secondary role at Ralph Allen is with the sixth form team as UCAS co-ordinator, a hugely rewarding role, providing young people with the tools to find their dream course at university. In addition to this I am responsible for trainee teachers in the English Department. |
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Rod Davies (Community Governor)As a relatively new recruit to the Local Governance Committee I hope my experience as a Headteacher and educational consultant in the field of Special Educational Needs will add to the already extensive skills set of the team. I have particular interests in all aspects of additional learning needs, behaviour management, and staff and student wellbeing. I have a long-established link with France and would be keen to explore how this might possibly benefit staff and students at Ralph Allen School. |
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Dr Julia Garratt (Community Governor)After retirement as a lecturer at Bath Spa University I was pleased to join the Local Governance Committee at Ralph Allen, a school I respected for its ethos and achievements. I am currently working as a counsellor and this has added to my experience of supporting young people. My particular interests are in teaching, learning and the curriculum, enabling students of all abilities to succeed in fulfilling their potential, mental health and staff development. My areas of responsibility are safeguarding, special educational needs, the curriculum, and membership of the Pay and Staffing Committee. |
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Sarah Thompson (Staff Governor)I have worked at Ralph Allen School since 2008 (in the role of School Business Manager for the past 2 years). I have 21 years’ experience of working in schools mostly at secondary level and have completed the Diploma in School Business Management through the National College for School Leadership. I am passionate about the students and staff in our school having good facilities and the right environment to encourage learning. I have been a governor at Ralph Allen school for 9 years and seen many changes at the school during that time. I have Governor responsibility for Health & Safety, Campus, Parent Liaison and Staff Liaison.
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The Local Governance Committee's vision for the school can be read here: Our Vision and Values
Ralph Allen School Local Governance Committee Terms of ReferenceRegister of Governors' Business Interests 2022-23
Record of Governors' Attendance at Meetings 2020-2021