Board of Governors
"Governors fulfil their statutory responsibilities effectively. They maintain a regular presence in school and use a range of information to evaluate the school's work. Governors provide an appropriate balance of support and challenge."
Ofsted, September 2026
The role of a school governor
Most people over 18 are eligible to become a governor. It's a rewarding voluntary role for anyone interested in education and making a difference — this short film explains what's involved.
The role of school governors and trustees
Watch on YouTube · Watch video →
Governance at Springcroft
The governing body has a general responsibility for the conduct of the school, promoting high standards through three core functions:
Strategic direction
Setting vision, ethos and strategy, and ensuring statutory duties are met.
Holding leaders to account
Challenging and strengthening leadership, and contributing to school self-evaluation.
Financial oversight
Ensuring financial solvency and probity, including effective use of Pupil Premium.
In practice, this covers setting pupil achievement targets, appointing senior staff including the Headteacher, reviewing staff performance and pay, and ensuring a broad and balanced curriculum — much of this delegated to committees. Our Full Governing Body meets six times a year, covering staffing, finance, curriculum and premises. The board is constituted in line with the School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2003, and must appoint a Chair and Vice-Chair.
Categories of governor
| Chair / Vice-Chair | Elected (or appointed) from among the board |
| Parent Governors | Elected by parents and carers of children at the school |
| Co-opted Governors | Appointed by the board for their skills and experience |
| Staff Governors | Elected from teaching and support staff, including the Headteacher |
| Authority Governors | Appointed by Staffordshire County Council |
| Associate Members | Invited for particular expertise; attend meetings but do not vote |
A message from the Chair
Dr Duncan Chadwick brings over 20 years' experience in materials engineering and project management, including senior academic roles at Manchester Metropolitan University, and a thorough grounding in governance and accountability.
Dr Duncan Chadwick, Chair of Governors
Our Governing Board
| Governor | Category | Term ends | Attendance 25/26 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duncan Chadwick | Chair · LA Governor | 13.09.27 | 100% |
| Gareth Kirk | Vice Chair · Co-opted | 25.11.29 | 100% |
| Rachael Cooper | Parent Governor | 17.05.30 | 100% |
| Vacant | Parent Governor | — | — |
| Gemma Hammond | Co-opted | 19.01.30 | 100% |
| Paul Spreadbury | Co-opted | 12.11.27 | 100% |
| Janey Hancock | Co-opted | 09.11.29 | 100% |
| Jamie Charlesworth | Co-opted | 09.11.29 | 100% |
| Tim Griffin | Co-opted | 27.01.30 | 100% |
| Jane Walley | Associate Member | 15.09.28 | 100% |
| Sarah Burgess | Staff Governor | 13.09.30 | 100% |
| Stephen Drew | Headteacher | In post | 100% |
Two co-opted governors carry a relevant business interest on record: Janey Hancock (Headteacher at Cicely Haughton Primary School) and Tim Griffin (Managing Director, GB Recruitment Staffs Ltd and GB Group). Full committee membership, positions of responsibility and the complete Register of Interests are available in the downloads below.
Governors who stepped down in the last 12 months: Melissa Thake and Tina Walker (Parent Governors), and Emma Gleave (Staff Governor).