governance


The Structure of Governance

Governance 512 x 250


The Local Governing Body has responsibility for the overall effective management of the Academy. It acts within the framework of national legislation and policies set out by the Local Authority. They do not make day to day decisions on the running of the Academy as this is the responsibility of the Headteacher.

They meet regularly through the term to discuss all main aspects of Academy life. Their aim is to maintain and improve the standards at George Abbot School and to ensure the Academy is teaching a broad and balanced curriculum in line with national standards.

The Governing Body’s work can be divided into three key areas:

  • Setting the Academy’s vision and strategic aims, agreeing plans and policies, and making creative use of resources.

  • Monitoring and evaluating performance and to support and challenge the Headteacher in managing the Academy.

  • Ensuring that the Academy is accountable to the children and parents/carers it serves, to its local community, to those who fund and maintain it, as well as to the staff it employs.

The George Abbot School Governing Body comprises 7 Community Governors, 6 Parent Governors and 6 Staff Governors (including the Headteacher who is ex-officio).


The Term of Office for any Governor is 4 years, although a Governor may choose to resign prior to the end of their term. The Governing Body appoint Community Governors, however an election is held for the positions of Parent and Staff Governors.


Governors are able to resign from their position by providing written notice to the Chair of Governors and/or the Clerk to Governors. The Governing Body also have the right to remove Governors if there is persistent absence (without the permission of the Governing Body) from all meetings within a period of 6 months, and the Governing Body resolve that the position is to be vacated.


The Committee Cycle runs termly, starting with a Local Governing Body Meeting, followed by each Committee (Curriculum & Outcomes, Pay Committee (Autumn term only) and Finance & Resources). The term ends with a further Local Governing Body Meeting. There are also evenings set aside for training and planning. Please click on the following to review the duties undertaken by each committee:


file_extension_pdf Terms of Reference - under review



Governors at George Abbot School are as follows:


Parent Governors

Appointed by self-nomination and parent vote (where necessary): 


Julie Dickson* - Office Ends - 27.11.18

*Vice Chair of Finance & Resources
Jeremy Hoar - Office Ends - 27.11.18

Nicola Mead* - Office Ends - 16.12.19

*Vice Chair of Curriculum & Outcomes
Douglas Spinks* - Office Ends - 30.11.20

*Chair of Curriculum & Outcomes
Jackie Thompson  - Office Ends - 30.11.20



Community Governors

Appointed by the Local Governing Body:


Richard Hubbard* - Office Ends - 04.12.21

*Chair of Finance & Resources
Vivienne Johnson* - Office Ends - 13.01.21 

*Vice Chair of Governors
Jeremy Pattison* Office Ends - 05.02.21

*Chair of Governors
Gabrielle Holgate - Office Ends - 30.04.19

John Hardy - Office Ends - 05.10.20 (previously appointed by the staff body)

Angela Barker-Lewis - Office Ends - 15.01.21(previously appointed by the staff body)



Kate Carriett* - Ex-officio

*Headteacher




key documents


file_extension_pdf Governors' Impact Statement 2016 -17


file_extension_pdf Constitution of the Local Governing Body


file_extension_pdf Register of Interests


Guildford Education Partnership (GEP Academies) Scheme of delegation/terms of reference for local governing bodies. Please click HERE


file_extension_pdf Guildford Education Partnership (GEP Academies) overview document


For information on the governance of the trust (members/trustees) please click HERE.


For each trustee and local governor who has served at any point over the last 12 months please click HERE


For further information on governance at the school, please contact Miss Lauren Hughes, via email: clerktogovs@georgeabbot.surrey.sch.uk


If you wish to contact the Chair of Governors, Jeremy Pattison, please contact the school office on 01483 888000 or email: office@georgeabbot.surrey.sch.uk in the first instance for them to redirect your query.



Click HERE for Lead Ofsted Inspector Page