Introduction to Our Local Governing Body
Welcome to Balcombe CofE Primary School
At Balcombe CofE Primary School, we are proud to be part of the Hurst Education Trust family. Our school benefits from a strong governance structure that ensures we provide the highest quality education and care for your children.
Our Governance Structure
Our school is governed by a Local Governing Body (LGB) that works closely with the Hurst Education Trust Board of Trustees. This two-tier governance model combines local knowledge and expertise with the strategic oversight and support of our Trust.
What does our Local Governing Body do?
Our governors play a vital role in the life of our school. They:
- Monitor and challenge the school's performance to ensure every child receives an excellent education
- Support the headteacher and senior leadership team in setting the strategic direction for the school
- Ensure safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do, keeping your children safe and well
- Oversee the school's budget and resources, making sure they are used effectively to benefit all pupils
- Act as a critical friend to the school, asking important questions and holding leaders to account
- Bring a parental and community perspective to decision-making, whilst always acting in the best interests of all children
Our relationship with the Hurst Education Trust
While our Local Governing Body focuses on the day-to-day strategic oversight of Balcombe CofE Primary School, we report to and work in partnership with the Hurst Education Trust Board of Trustees. The Trust provides:
- Strategic direction across all schools in the Trust
- Support and challenge to ensure high standards
- Expertise in areas such as finance, HR, and school improvement
- Opportunities for collaboration and sharing best practice across Trust schools
This structure means your child benefits from both strong local governance that understands our unique community and the resources and expertise of a wider Trust.
Balcombe CofE Primary School has a Local Governing Body of 12 members, consisting of:
The Headteacher
The Rector of St Marys Church, Balcombe
2 Parent members– elected by the parents and carers of pupils at the school
1 Staff member– elected by the staff
7 Co-opted members - from the community recommended by the LGB based on their skills and experience and appointed by the HET Board of Trustees.
Upon appointment to the governing body, a member will normally serve a 4-year term of office. After this period, the member can choose to stand for re-election or re-appointment. The Headteacher and Vicar are not bound by a term of office and therefore are appointed until such time that they chose to resign.
Getting involved
We value the partnership between school, governors, and parents. If you have any questions about governance at our school, or if you're interested in becoming a governor in the future, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the school office.
Our governors are committed volunteers who give their time because they care deeply about the education and wellbeing of every child at Balcombe CofE Primary School. Together with the Hurst Education Trust, we are working to ensure your child thrives and achieves their very best.
Keeping in Touch
The Governors naturally work best when they are closely in touch with the priorities of the children, parents and teachers. If there is an issue you would like to raise, please feel free to contact any of the Governors. The Chair of Governors is Mr Ian Tremble
The Governing Body welcomes any comments or suggestions. You can catch many of us at the beginning or end of the school day when we are with our children, otherwise, leave a note for us at the school office or email us at the following address chair@balcombeschool.co.uk